Feet flat in OC-1?

[jscottl67]

I paddle OC and I really do prefer my feet to be straight out behind me. I've experimented with Yakima style footbraces, and I really don't like them. I've paddled a little in a boat with Nortwaters adjustables (toe cups basically) and they are ok I guess.

I seem to stay in the boat pretty well for river running and playing, but I need to get a roll down so I can run something a bit bigger. Does anyone else out there prefer the feet flat in an OC, and how do you handle that with a roll?



P.S. I have thought about adding foam to the saddle up high to wedge my ankles under. The boat was originally outfitted that way when I got it, but my feet were too big and I cut that away to absolute nada tring to get them in there.

[bamaboater]

I took my footpegs out of my boats and put in some rounded foam under the tops of my feet just for comfort. It hasn't hurt my ability to roll a bit. my size 13's were way too crapmed. as it is now, I still have to get out and stretch every so often.
if you concentrate on pulling your boat back underneath you during your roll, your feet will actually be pushed down against the bottom of the hull.

that's my .02 cents worth

[Mike W.]

When I started in OC I had to have the foot pegs tight to roll. I sold the OC & paddled C-1 for several years w/o any type of foot pegs. Last year I went back to OC & found the pegs uncomfortable. To fix that I just slid them all the way back so they weren't touching my feet. I had no problem rolling w/ my feet flat on the hull.

I agree w/ bamaboater, when you roll you will push your feet towards the hull.

[OC1_SURFER]

Dagger made the best toe blocks. Two of my boats still have them. They worked great for paddlers who paddle splay-footed. But since they got out of the open-boat market, these are impossible to find. So, I've been modifying the Yakimas. You might want to try this. I had them in my Zoom and one of my Ocoees. T.P.

[billcanoes]

Terry what are you doing at home- My buddy spotted 5 boaters from MO here in WNC- Including a helenator and a defiant

[OC1_SURFER]

Hi Bill. I'm just saving the rest of my vacation days for cooler weather. Planning on coming out in October. Hope to see you then.

Terry

[sbroam]

I paddle flat footed and do use footpegs - I prefer the Perception pegs because they are kinder on the feet and I don't really put that much pressure on them. [I think I put a lot more pressure on them when I was learning the roll and the rest of my outfitting was not so tuned.] I tend to keep my feet off the pegs until things get bouncy, when I want the extra control or think a roll may be imminent. I also tend to run mine a half inch higher than a factory install so I can get my toes under - I want my toes under and push with the balls of my feet. On my Zephyr, I just trimmed a quarter inch or so off of the bottom of the pegs.

This is why I wear out the tops of my shoes long before the bottoms!

I like that old Dagger mod and OC!_Surfer/TP's mod - I might do that next time!

[bathtuboy]

I paddle with my feet flat in the boat and have built in foam blocks after removing the pegs. This holds me very tight when rolling.

Details and photos in thread below;

http://cboats.net/cforum/viewtopic.php? ... highlight=

[Randy Dodson]

I have just finished outfitting my aftershock with bulkhead and thigh hooks. while doing my transfer tubes, I placed one of them in a position at the rear of the saddle to also serve as foot braces by leaving it sticking out of the saddle about 5 inches on either side. it is high enough that I can either slip my feet down flat underneath or raise my heels and push against it.

[noobopenboater]

good thread here, Im also trying to figure out what works for me, feet flat feels best for me but without using the pegs I litteraly fall out of my boat (oc1) when upside down,even with double thigh straps. When I use my pegs it seems to put more stress on my knees and Im trying to keep my saddle no taller than 9". I want learn to roll but I have to be able to stay in boat first. . I like oc1surfers pics, I may try something like that.

[sdbrassfield]

My feet are flat to the bottom of the boats during the roll, and they are anchored. On the Quake my feet are jammed up under the yakima pegs and I am using Mohawk outfitting/suicide belt. My ankles are supported by a 3/4" piece of foam, but the top of my toes/feet are on the bottom of the boat. My Ovation has stationary Northwoods webbing type toe blocks and single Mikeyee thigh strap outfitting and my ankles are supported by 1.5" foam blocks. The top of my feet are on the bottom of the boat...

My Prophet and Impulse have adjustable webbing type toe blocks from Northwoods and Mike Yee outfitting. The tops of my feet are flat on the bottom of these boats w/ some foam ankle suports...I have not figured out the roll the Prophet yet...

I feel comfortable with the toe blocks or pegs...

[wetnobby]

Interesting stuff indeed.....
I find that if I use footrests that I get cramp and have to get out the boat more often!
I now paddle everything with feet flat, usually jammed under the Yakimas!...I have also tried the Northwater toe blocks in a freinds boat and they were good also.
It is important to have good straps with well positioned mountings, a seat back that stops you from sliding backwards.... and out of your chosen paddling position. There is no way I could ever fall out of any of my boats.
If you do fall out, you need to do something to fix that problem. Providing your straps are good, positioned right and the seat has a decent back, rolling should not be a problem......even with no footrests.

[Jim P]

balls of feet under the pegs. I'm with Scott on this, either raise the rail or cut off some of the bottom of the foot rest. I started out feet up but the pressure on the bent ankles was not comfortable, went to flat footed long ago, no real pressure needed to stay in. I always install a bit of ankle support, but usually in front of the ankles on the shin to keep them from going flat to the bottom.

[pblanc]

I paddled years ago with a very good boater who cut recesses into the sides of his pedestal to act as footpegs. Most of the time he paddled without foot support, but in difiicult rapids where a roll or serious brace was a liklihood, he pointed his feet inward into the recesses to anchor his feet. It wasn't the most comfortable position for me, but I was able to fairly easily roll his Dagger Encore using this system (which granted is an easy boat to roll). The system was simple and light, however, and it sure worked well for him.

[philcanoe]

I'm with the either or opinion... preferring Yakama braces or a simple wood dowel... either of these options allow me to paddle flat footed ... till ready for (increased) action, where it's simple to push off the supports

I feel more power feet up, than feet down...anyone else notice this?
It seems to load my thighs, enabling more core strength; however this may just be a reaction from ritual use.

This also allows me to ease up on the stress on my knees, by not outfitting the boat as tightly. I use a bulkhead on cruising boats, and straps in my race boats (oc1). Any less stress on the knees goes a long way, especially with no (meniscus) cartilage in one.