OC-1 suicide straps

[keez]

I've had the misfortune on several occassions of losing my thigh straps while inverted, subsequently screwing up my roll and forcing a swim.
I'm thinking about adding some form of "suicide strap" like in a C-1 that would connect the two thigh straps.
Obviously, some form of quick release mechanism, other than my knife, would be necessary.
I use Mike Yee outfitting and have lowered the seat and set the rear anchors well below my ankles.
Any insight, experience, or words of caution would be appreciated.
Geoff

[Mike W.]

A couple of things come to mind:
1-You're not deep enough into the straps.
2-You're rising over the backrest & backing out of the straps.

The only OC I ever had had the Mohawk thigh retainer. My onside knee would pop out when I tried to roll. I added ~1" of foam to the backrest to scoot myself forward & deeper into the thigh retainer. Just remember, typically, the tighter you are in the boat the harder it's going to be to get out.

Has anyone done a lapbelt in an OC? What do you think?

[TomAnon]

Geoff,

My own experience with lapbelts has not been real positive and I have spent a fair amount of time struggling with just your issue. I can see the benefit of them if you are going to be doing loops and other aerial tricks which in an OC would put you in a pretty elite crowd. So if thats your gig you may want to try them out. If not, please revisit your thigh straps, trying the Mike Yee double thigh strap where a knee restaint is added. Try some old fashion toe blocks that can be temporarily duck taped in till you get'em placed just right. Mike's suggestion on the seat height in relation to a "back rest" is spot on also. The idea here is to eliminate all or nearly all movement in your thigh restraint system. Particularly your knees!

A lapbelt will hold you down on the seat, no doubt! If your skills are up to it this may be a desirable result. If not, it will alter your balance points and mess up your strokes as you will now be controlling the boat with your butt cheeks. At that point may as well get a kayak.

Hope this helps,

Tom

[yarnellboat]

In addition to getting deeper in (could maybe move the anchors back too), straps for you knees, and the back rest, if you don't already have foam wedges on the side of your hull at your knees/lower thigh, adding that support there will eliminate some annoying leg movement while rolling.

P.

[Craig Smerda]

Are you playboating when you are swimming or just river-running and flipping?

step #1 use the "search" function on cboats and keyword "outfitting" and or "rolling".
step #2 go to the pool... practice your technique again and again and again.
step #3 don't give up. Unless you are playing a lot rolling is not going to come natural.

Craig

(I know plenty of awesome OC'ers that couldn't roll to save their lives, but swim like a fish out of their boat!)
There's nothing wrong with swimming so don't get bummed out! I actually enjoy body boarding and swimming around in rapids... makes you understand more too!

[MotorCityOC-1]

I had the Mike Yee setup in my Ovation, and every once in a while one of my knees would pop out while trying to roll. It was only a big deal because as soon as my knee came out, all the tension on the thigh strap was gone too. I'm sure some of that can be blamed on how I positioned the hardware, but I have definitely had better luck with knee/thigh straps that aren't connected in such a way that one tug tightens both (and one slip loosens both catestrophicaly.)

Mike Yee makes a great product. Maybe I'm just no good at installing it.

I now use Beluga fixed rigid thigh/knee straps, and I've never had a knee pop out. If I ever do, at least I'll still be strapped in at the thigh

For me the slight increase in weight and bulk- and the slight decrease in ease of adjustability is worth it for the added comfort and bombproof-ness. Hard to get in The States though...

[msims]

Geoff's certainly in an elite crowd, but that's another story

Geoff, I'd go with moving the ankle anchor further back. Mikey sells anchors that you can place the ankle anchor in multiple settings back... You might want to try something a little more extreme... the further back the more snug/less likely they are to pop. Behind your ankle bone would be pretty good... Also - maybe give mike a call, he might have some good pointers.

[keez]

Thanks for the replies, especially yours Craig. I've looked at your outfitting suggestions,and as for the Spanish Fly, I'm going to try some thigh blocks. As for seat position and location of the ankle anchors; I've had Brian Spense (Mike Yee's installer) re-set both to the lowest and tighest he's willing to go without legal implications. My roll is pretty bomb-proof, and that's the problem. Not being able to stay in the boat when I want to roll. And yes, I am one of those guys (nuts) who try to get my oc-1 vertical.
I'll let you guys know how the thigh blocks work.
Geoff

[timfromohio]

i had four boats outfitted with thigh straps or mohawk retainers. it always helps me if i install that stuff myself. you can place anchors and pads where they are comfy for you. tighter looser back further, custom is always good. i liked the double mohawk strap. it was 6 inches of foam with two nylon straps that worked independent to really strap me in. it was easy to get in and out of. the mike yee double straps seems too busy for me. good luck

[Craig Smerda]

just a quick ?........ are your feet locked in the pegs real well?

I've found that you really need to be secure in your outfitting to keep the three points. Knees/Thighs, Feet and a$$. If your coming off the saddle quite a bit that is when straps just don't cut it IMO. When you are throwing an open canoe around in a hole or on a big thrasy wave foam block is the only option IMO. In a c-1 I have to use a lapbelt because I am so used to an OC where I can lock my feet and knees/thighs.... without a lap-belt my a$$ comes right off the seat and that isn't good... but only for playboating in a "safe" area.

Craig

PS>> IF YOU USE A LAPBELT OF ANY KIND... ALWAYS LET THE FOLKS YOU ARE WITH KNOW YOU ARE WEARING IT AND MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE FACT THAT YOU MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING OUT OF THE BOAT. IF YOUR ROLL IS MARGINAL OR EVEN SUSPECT..... DON'T WEAR ONE. CREEKING OR GENERAL RIVER-RUN STYLE PADDLING WITH A LAPBELT IS PLAIN DUMB... REGULAR THIGH STRAPS ARE FINE.