Nomad leg pain

I paddle a Nomad 8.5 and am struggling at the moment with a numb left leg. This happens within 15 minutes of getting into the boat.

Any ideas anyone?

I have removed the hip pads and have adjusted the foot rest back and forward for the past 12 months or so but this has not helped. I have also padded out the seat to raise the level and avoid the ridge at the front of the seat pinching my vein in the back of my thigh which I feel is the cause.

Swimming with numb legs on Grade 4+ is less than pleasant!

Thanks,

Murray

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Permalink Reply by Corey Volt on April 22, 2010 at 2:30pm

Murray,
At what angle do your feet rest on the bulk head? Here are a few things I do when my legs start going numb in the boat... I often will pad out the front of the seat as you have described but with add enough foam to help support my thigh with out obstructing my exit of the boat.....I find that most the time my legs go to sleep is because of constantly flexing to stay locked into the thigh braces. Another thing to look at is the angle of your foot on the bulk head. I.E. If your foot is flat against the bulkhead your legs will go to sleep. I like my bulkhead to be tight enough that the balls of my feet are firm on the bulk head with my heels slightly back with my feet pointing to 10(left foot) and 2(right foot) this will help line every thing up.
Hope this helps
Cheers,
Corey Volt
Team-D

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Permalink Reply by Dagger Marketing on April 23, 2010 at 9:19am

Murray,

What is your inseam and foot size? What position are your thigh braces in? Do you wear shoes, sandals, or socks in your boat? I find that when my knees are really high I have more trouble with my legs going to sleep. Have you tried moving the foot brace forward and padding the thigh braces so that your knees are lower? Have you moved the thigh braces forward? I also put foam on the outside of my knees so I am not having to hold my legs up into the hook of the thigh brace.

Hope this helps,
Adam

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Holcombe on April 23, 2010 at 10:52am

Hey Murray,

I would also try incorporating a bit of stretching into your daily routine. Often times I find that my legs tend to go numb quicker when I have tight hamstrings or lower back. Just some simple forward bends help with this. Outfitting wise, I would suggest trying what Corey mentioned below in regards to your bulkhead. Keep in mind that the bulkhead does not have to be the same length on either side. You can also cut out the center wall where your heels bump into it to allow a bit more movement for them. That usually helps me quite a bit. Good luck and good paddling

be safe
andrew holcombe
Team Dagger