Newbie needs Gear Help...

Hey NCKA...

Been a long time "lurker" first posting....I need help choosing a paddle, and backrest for a first-time yak...and I have some unique "special needs" 

About 18mo ago, I suffered a very serious Mountain Bike accident, and broke my back and neck.  I was paralyzed from the chest down briefly, immediately following the accident, and again during my hospital stay to have my injuries literally wired and fused back together. I suffered what is known as an "acute burst fracture" to my T3 vertebrae (basically the vertebrae compresses until it explodes into dozens of pieces in my case). My C-spine injury was a complete de-stabilization of C5 with the disk being completely gone (from another decade old injury), all the ligaments from C3-T5 torn, and moderate to severe "stenosis" of my spinal chord at C5...basically I was a banana peel away from being a Quadriplegic the rest of my life.  I am fused on C5-C6, and have a titanium rod running from T1-T5 fusing most of my upper spine together....and in addition to being the "1/2 million dollar man", am a walking miracle...

Since I can't Downhill on the bike any longer, I'm looking to Yak Fishing both as a way to feed my long time addiction to fly fishing, and as a path to help in the strengthening of my upper body...a form of FUN physical therapy if you will 

So I need suggestions for the most comfortable yak seat out there, one that gives the most support, especially if there is one that helps support higher up on the back...I'd think that would help.  For a paddle, I need light and probably nimble to use, because I'm not so strong after almost 2yrs of complete atrophy while my spine was healing. 

To help with suggestions...some history and info...I'm 48, 5'11", 190#, athletic (albeit still not 100%).  I Live in the Bay Area, and plan on ocean Yak Fishing anywhere on the coast from San Diego to Ft. Brag, but will certainly focus more on the Monterey Bay since it is close. I will probably try the Delta or San Luis at some point as well.  I've decided on the OK Trident 13 as my first choice, all-around Yak,  or maybe the 15 ??? (opinions appreciated here as well).  I have Gear and Fly-Fished for anything that swims since a wee lad, so I have a fair bit of angling experience.  My ocean experience comes from 30+ years of surfing from Washington to Central Baja.

All input and opinions are greatly appreciated guys - thanks for being such an awesome resource - LOVE this site!!!

Best Regards,
Bob V.

http://www.surftosummit.com/kayak-seats-gts-series-kayak-seats-c-283_269.html
My wife bought me a surf to summit seat, and I've never looked back.  I've been on the water eight hours at a time, and my back never gets sore.
You can also find pretty good deals on eBay, but I would buy one from hook 1 or someone local if possible.  Good luck
Andy

Bob I can not comment on a good seat because I am also in the market, but for the paddle I really like the Werner Camano full carbon weight is 25.25oz to me it was well worth the money. I to am getting the T13 I have it on order should be in any day .

Welcome to the madness .

Pat R

I agree on the werner camano paddle. I love mine.
I use the Crazy Creek ll kayak seat. High back and plenty of butt padding.Have 4 of them for 4 kayaks...that should say enought right there.
How is your grip strength????
Those that know me know why I am asking.
Tote

WttM   

 Have you thought much about a Hobie Mirage,

Outbacks are very stable, and Comfortable....

For a paddle, I need light and probably nimble to use, because I'm not so strong after almost 2yrs of complete atrophy

Not sure a lack of strength requires a lighter paddle.  And I'm not sure what a "nimble" paddle is.  Probably what will guide this decision more is how much you want to spend.  So, how much?

-Allen

Welcome, and good luck with the shopping. That's a pretty amazing story, too. Thanks for sharing that.

If you haven't already purchased a T13, you should consider kayaks w/a built-in seat, like the Wilderness Systems, Perception, Hobie, etc. The built-in seat back is solid and feels much better, in my opinion. I have had minor back problems (nothing like what you've been through) and the strap-on seats limit my time on the water....can only last about 4 hours before feeling sore. I've owned 4 OK brand yaks with 5 different types of strap-in seats, and none of them feel as good as the permanent built-in seats.
Another thing to consider is the PFD. Both of my current PFDs have a full back, which rides up when I paddle my WS T140. And it can be uncomfortable. But it isn't as much of a problem with the strap-in seats. So I'm looking to get a new PFD w/a mesh back. Extrasport makes one that's on my xmas list.

Good luck with the shopping! 

For a paddle, I need light and probably nimble to use, because I'm not so strong after almost 2yrs of complete atrophy

Not sure a lack of strength requires a lighter paddle.  And I'm not sure what a "nimble" paddle is.  Probably what will guide this decision more is how much you want to spend.  So, how much?

-Allen

well...normally it probably wouldn't but with my injuries, weight levered away from the body becomes a challenge.  The act of extending my elbow away from my torso, with weight in my hands is my weakest motion.  The further I extend, and the more weight I'm holding the harder (read - painful - in the long run) it becomes. 

