Say NO To Sore B's when Paddling

That’s right, you read it correctly!  Say No to sore B’s.  The B’s being your Butt and your Back of course!  Let’s face it, as kayak anglers we love being on the water and chasing our new personal best.  This usually means we are out for a number of hours and usually sitting down for the majority of that time.  While companies have vastly improved the seats to help keep us comfortable as long as possible our butts and back still get sore!  Say NO to the soreness and give this ONE easy stretch you can do while you’re in your kayak.

First, put your rods in their holders or strap them to your kayak.  Also, strap your paddle to your kayak or place it by your feet.  Sit tall in the seat and have your feet flat against the floor of your yak.  To do this you will need to bring your feet closer to the chair.  Then put the calf of your left leg on top of the quad of your right leg.  You may need to help it up with your arms.  Keep your back tall and lean forward over your left calf.  You should feel the stretch in your left butt cheek and lower back.  Exhale and breath deep for a couple breaths.  Then put your left leg down and change legs.  

If you are unable to get your calf on top of the your quads, then keep your feet flat against the floor and lean forward keeping your back tall.  You should feel the stretch in your lower back and buttocks!

Want more? Then as you lean forward twist outward so you head and shoulders turn towards the leg that is planted firmly on the kayak.

Try this move when you start to feel the soreness start to set it!  Where do you get sore when kayak fishing?  Let me know in the comments or tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can help you (and others) find ways to relieve it!

3 Stretches to relieve Sea Legs

After paddling and reeling in those monsters for hours upon hours you decide it’s time to head back to shore.  As you are savoring in every amazing hookset and hoping your hero shot came out right you step out of your kayak onto the launch only to find that your legs and buttocks are stiff and not cooperating easily!  When that happens give these 3 stretches a try to relieve those newly found sealegs.  Remember, wait to get on land before doing these stretches and don’t stretch too far.  A little discomfort is ok but pain isn’t!

1. Runner’s Stretch - First kneel on the ground.  Then bring your right foot forward until your have a 90* angle in your right knee while having your right foot flat against the floor.  Place both hands on top of your right bent knee.  When you are here bring your hips forward.  You will feel the stretch in your left quad.  Hold for 5-10 seconds.  Release your hips back to their original place and repeat 2x.  Switch legs and stretch 3x.
2. Reverse Pigeon - Lie on your back and bring your right foot above your left knee so that your ankle is just on the outside of the leg.  Keeping your right leg in that spot raise your left foot towards your buttocks raising the knee.  Your right foot should be getting closer to your body and you will feel the stretch in your right glute.  To intensify it reach through the opening in between your legs and the outside of the left leg, grab your left thigh and gently pull it towards you.
3. Butterfly - For this move all you need to do is to sit on the ground, bring your feet together and let your knees rise of the ground if needed.  Place your hands on your toes and while keeping a straight back, lean forward.  You will feel this stretch in your inner thighs.

Give these moves a try next time you find you have sea legs and can continue to soak in every amazing part of your adventure!