The attachment to the underside of the gunwale is through rivets that attaches a short strap on each side of the boat. The strap has a snap "thingy" (never can remember the names of these things - like a backpack waist strap) that connects with a strap on the seat back. The seat back strap is adjustable so you can snug it up against your back. You can unsnap the seat back if you want. We just make sure the bow of the boat is facing forward and leave it on. We have only travelled 200 miles that way, but we had no problems even running at interstate speeds.
If you have multiple boats (like we do), you just buy two back bands and then you can buy the straps and rivets that attach to the boats separately (and very reasonably!). We bought enough boat sets for the other tandem and the two solos we have.
Oh, and the backrest is not stiff but folds down easily. Probably closed cell foam with a cover.
im sorry That my pt comment struck a nerve with you. I’m not attacking you personally. I need to start pitting smiley faces or something. I’m just reacting to the usual response from people that includes comments about yoga and stretching and pilates and pt and posture and all the other “cures” for pain. When in fact even doctors will tell you that the exact cause and cure of back pain can be a mystery. An mri on even a pain free persons back can show disk problems. But seriously I don’t care. If pt worked on your back then awesome. It has failed me for other injuries.
For the record if I break my finger I don’t get a list of stretches that involved a rubber band and a door frame.
Looks simpler and less obtrusive than the one by Northwest. That is, if I were to paddle with a backrest at all (which I’m not sure yet).
More questions: Those vertical black tubes supporting the backrest - they have hinges down there? And when it folds down, it looks like it covers 1/2 of the seat, beginning from the fore edge (because the backrest is about 6" wide)? Those straps going along the vertical black tubes - are they for adjusting the backrest up and down along the tubes?
No hard stays Everything is webbing, no hard stays. That’s why it fits so well. Call Kevin Carr - he’s a great guy and will give you the scoop accurately.
Sat back helped me While i kneel in my14 solo canoe, i switch it up in the larger tandom/solo canoe. my back realy felt better with a cane back rest added. not much money(mine was less than 60$) when you consider the benefits you get.
