Hip pads in a OC

[pdown2]

How much better do the hip pads make an OC. I just started really paddling C1 this year, and as such this is my first exposure to their use. I was looking at Wetnobby's SF pics and noticed them in there. I'd been knocking around the idea of putting some type of hip pad in the Quake but was not sure if this would be a good idea for a creeking/riverrunner.

[fez]

the "problem" with hip pads is that if you are used to them you are not able to paddle without them anymore.

I think they improve the connection to your boat a lot regardless if used in a C1 or OC1.

[bushpaddler]

I Know many guys that use them on OC's, and they all don't want to paddle without. If you're used to them, give them a try...
I paddle without hip grabbers what may result from never trying them until today...

Florian

[boathead]

Hey pdown2......I own both a Quake and a Spanish Fly as well as a converted WS super EZ and a Pyranah I4, all with hip pads. I foamed out the inner hulls on the Quake, much as a 'Fly is equipped. This allowed the addition of a pair of hip pads quite easily. Just measure, cut, shape and trial fit before finalizing the position and bonding......Have also had them bonded into Preludes and Detonators in the past......My take; if you like them in your C1's, give em a try in the open boat.......Also regarding your Quake, are you still using the original Dagger thigh strap set-up? I could never make them work for me ,same result in Cascade and Atom as well, I removed the velcro single straps and installed a pair of Northwater straps. I modified these by extending them into a rodeo loop design up over your knees with anchor points of looped like webbing bolted through the hull with stainless round headed bolts and sealing washers....You do of course end up with two extra bolt holes in your hull. But the boat doesn't know the difference. It looks as if it came designed that way. Throw in a couple of outer knee pad/wedges which you can bond right over the outer anchor strap ,the anchor webbing loop is reached through a slot hole cut through the outer knee pad,and you are strapped in tight and ready to go. P.S....I have never had to loosen a strap when performing a wet exit. just slide your toes off to the side of the toe blocks and push back...Hope some of this ramblin helps you......Barry

[raven]

the "problem" with hip pads is that if you are used to them you are not able to paddle without them anymore.

I think they improve the connection to your boat a lot regardless if used in a C1 or OC1.

CORRECT I have hip pads in my prelude, I remember giving this guy a shot of the boat at the get in who after 2 sec fell out ripping my hip pads out ,I watched them dissapear over the first drop, Now I had to run this fast and tech river without them NEVER AGAIN

[craig]

I like them. Can paddle with or without them. With them, the straps and toe blocks don't have to be as snug , which makes me more comfortable. Just make sure they do not get in the way of a wet exit.

[pdown2]

Hey Boathead could you send a pic or two of the Quake?

I still use the double thigh and actually love it but had also thought about building a bulkhead like I have in the C1 to have both on the Quake. I have a really BAD OC roll but its getting better, my C roll is very close to 100%. I'm hoping the hip pads help the OC roll like the C.

So the hip pads don't get in the way during a wet exit?

[Open Gate]

Love mine, all my performance boats must have them. Gives a better feel of the boat and also helps in making the boat one with the paddler.

Definitely recommend them

[cheajack]

Any body ever have any troubles gettin' your feets out around them when you swim?

[Mike W.]

Any body ever have any troubles gettin' your feets out around them when you swim?

I don't have them in my OC, but yeah I've had a foot stay in the boat when I've punched out. Somewhere I saw an OC that had the hip pads velcroed in. Behind that there were short cords so the pads would fall loose if your foot hit them in a swim, but you wouldn't loose the pads.