Foot block options?

kormak

So I picked up a new kayak (Large Fluid Solo) and find that with the foot rest as close to the nose as I can get and the seat back, it's still really really tight and uncomfortable.
However I noticed when I took the footrest out completely and brought my seat back up the centre (where it's supposed to be) It's nice and snug, comfortable but still pretty rigid for boat control.
I think I may just leave out the foot rest and try get something to fill out the front nose area.

I've heard of Jackson's happy feet, which look great but people reckon they're not great for staying in place.
I could just stuff a triangular airbag in the nose. Cheaper option and it will provide bouyancy which I'll need. Although, I'm sure I need something more firmer than an airbag for feet protection?!
Bare in mind, I don't plan any creeking just yet. Just some river running with weirs.
The final option is foam. How easy is it to mould something like this for yourself? I asked the lads in i-canoe and I was told it would be pricey for them to start attempting it.
What other options or products is there for me??

I'd be quite happy to kayak without anything there for the time being, but I guess something's gonna have to put in place eventually...

advice??

SUPing

Go With the Foam, buy a block from I-Canoe and do it urself its not too hard to figure out glue it all together and wedge it in place!!!

tphase

You could use some ethafoam to start with; when you're happy with the shape/size etc, make up a new block from closed cell foam.
The ethafoam won't last as long as closed cell foam but it's cheap (ie you should be able to find it for nothing, it's used a lot in packaging) and will get you started. Alternatively you might be able to pick up big enough offcuts of insulation board.
If you don't need a lot of depth, a layer or two of Karrimat would be a cheap option

KenHy

I'd 100% go with the foam. Personaly don't like the happy feet at all - even in a playboat I find it moves about and doesn't provide solid support. I can't imagine it'd be practical in a large Solo at all.

Making a foam footblock is neither expensive or particularly difficult. Buy a large square of minicell foam (available from I-Canoe/GOD etc..) and cut it into shape of the front of your boat. Take your time and error on the side of too big - you can always cut more off, much harder to add back foam if you cut it too small. Cut it so you have a good snug (but comfertable) fit with good support for your feet

This page shows what the finished product should look like. http://www.unsponsored.co.uk/press/?p=2689

Chavways

Go with the foam 100%. I have happy feet in my Jackson All Star and to be honest I hate them. They move around way too much no matter how well I have them set up. Don't know how they'd even behave in a creeker. A foam footblock will you you way more stability and be a lot more long lasting.

kormak

tphase wrote: »

You could use some ethafoam to start with; when you're happy with the shape/size etc, make up a new block from closed cell foam.
The ethafoam won't last as long as closed cell foam but it's cheap (ie you should be able to find it for nothing, it's used a lot in packaging) and will get you started. Alternatively you might be able to pick up big enough offcuts of insulation board.
If you don't need a lot of depth, a layer or two of Karrimat would be a cheap option

I have lods of this in the shed!
http://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/Images/Products/TP10.jpg
surely this would do? at least for practice in making it and then buy some proper stuff??

kormak

KenHy wrote: »

I'd 100% go with the foam. Personaly don't like the happy feet at all - even in a playboat I find it moves about and doesn't provide solid support. I can't imagine it'd be practical in a large Solo at all.

Making a foam footblock is neither expensive or particularly difficult. Buy a large square of minicell foam (available from I-Canoe/GOD etc..) and cut it into shape of the front of your boat. Take your time and error on the side of too big - you can always cut more off, much harder to add back foam if you cut it too small. Cut it so you have a good snug (but comfertable) fit with good support for your feet

This page shows what the finished product should look like. http://www.unsponsored.co.uk/press/?p=2689

Cool, thanks.
The wedges are a nice touch! would you be glueing the whole lot to the boat once happy or just the wedges or what?!

KenHy

kormak wrote: »

Cool, thanks.
The wedges are a nice touch! would you be glueing the whole lot to the boat once happy or just the wedges or what?!

I don't have mine glued into my playboat, no need. When my feet are against it, it's tight enough that it doesn't move and the centre pillar keeps it in place the rest of the time. You may need to in a creeker however as the front is bigger. You'll just have to try it and see if you need it.

SUPing

Id stay away from Insulation foam and the likes tends to break easy and some stuff can hold water get the Black Minicell foam Like the front and rear pillar are made of.

kormak

SUPing wrote: »

Id stay away from Insulation foam and the likes tends to break easy and some stuff can hold water get the Black Minicell foam Like the front and rear pillar are made of.

well at least use it as apractice protoype then!

tphase

kormak wrote: »

well at least use it as apractice protoype then!

which is precisely what I suggested!:cool: