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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Back pains, of second kind
Posted By: Kris Buttermore In Response To: Re: Back pains, of second kind (Paul Jacob)
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2005, at 11:34 a.m.
I totally agree! Posture and rotation work miracles. This has cured a long time lower back problem for me. One that used to lay me up for 4-5 days a few times a year. Paddling fixing back problems? Who knew!
The posture component is pretty obvious - but rotation does more than just build core strength (and up distance/speed/endurance!). It also ensures adequate circulation and provides a stretch on the opposite side each stroke. Result - no stiffness or locking up. I get out after a few hours more flexible than when I got in. You may get some muscle soreness - but only the good (normal exercise response) kind.
I also find this works better maintaining a decent pace. "Lily dipping" is much harder on my back and I hate poking along slowly because of this. It's just hard to maintain decent technique/form/rhythm at low speeds and doing stop and go paddling. Think about this and you'll understand why sport/fitness type paddlers and racers don't seem to have these back/comfort complaints (and not all are young - we have racers in their 70s here), but for more casual recreational paddlers it seems to be a common problem.
General fitness seems to be the biggest factor - and keeping in motion (correct motion) on the water - is a great way to improve that with minimal strain. All the other exercise/ab tips are of course on the money as well. As is weight loss, if that applies.
The second biggest factor is outfitting, with back tilting cushy high back seats a huge problem as already noted above. Worse, it's those who have the problems that are buying these seats. Downward spiral.
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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board is maintained by Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks with WebBBS 5.12.
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