While paddles aren't too heavy for me to use a "few" times...hours on the water will certainly make a moderately weighted paddle feel like I did an extreme workout compared to an ultra-light one...least that's what I was thinking.  Maybe I'm off base IDK 

What I meant by nimble...would be the difference between long vs shorter boats (or in my metaphor surfboards...) I don't know if paddles come in different lengths, but I'd imagine longer paddles, while giving one more leverage would be more difficult to use, and less maneuverable in the water b/c of the longer lever ????  no ?  Is there a balance and trade off in power/efficiency based on the paddle length and blade size? 

Basically  - I need the lightest paddle that gives the best paddling efficiency to maximize my time on the water.  At least that was my thinking   I'll spend whatever it takes to get me on the water, and will gladly spend more for comfort and efficiency if it keeps me on the water

Thanks again for the help

How is your grip strength????

Grip strength thankfully was unaffected....it's decent

Fishabuoy,

Awesome comeback there buddy! Hat's off to you for getting back in the saddle I'll post a pic of high back seat that we have on our store - SUPER high - basically made for da bigger fellas and I'm sure it will benefit you!

This Saturday, I'll be working at our boathouse (Parkside Aquatic Park) in San Mateo from 8:30 till about noon. Please feel free to drop by and test paddle any of the Ocean Kayaks - prowlers,tridents...you name it! As far as paddles go, if you have the $$$$, I suggest you look at the Lendal or Epic paddles.

Looking forward to meeting you - Hope you find the kayak and paddle the will get you on the water soon!

Joel aka "mooch"

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for super-sweet paddles and all.  And I certainly don't advocate less than $100 cheapies.  But after you get to mid-range fiberglass paddles, everything after that is incremental.  But I don't know anything about your injuries ...

Paddle technique will play a big roll too.  High angle, blade closer to the boat, less extension.  Low angle, touring style, blade farther away.  See if you can't take a class on paddle technique and figure out which one is better for you.

bluekayak mentions a touring paddle.  I think what he may meant is to avoid the larger bladed paddles.  There are many high angle paddles that fit this bill and are not necessarily touring paddles.

Like Mooch, I paddle a Lendal.  The high end Werners (http://wernerpaddles.com/paddles/touring/performance_core/) are super sweet as well, dare I say "nimble".

-Allen

-Allen

One of these days I need to try out one of those

I used a Swift for the last 8 years - long narrow blade on a long shaft, good for distance but works pretty well if you're caught out in a blow  Once in a blue moon I wished I had more blade there but I tried bigger and even racing blades and knew I couldn't keep up the grunt with them

Hell of a reason to get into Yak fishing...but happy to hear you are able to stay active. So I am 6'3" about 200 lbs. So I fall into the 'big guy' category. I had a cheapo set and struggled to make it an entire day one the water. I got the surf to summit GTS Elite seat and 8 hrs in the saddle is a piece of cake. It almost comes up to my shoulder blades which is real nice. I have noticed that it can make your PFD ride up a bit but noting to worry about. I also just upgraded my paddle to the seven2 ISO paddle. Has been great so far. The shaft is very thin but the grips are very comfortable and greatly reduced my hand fatigue.

On a larger note the advice I have gotten on this board has been great....I have tried some cheaper versions (VHF, fishfinder, etc) only to come back and listen to the recommendations of the fellow NCKA'ers. These guys (and gals) recommend what they use and swear by...seriously you can trust these peeps!

Eric

one thing to think about between the trident 13 or 15 is that the 15 is definitely heavier.  I have paddled aqua bound paddles and one has a bigger paddle face, the other is more narrow.  The narrower one moves through the water easier and is the one my son uses.  seems to be similar to spinning on a bike vs mashing big gears.

As someone that rides an MTB too...sorry to hear about your crash!  I too used to have reoccurring back issues after fracturing T12...riding a MTB!!! To be honest a dirt jump and beer was involved as well. 

I have found the yak to be great for improving the wellness of my back, I have zero issues now.  I t has however been TERRIBLE at managing my gut...the MTB was much better for that.  Hopefully someday you'll be able to get back on the horse.

I would look for something in the 13 footish range to accomodate your needs while still being easier to load etc. Loading will be more stressful on your back at first then any other aspect of paddling.

The built-in seat back is solid and feels much better, in my opinion. I have had minor back problems (nothing like what you've been through) and the strap-on seats limit my time on the water.

In my experience I see VERY few seats that are installed or adjusted correctly.  Most of the time it ain't the seats, but the execution.  I spend a stoOOOoopid amount of time in the yak and my Airwave GTS is without question the most comfortable seat I have ever tried that doesn't raise your COG with an overly thick seat cushion.  The early Airwaves had early reliability issues but those have been resolved.

Some of the new "built-in" seats are also very nice.  Just like shoes, even good ones the right size won't "fit" so try a bunch on before plunking down your cash.

Good luck and welcome.