Numb legs in marathon K1

[sensiblesimon]

Are there any top tips to help prevent legs going numb? I have been paddling a variety of club marathon development kayaks for the last year but cannot seem to prevent at least one leg going numb after about 20 to 30 minutes. This affects power, balance and steering. I have tried various home-made pads for the seat and pieces of foam to extend the seat at the front to spread load. I think these have some effect but the numbness still comes. I have rarely had problems with numbness in closed cockpit, white water kayaks and still paddle my WWR regularly. I have tried various legwear from neoprene shorts to lycra shorts.
I am wondering now whether it is just an issue relating to core strength and the ability to hold a good posture whilst unsupported in an open cockpit kayak. Prior to last year I had never paddled in marathon kayaks.
It's a real problem as I cannot sustain non-stop paddling for longer than 30 to 40 minutes due to this and having recently been promoted to div 7 am conscious of the doubling in race distance in div 6.
Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated
Many thanks
Simon

[webbymatt]

I feel you just have to keep trying and the numbness should take longer to come in. Also try and stretch out your legs before getting in the boat.

[Hengle]

Hi Simon
I am sure that we have looked at this so a search may draw more answers, but one of the most common causes I have found is the low seat height, how often do you sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you? - the solution to this is a higher seat - possibly requiring a wider boat. The other piece of advise is to invest in a good seat with the seat pan pitched forwards, once you have your own seat you can then cut holes in it as some people find that their nerves run over the bones in the bum.

Hengle

[Eliza Dolittle]

Hi Simon
How much are you using your legs when paddling?
I have found that my legs are likely to go numb on the very slow paddles when I am coaching beginners but I don't have a problem with normal training sessions or racing. Now when out with slower paddlers I circle round to do a short sprint or throw in a false portage to get my legs moving and solve the problem.
Liz

[mharrall]

Remember that in div 6 you'll have to do a portage anyway so you'll get an oportunity to get out of the boat.

[sensiblesimon]

I have definitely found that the boat I first used which had the lowest seat is the worst for numbness - I tried it again last week and I only lasted 10 minutes. With a higher seat in the same boat it is better. I am a bit limited as I am using club boats so cannot put in any fixed customisation. At some stage in the next 6 months I will hopefully settle on boat choice and buy my own.

I am usually in such a rush to get on the water I haven't been doing stretches - definitely opportunity for improvement there!

I did a Hasler at the end of May and didn't get numb legs (although in same boat) - the paddling hard theory could have been proved. As a beginner to marathon I am learning to use my legs more but notice that the experienced/faster paddlers are working their legs more than me. Recently the river has been in flood & weather horrid and I think I have also been tensed up which won't help.

I continue to discover and attempt to overcome the previously unknown details and complexities of flat water paddling!
Many thanks for your advice
Simon

[k1orange]

If you keep stretching your ham strings that will help.

The seat may need to be tilted further forwards to stop it digging in the back of your thighs where there are large veins.