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Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back.

Posted By: stewage

Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 07:03 AM

I pulled my 70lb perception striker off my small suv with no problem.

Went to put my 1lb battery in the hull of my kayak, tweaked my back something fierce. By that point I was already in it, and knew I would have trouble getting my kayak back loaded up, so I fished through it... grin

Luckily my wife was in the area on her way home, so she was able to help me load my kayak back up.

Managed about 15 dink crappie with one keeper. I just know all those 8 and 9 inch crappie are going to grow an inch or two while I'm out of commission and jump right out of the lake.

Anyone have a similar experience? Or perhaps a contingency plan they would like to share?

I think I may have to keep some blocks in my car for strapping the rear hatch closed on the kayak in case that happens again.
Posted By: Jimbo

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 11:04 AM

Yep, I laugh when I see someone advertise a lightweight kayak as only weighing 70#. loco
Sure it's light until you injure your back and have to try and lift it!
Only thing you can do is try to develop system for loading and unloading where you aren't prone to straining yourself. Do some warm up exercises first to stretch those muscles instead of starting off cold and manhandling it.
Better yet, get a trailer or a lighter kayak.
I went with a lighter kayak since getting older it doesn't get any easier, so you do what you have to do.
Posted By: Aggie61

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 01:05 PM

Need to consider no only the weight of the kayak but the length. Longer kayaks tend to be more awkward to handle and transport and can put your back in a very compromising position for risk of injury. Todays market is tending toward wider and heavier kayaks, I personally will sacrifice stability and ability to stand for a lighter kayak(50-60#) and 12-13 ft in length.
Posted By: Rhino68W

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 01:26 PM

Read my signature. There's your solution...

Seriously though, always take a little time to stretch before unloading. It'll go a long way, even into the fishing trip. Think of it like golf, you wouldn't want to go to a driving range without at least twisting for a bit. Now get better and go fishin!
Posted By: Aggie61

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 01:42 PM

I agree with Rhino, take a few minutes to engage in a good dynamic stretching program, but remember the spine is not meant to be loaded primary purpose is maintain posturer. Proper body positioning which enables you to use your core(abdominals, hips and glutes) and lower body will go a long away in preventing low back injury. Strengthen your core and lower body and be aware of putting your back in compromising positions.
Posted By: Rhino68W

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 01:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Aggie61
I agree with Rhino, take a few minutes to engage in a good dynamic stretching program, but remember the spine is not meant to be loaded primary purpose is maintain posturer. Proper body positioning which enables you to use your core(abdominals, hips and glutes) and lower body will go a long away in preventing low back injury. Strengthen your core and lower body and be aware of putting your back in compromising positions.

Lift with your back, in a jerking twisting motion and you'll be fine.... roflmao
Posted By: stewage

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/08/15 08:43 PM

Yeah, I really do need to do some warm up stretches first. Never really considered it, to be honest.

Originally Posted By: Rhino68W
Lift with your back, in a jerking twisting motion and you'll be fine.... roflmao


I know thats from FG, but this is close to what actually did me in. Bending over and twisting, reaching for the power cord for my fish finder inside the hull of my kayak. I'm generally alright lifting with my legs and core. Just the stupid little stuff I don't pay attention to that does me in.

As for the weight, I chose a big fat kayak for my big fat rear. It's only 11.5 ft long, but again, I generally don't have that much trouble manhandling it. However, I could easily see myself opting for a lighter option in the future.
Posted By: richg

Re: Unload Kayak. Throw Out Back. - 09/09/15 02:07 AM

I'd far rather lift a 70.lb 12 foot long kayak than a 70 lb battery out of a deep hold.

At least, with the long kayak, I can get some leverage. Hauling that battery out of a deep location gives me very few good choices.

All good advice above about getting the back into shape first. Whenever I put my back out (about once a year doing something stupid...) I start walking every night. If that doesn't fix it in a day or so, it is off to the chiropractor. He can fix it with one big jump on my spine.

At 75 years, you become more protective of what you have left. Ha Ha

richg
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