C-Forum

O.K. I made my first run in my new Nitro today; actually it was my first experince paddling an OC-1 ever. It went much better than I anticipated. Sweet boat but I definitely have some work to do . By the end of the run I could keep it going straight and forward on the flat sections but in the rapids I was sorely missing my kayak paddle. Before we launched someone used the phrase "half the paddle twice the paddler". Right on brother.

Anyway, my outfitting question is this:

I have some mini-cell foam that I bought to make ankle blocks and I actually shaped those on my run today, but, it seemed like before I used the ankle blocks my ankles were killing me and after my knees were hurting and now a few hours after getting home and relaxing my @ss is killing me (hip flexors). Could this be a. because I need to add height to my saddle? b. because the ankle blocks are too high? or c. because my legs are not used to being in that position and I am just being wuss?

I have so many questions on technique that I probably need someone else to tell me what they are but I'll save those for an instructor.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Raising your seat would release some pressure on your knees and ankles, but will make the boat tippier... something to play around with...

Since it was your first time...sounds like your body just isn't used to being in that position....

Bring the boat into the family room and watch tv sitting in your boat!!!

The more time you spend in your boat, the more comfortable it will get... if your still in pain trying adding height to your seat and re shaping your outfitting.

Welcome to "pain-boating". Don't bother raising the seat, as soon as you start getting used to paddling and OC, you'll be lowering the seat.
As Kev said, stretching works, do lots. You can also try kneeling on an exercise ball. That'll help the hip flexors.

Taking a couple asprin before you paddle works pretty well too.

If you are looking for some cheep instuction The Tenn. valley Canoe Club is have there paddle school on the first weekend of June
on June 1, 2, 3 we will have classes for beginer and beginer/interm. it will only cost about $50.00 and that will include at year membership in the club
And it will be held on the hiawwassee river

If you are interested email me at oc1dude@yahoo.com and I will get you some info

Ankle blocks can be overdone. If they are too high, that can cause discomfort of the knees (although you are likely to have some knee discomfort regardless getting started).

I make my ankle blocks no higher than is required; my left ankle needs about a 1 inch block, my right ankle block is only 1/2 inch high. Lower ankle blocks relieve stress on knees, just as raising the seat would, and you still have that low seat that allows stability. Good luck.

Ankle blocks can be overdone. If they are too high, that can cause discomfort of the knees (although you are likely to have some knee discomfort regardless getting started

too true. i am working on lowering my ankle blocks little by little so i can lower my saddle a little bit.

stretching is the best way to stay comfortable in that position for long periods of time.

I'm always taking like 10-15 minutes to stretch my entire body way out before getting strapped in. otherwise, i cramp and have to get out in between sets, if any, to strech.

also, drink plenty of water. it makes for less cramping.

welcome to the dark side.