Knee straps

Has anybody ever used thigh braces or knee straps? I think they are designed for more extreme uses but it seems that you might be able to paddle a little more efficiently if you are held in tight to the boat.

If you were 'racing' to the fishing grounds, then maybe it be worth it. Other than that, it's just another item to get you rig tangled in - imho.

I've used them on a SOT while whitewater kayaking.  You'd be amazed at the control it adds.  I'm amazed more people don't use them during surf entries/landings.  There is a surf technique where you come in sideways and just lean into the wave while bracing with your paddle.  The technique would work well if (when!) you accidentally get sideways to the wave.   However, I'd think that would be impossible to do without thigh straps.

-Allen

I've used them on a SOT while whitewater kayaking. You'd be amazed at the control it adds.

Ditto.

The ability to control the boat comes from your ability to 'connect' with it--just like good alpine ski boots need to clamp on to you feet so you can exert force for control of the skis. My closed-deck sea kayak has custom hip pads and thigh/knee hooks so I can use my hips, thighs, and knees to 'J-lean', edge, and Eskimo roll. Without those contact point for leverage, control would be insufficient and I 'wash' around inside the kayak. I have seen an expert roll a sit-on top using thigh straps. Now that is boat control! But for us, the only use I can see is what was already said--surf landings and launchings where the added boat control might allow you to use a high brace when you broach to fight 'window shading' in the break. And sprint paddling where the thigh straps help you rotate you torso in a good forward stroke. Of course picture those absorbent nylon-covered foam straps covered in fish slime after you pull a big fish on deck. Me, I'd have every cat in the neighborhood following my SUV with the kayak on top If I did use them, I'd remove them after launch and put them back for landings.

Like the others said I think they would be nice in the surf. I was looking at getting a BigYak for playing in the surf and would definitely get the straps for it. It would probably be nice to have them along in case the landing got big while you were out. I know we didn't have them when we surveyed Cache Creek last month and I can only imagine how much easier it would have been. There so much other useless gear that gets taken along why not stow some straps they can't be that heavy. Thanks for the responses, I'll go out and buy some for my work boats.

I tied a couple piece of rope to my festiva for use in the surf.  They worked well and considerably enhanced my ability to bank in that boat - but other than getting tossed around in the surf, I've found no other need for them.  

Make sure you use leg straps such that they don't tangle and drown you if you do use them though!

The straps provide good control for surf landings as others have said.  I've also used one strap as a Shoulder strap to carry my kayak short distances and to help me load it onto the roof rack. 
Ed