Seat fit and more rotation using elastic - by: Oops

Recently I have been testing something to improve my hip rotation and get more power from my legs. The surfski seat seems somewhat restricting to me. Sitting in a well with little wiggle room. When I would use my leg to pull my hip forward it was basically using my weakest leg muscles to go up hill while the push/power stroke used my strongest to go downhill (ramming my bum into the back of the seat).

My idea is to assist the weaker muscles and combat the upward slope by using an elastic. It also give the power side more stroke distance.

I use a 26 mountain bike tire around the waist and attached to the foot strap. If I want a little more pressure I put a few twists in the tube. What this essentially does is pull your hips forward and gets your back from being constantly stuck on the back of the seat. It allows better rotation and better use of your legs to improve your speed.

I see this as a benefit to flat water paddling. I have not used it in any substantial swell nor have I fallen. At the moment it is a one shot deal meaning if you fall out you'd waste more time setting it back up. I can see a simple way to making a simple hook that would make it easier to get seated.

I invite you to try it and let me know what you think. Because it has the potential to restrict your exit on a dump please have your pfd on.