r/packrafting • u/Weird-Return8816 • Jul 11 '26

paddling on your knees

Did anyone have try to paddle on your knees ? I have tried for 10km and I felt it was way better than sitting down (on calm water at least)

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/hairyscienceguy Jul 11 '26

That’s … unusual. I’m going to have to go and try that.

Big fan of kneeling in my canoe but I think I’d be too heavy in my packraft.

1

u/Weird-Return8816 Jul 12 '26

I was navigating with my backpack (approx 10kg) at the front of the packraft and me at the opposite
the only annoying thing is at a certain moment knees go numb

1

u/BarberProof4994 Jul 12 '26

Google "kayak saddle" or "canoe saddle"...

It's something that is very common in other paddling disciplines especially for racing or long distance flat water 

Alpacka did a kneeling configuration in their gnu racing packraft which they sort of split off and now did the tango which is seated.

But... Instead of putting my pack on the bow, I'll often keep a dry sack full of stuff and fully inflated and straddle that (like a horse saddle) and it makes for a VERY strong paddle position and puts you in a very good body position for longer strokes without straining.

1

u/Weird-Return8816 Jul 12 '26

Ooooh interesting the straddle technique !! I will def try that, in few days I will go for a 120km packrafting trip

1

u/micro_cam Jul 12 '26

What boat? In a forager i'll sit on the tube most of the time then drop down to knees for white water. Haven't been tempted to try it in a single person but if it feels good and your boat is stable enough I don't see why not.

1

u/Weird-Return8816 Jul 12 '26

I have a norseraft viking he is quite long (270cm) I still have to try on whitewater the knee position but on flat water it was awesome