Based on Dirk's recommendation, I tried renting a kayak (at NorthWest Outdoor Center) for the first time, last Friday. It was GREAT, I haven't had that much fun in ages. Great being out on such a gorgeous day, seeing all the other people out on the water, not envying the poor folks stuck in car traffic.
The one down side to this acquisition of a new hobby is that about a half hour out, my right leg started falling asleep. The NWOC catalog lists various seat cushions, as well as a cushion for under the thighs to keep nerves and blood vessels from getting scrunched. I also have this happen when I work out on the rowing machine at the Y, so I wonder if a solution on one side (kayak or rowing machine) will help elsewhere...
It was SO awesome being out there, I can't wait to get out again!
The one down side to this acquisition of a new hobby is that about a half hour out, my right leg started falling asleep. The NWOC catalog lists various seat cushions, as well as a cushion for under the thighs to keep nerves and blood vessels from getting scrunched. I also have this happen when I work out on the rowing machine at the Y, so I wonder if a solution on one side (kayak or rowing machine) will help elsewhere...
It was SO awesome being out there, I can't wait to get out again!
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Re: First kayak experience, leg falls asleep
Tue, May 31, 2005 - 6:54 PMAhh yes, ye olde falling asleep leg. This is actually common. Yes. Welcome! I read about it on the adventure books, I read about it on the forums, kayak teachers know about it and in fact experience it themselves. So here is what I gave garnered from the experts:
1. You accept this and work on keeping your legs moving while in the kayak - not just shaking them, but getting them off of the pedals and stretching the ends of your feet - shift your but position around and the idea is to think of it as keeping circulation going. That doesn't prevent it - but it helps.
2. After getting some advice, I was told that a piece of the foam that they use to make foam seats - place on the front of your seat - sort of to lift or support the underpart of your legs - just before butt contact - is supposed to relieve that. I just bought my foam but haven't tried it yet. I hope it helps. I have been doing #1 above and surviving -- just aware that happens and dealing with it as best I can.
Now one more thing....
If you really want an experience - and can afford it --- take George Gronseth's basic class. You will learn so much there! I did that and thats what got me absolutely ready to go....
Look it up on the web. George Gronseth's Kayak Academy. Highly recommended. And email me if you want to know more. -
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Re: First kayak experience, leg falls asleep
Wed, June 1, 2005 - 1:12 PMCool info Dirk, thanks!
Ran across this sentence under a course description:
"You must be able to lunge out of a pool without the aid of a ladder; this requirement is critical because it is very similar to what one does to re-enter their kayak after a capsize"
I assume this means using arm strength to pull/pushup yourself out of the water energetically? -
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Re: First kayak experience, leg falls asleep
Wed, June 1, 2005 - 2:30 PMYes, and it is absolutely true. The reason why is that you need to know how to get back into your boat if you tip over. Of course this will only occur when you have poured a glass of champagne for your paddling partner and wish to bestow this upon her deftly without spilling a drop and so you politely lean over to place it in her lily white hands.
Once you are in the water, the technique is that you eventually do a manouver in which you pull yourself up and out of the water with those massive biceps you have. If you can do it in a pool, you are likely able to do it in your kayak, with a lifejacket, a spray skirt, waves, wind, and your girlfriend pleading for you to not to drown in green lake. You are most likely to lose the champagne and your glass however. -
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Re: First kayak experience, leg falls asleep
Thu, June 2, 2005 - 1:03 PMBTW, I know someone in my company who used to kayak and he says that George Gronseth is old school in terms of being a big stickler for developing basic skills, safety. I like the sound of that, as I want to eventually play on the Sound a bit and want to build up my skills toolkit first. -
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Re: First kayak experience, leg falls asleep
Thu, June 2, 2005 - 1:46 PMExcellent. Gronseth is da man. You will see how all that he has to say and teach is important for venturing into the sound. Save your dough, get a baby sitter and take the two day class. Its a great start. Hell, give him a call and talk to him.
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