Sciatica - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Tman · 03-13-2012, 05:35 PM

Like others said, take the time to load/unload the yak first and foremost.

Make sure you spend the extra $ and get a good seat, and adjust it accordingly to not what feels best but what is best for your back, and know how to adjust it while you are on the water.

Watch how you paddle and make sure you are using your shoulders and arms instead of your back, if you are doing it right you should actually feel your abs doing the work. I have lumbar issues (L4 & L5), definitely feel it after a long day and do experience leg cramps, prob due to lack of blood flow so I tend to hang my legs over the side.

As mentioned, don't try a marathon session and instead of trying to be a contortionist, learn how to sit sideways on the yak to reach anything behind you. And stay hydrated.

GregAndrew · 03-13-2012, 06:09 PM

I also suffer from L4 and L5 protrusions, and have the sciatic problems associated. In my case, paddling has helped me out very much by strengthening my core. That is not to say that there has been no pain associated with kayaking, but it has been very theraputic both in and out of the yak. I am rarely in the water less than 7 hours now. As stated, learning to paddle properly and not exceeding your limitations are key.

kurt · 03-13-2012, 06:40 PM

Stretching, exercising, ice, and Aleve.

03-13-2012, 05:35 PM	#1
Tman BRTF...bought & paid... Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,247	Like others said, take the time to load/unload the yak first and foremost. Make sure you spend the extra $ and get a good seat, and adjust it accordingly to not what feels best but what is best for your back, and know how to adjust it while you are on the water. Watch how you paddle and make sure you are using your shoulders and arms instead of your back, if you are doing it right you should actually feel your abs doing the work. I have lumbar issues (L4 & L5), definitely feel it after a long day and do experience leg cramps, prob due to lack of blood flow so I tend to hang my legs over the side. As mentioned, don't try a marathon session and instead of trying to be a contortionist, learn how to sit sideways on the yak to reach anything behind you. And stay hydrated. __________________ Adios Tman Gaffer for Clay the Fishcatcher

03-13-2012, 06:40 PM	#3
kurt Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: 2 inches above sea level Posts: 503	Stretching, exercising, ice, and Aleve. __________________ "All I got was a rock"

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03-13-2012, 06:09 PM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I also suffer from L4 and L5 protrusions, and have the sciatic problems associated. In my case, paddling has helped me out very much by strengthening my core. That is not to say that there has been no pain associated with kayaking, but it has been very theraputic both in and out of the yak. I am rarely in the water less than 7 hours now. As stated, learning to paddle properly and not exceeding your limitations are key.