Keep your feet firmly in the kayak and stay limber!

.

This one is all about the feet, many various feet. So follow along – each pic is clickable for a related story!

.

Most paddlers don’t think much about their feet. They tend to focus more on their arms, their hips and their paddles. But the foot is an important and integral part of kayaking and any paddling in general. Along with the hips and thighs, the feet anchor a paddler in or on top of the craft. Foot protection and footwear come in many forms and styles. As with distinctive paddling hats, footwear also sets paddlers apart!

😉

All toes on board at Whiskey Creek in Dania Beach, Florida.
CLICK for story!

Kayaking Whiskey Creek & John U Lloyd State Park.

.

I spy camel toe booties at Alligator Light Reef!
CLICK for story!

Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef in the upper Keys.

.

Footwear for kayaking to an Everglades tree island hammock.
CLICK for story!

Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area.

.

Camo bugsuit with sandals could result in camo-toe! 😉
CLICK for story!

Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River.

.

Attitude may be everything, but still, you wouldn’t like me when I’m hungry!
CLICK for story!

Attitude IS Everything, Kayaking IS Anger management!

.

The view from within, the feet on the pedals!
Putting up a shelf – creating underdeck storage space inside the kayak cockpit!
CLICK for story!

Putting up a shelf – creating underdeck storage space inside the kayak cockpit!

.

The feet will let you know when there is a problem or a mismatch with foot pegs or foot pads. Whether fixed, adjustable or sliding, a properly customized fit ensures maximum control and comfort while on the water. In a sit on top you’ll always be looking at your feet. In a traditional kayak, you might not see them but you’ll be feeling and using them – or should be! Sea Kayaks and traditional sit inside kayaks usually have adjustable foot bars or foot pegs. Most sit on top style kayaks have several fixed molded in foot braces. In either case you want to adjust your foot position so that your feet are pushing your butt back into the seat. This will help to keep your lower back straight and in a slightly forward leaning position.

.

Great video on proper foot positioning from Nigel Foster via Paddling.net

.

I often see paddlers sit in their boat and immediately lean back as if at home in a recliner. You never want to be leaning back into the backrest unless you’re taking a break! Otherwise you’ll be in the wrong position for actual paddling and harmfully compressing your spine! You may need to readjust or re-position your seat straps to accomplish this. The lean forward position is not only good for paddling, it’s also really good for your lower back.

The feet are the key for proper paddling posture!

.

Counting toes and bugs while camping in  Hell!
CLICK for story!

Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands.

Black Everglades muck on the feet in the Ten Thousand Islands.
CLICK for story!

.

Pulling the feet out in Big Cypress.
CLICK for story!

Hiking among the Big Cypress.

.

Ooops, looks like we got cheated. Somebody slipped in a hand! 😉
CLICK for story!

Kayaking the River of Grass – a Shark River Slough Expedition!

.

Therapeutic mud treatment of Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay.

Tip toeing over First National Bank in Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

.

My feet seeking Higher ground in the Lower Keys!
CLICK for story!

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

.

Fins on the feet snorkeling at Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

Kayaking and snorkeling at Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay.

.

Odd pairing – washed up footwear and all that trash in Biscayne Bay.
CLICK for story!

All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!

.

The feet will thank you for your attention. Choose footwear wisely!

Keep your eyes on the horizon, and your feet in the kayak!

.

Sand spurs love the feet. Ouch!
CLICK for story!

The best little Piano Bar in Miami!

.

Paddling in Miami with feet on the pegs and a walking stick.
CLICK for story!

Paddling to a Red Bull Flugtag downtown Miami kayak and boating party!

.

Snow boots keeping toes warm paddling in a Winter Wonderland of ice and sun.
CLICK for story!

Paddling in a Winter Wonderland of ice and sun on the Rio Grande in New Mexico.

.

Get up, stand Up on my feet paddling a kayak SuP style through a mangrove canopy.
CLICK for story!

She’s a whole lotta Kayak!

.

Kayak? Kayak shoes or kayak skis? Walking on water and a most painful split!
CLICK for story!

Trips, sea stories and Pics!

.

Bottoms up. Keeping her happy feet in the clouds! 🙂
That’s all I gotta say about that!

.

Keep your head above the water and let your feet lead the way!

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

! BLESS

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com / decoratedreality.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:: The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

With that said..
Blessings friends!

.