Creek outfitting

camthecanuck · Post by **camthecanuck** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:55 am

First thanks for the beta on c-1 creeking.

I ended up settling on an old wavesport Y, heard some good things, but mostly the price was right.

So now I have to tweak the outfitting and I was wondering if there are any creek specific outfitting tricks or tips anyone has? I've heard that avoiding a lapbelt is a good idea?

Thanks in advance for the help, I like this forum, everyone is chill and friendly

TheKrikkitWars · Post by **TheKrikkitWars** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:01 am

I wouldn't say avoiding a lapbelt was neccessary, so long as it quick releases it should be all gravy... putting a very deep set of thighstraps or bulkhead in would be very bad though, as it would trap you in the event of a pin.

My major advice would be to ensure you have some padded hip-pads in, having landed a 15 footer hip first into the cockpit rim, it left a mighty ugly bruise.

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:29 pm

what do you mean by tweak the outfitting? is it already set up as a c1? post some pics.
If your starting from scratch do a search for pics. I know there have been tons of outfitting pics posted (and It would be nice if they were all in one spot), but there's hardly anything in the outfitting section.

In a nutshell...It takes some trial and error to get your oufitting dialed in. You want it to be comfortable yet snug. You want your knees secure and your hips held side-to-side. and you have to be able to get out without unbuckling anything. You also need to be able to get your feet out easily, so keep the saddle on the narrow side. and the hip pads only need to be at the hips, not any further back than that as it only makes it harder to get your feet out.

dgmonster · Post by **dgmonster** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:04 pm

In my new creek boat I can only exit from the thighstraps by pulling the quick release. But once the quick release is pulled, all the outfitting falls away. I am by no means an expert creeker but I have scene several c1 creek boats outfitted in the same manor. Just my $0.02.

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:26 pm

that's sketch in my opinion. I'd work on it some more. Outfitting should be such that you have to, and should be able to, hold yourself in.
If you can't get out without unbuckling, then your straps are too close to your crotch or too far back behind your hips, or your seat back is too tall. Or any combination of those. I like my straps close, so I lower the seatback until i can wiggle out while upside down.

TheKrikkitWars · Post by **TheKrikkitWars** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:43 pm

Larry Horne wrote: that's sketch in my opinion. I'd work on it some more. Outfitting should be such that you have to, and should be able to, hold yourself in.
If you can't get out without unbuckling, then your straps are too close to your crotch or too far back behind your hips, or your seat back is too tall. Or any combination of those. I like my straps close, so I lower the seatback until i can wiggle out while upside down.

I disagree, in all the boats I've had "wiggle free" outfitting, I've come loose during a nasty beating; then not been in enough control to run the rest of the rapid, often resulting in largely unneccessary swims or injuries.

I'm also in a position that it's sometimes better to be in the boat without air for longer than it is to swim immediately; If I swim it has to be a case of me actively choosing to because that's the safest option available.

To me having control when the large steaming pile of dog doo is hitting the fan (including of how and when I have to swim) is a far better investment in safety than avoiding the need to quick release. Even after a prolonged beating in a van-sized hole and nearly a minute underwater I was able to pop my deck and undo my straps within seconds of deciding to swim.

Your mileage may vary.

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:45 am

i agree with you on every point you made. only difference is I feel there is a sweet spot that can be found, and you don't.
You're probably a bit more fearless than I am too.

i can't spell

TheKrikkitWars · Post by **TheKrikkitWars** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:23 am

I wouldn't say I'm fearless, I just don't know any better.

Attempts to find a happy medium in my C-Squirt have failed so far, and I fall out if I spend too long cartwheeling or stern screwing. I might shape me a suicide block and glass a lapstrap in.

philcanoe · Post by **philcanoe** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:28 am

Is this still a discussion....

.... about c1-creek outfitting

or

....is this a generalized discussion,

or

a I can't playboat unless glued to the botom?

((Just trying to get a feel for what's being talked about.))

TheKrikkitWars · Post by **TheKrikkitWars** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:51 am

philcanoe wrote:Is this still a discussion....

.... about c1-creek outfitting

Yes, I briefly digressed though; I find that I need to be glued in to get the best out of my creekboat*, but conversely can rattle around a bit in a playboat without too much of an issue.

*I think that the narrowness and instability of the jefe could be a large factor in that mind.

philcanoe · Post by **philcanoe** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:01 am

Was asking because I was contemplating outfitting a C1 with two anchor points for straps. One lower for creek boating, and another higher position for other times. Was wondering if anyone else was doing such?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 4:03 am

heck Phill go with a suiside belt, or get an army webb belt and some parachute cord and I can show you how Jessie use to do his Grygodawg. Did you ever paddle with him? you two would have got along great. I ask Chad about your question about two different anchor point one for play and other for other uses. His answer "get too boats". Out of the mouths of babes.

TheKrikkitWars · Post by **TheKrikkitWars** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:45 am

Get two boats was my first reaction to that, unless you Really enjoy doing popouts that is.

cheajack · Post by **cheajack** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:31 pm

No one yet has talked about how tight (or loose) straps can or should be. In my Remix 69 I currently have snow board bindings for my knees and Brown Quick release straps for my thighs that anchor near my crotch and start well behind my hips. If I keep it all snug but not tight I can slide out, but if I crank 'em down I have to use the quick release.

BigMike · Post by **BigMike** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 5:03 pm

straps should be snug to keep you in place. nothing more dangerous than a loose position because you're afraid you might need to get out in a hurry so dont make it tight enough. IMO you need to be part of the boat, not sitting "in" it, then make sure you have a strong and reliable quick release