Kayak outfitting question

[jclaudii]

What all does the "outfitting" encompass in regards to kayaks? Where does one change/find parts to try something different? Does the outfitting affect how cramped your feet are and how tight you fit in the boat?

[Lupe]

I would say kayak outfitting is all the stuff that helps fine tune the fit of your boat to fit you personally. It can be everything from hip pads, knee blocks, custom bulkheads, foam under your heels, thigh braces, back bands, etc.

You can custom shape from minicell foam all sorts of outfitting to improve your fit and comfort in your boat, or there's also many parts pre-sculpted that are more ready to go off the shelf - some even with peel off adhesive for easy application.

This website sells both bulk foam to make your own, as well as lots of prefab goodies. Also, go to their tips pages for examples of custom outfitting. These guys are I think more involved with squirt boating, but regardless of whether you are in a playboat, river runner or a big ol' creeker, you can fine tune your outfitting to improve your fit and comfort.

http://kayakoutfitting.com/mainpage.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers

[jclaudii]

That website is not working, does it work for anyone else?

[RomanLA]

Nah...the site seems to be down atm. I've bought minicell foam from these guys before...
http://www.closedcellfoams.com/minicel.html

You can get the preformed stuff here...
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1764

[jjones03]

what type of boat are you looking to outfit? a whitewater boat, touring boat, rec boat?

outfitting the boat can change everything, from the way you feel in the boat, to the overall way the boat paddles. just the other day i moved my seat back about 1/2" for some extra leg room and i almost feel like im in a different boat.