C-Forum

I'm trying to find a good balance in my Ovation between my low-cut Mohawk pedestal, my happy feet (which like laying flat behind me), and greater boat control. I have no foot pegs or blocks now. Can you give me recommendations for block/peg options and supplier information? I've searched the Harmony web site but do not think I've found what I want there.

Try using the standard adjustable foot pegs, but raise them up a bit so the ball of your foot fits under the pegs. That way your foot still lies flat (to keep em happy ) and you have the ability to push against the pegs for control. You can also increase the space under the pegs by taking the pegs off of the track, and cut the bottom part off to let your feet slide under.

You just need to be sure you can slide your feet out to the sides of the pegs in the event that you need to exit .

Thanks, Jimp. I'm having a hard time picturing this, but that's probably because I've only paddled with pegs a half dozen times. How would I install the pegs so that my (happy) feet fit under them? Is there a particular system/manufacturer that would work best this way?

Try Northwater (I think ) you can buy aa adjustable toe block system from them that can be adhered to abs.

Floatgal, I have a pair of the aformentioned adjustable toe blocks from Northwater. I bought 'em years ago for the bow of our Blue Hole OCA, but found that they weren't needed/wanted.

Each one rests atop a largish vinyl patch (like for a D-ring), and I think gives you a choice of three positions, each about 1" apart. They look like you could use 'em either toe down or flat footed. They aren't very block-like- more of a small rigid strap. They look pretty sturdy and lightweight.

I agree that they might be the ticket. If you decide that you can use 'em, I'd be wiling sell 'em to ya cheap.

Kevin

Another popular option is to mount a set of kayak foot pegs horizontally on the saddle like this -
[img]http://www.bookwoman.net/scott/pix/quake1.jpg[/img] That's not a great example, though, you probably have a foam saddle.

Mount them so you can slide your toes under and push with the balls of your feet (when you need to be secure).

I keep my feet flat and that's what I use in my open boats. They are happy, except fro the fact that I haven't put them in a boat for a couple of weeks...

The North West equipment definitely looks most promising. Thank you to all who have replied; I'm learning, bit by bit.

Kevin, I'm definitely interested. Do you have the Adjustable Toe Blocks 40C0-65?
http://www.northwater.com/Paddling_Equi ... locks.html
Do you think it'll be easy to get my feet out in swim situations? I've worked a little on my roll and plan to work on it more, but Ovations are pretty darn tough to roll to begin with (nice stable boats!), and I'm a vertically challenged wimpy little woman. My only concern with what I see is how easy a wet exit would be. Let me know about price, return options, etc. Message me here and I'll send you my contact info. if you want to chat off the board.

Now, has anyone gotten these blocks and been happy or unhappy with them?

Hi Floatgal

I definitely recommend the system that both jimp and sbroam have recommended. I use that in my Detonator. I slide my toes and the ball of the foot underneath the pegs, between the pegs and the hull and then I can actually pull up on the pegs to help hold myself in the boat. It's totally secure, but also easy to get out of: you just slide your feet out sideways and then can slide backwards out of your straps. I have tried the North Water Fixed Toe Blocks and aren't that keen on them because you can't slide sideways out of them - you have to flex your ankle so your foot comes free or otherwise pull your straps to escape. I prefer not having to mess with my straps when I want out (because typically I want out like NOW!) This comment applies to all the "fully enclosing" toe block systems that are shaped like a little cave for your feet and I believe the Northwater Adjustables are the same way (in fact deeper)....but I've not used them.

You can get a set of yakima foot braces from John Sweet <a href="www.johnrsweet.com/Misc.html#FB">www.jo ... sc.html#FB </a> for about $27 plus a little shipping. You can then either stick some dowels through your pedastal and screw them to those or buy a little system of Rods and Washers from Mohawk Canoes (<a href="www.mohawkcanoes.com/accessories.html"> ... es.html</a>) for about $5 for mounting them. It's easiest to do the mounting if you can take the saddle out of the boat.

Some thoughts

Two additional thoughts -

I don't actually prefer the Yakima pegs, though that is what's in the picture. The reason being that the aluminum track on the Yakima pegs, while rigid and secure, can act a bit like a saw on occasion on a misplaced foot... I prefer the Perception ones if they can still be found. These are plastic and the mechanism for positioning the peg is a peg (sort of) fits into holes on the track (not saw-like at all). The draw back is that as they age, they aren't quite as secure (plastic mechanism, slides back). But then again, I just leave mine all the way back! Either work fine.

To secure them to the pedestal, you can use threaded rod and nylock nuts, but the Mohawk gadget is cleaner (not much more expensive either).

Now what was really slick looking was a foot peg kit Dagger (Harmony?) sold - it had the Yakima pegs as the basis, but on the "pedals" were shaped "blocks". They gave your foot something curved to push against instead of just a flat piece of plastic. The tracks were mounted to a plastic block to glue to the bottom of the boat. Sure wish I had a picture so you'd know what the heck I was talking about !

Thank you, all. One of the coolest things about the paddling community is how helpful everyone is!

I use and love the NorthWater Adjustable Toe Blocks 40C0-65. I have them in my OC Viper. In fact, I also Yakima metal sliding foot pegs in my OC Ocoee and wish I had the Northwater toe blocks. I have never experienced any problems with the northwater other than having to remember to tighten to nuts every once in a while. I have got my foot stuck under the Yakima foot peg! Yakima's advantage is the long adjustability.

My vote goes to the NorthWater Adjustable Toe Blocks 40C0-65.

Being as I'm vertically challenged, the only time I need more range on moving the blocks back is when my SO paddles my boat, and the lower part of his legs will take the 6-inch shift.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

I just glue blocks of minicell to my pedestal and floor. Roughly 2"H x 3"W x 3"D.
It's cheap and easy and I can't slide my toes under them so I don't forget they're there. To point my toes back I just move my feet out from the center.
The only drawback is they aren't adjustable.

Tommy

sounds as though this topic has been pretty well covered. I've had Northwater adjustable toe block in my various open boats for ~10 years and heartely endorse them.

Kevin,
I'm interested in the toe blocks. How much do you want for them?

Billcanoes@yahoo.com