Got the same problem. I am a beginner and paddle a stealth strika, in the sea i dont notice the problem (cos i fall out so much but on flat water the legs also go numb. where exactly do you pud this pad. must it have holes cut out?

Its interesting to note that u only use a straight pad? I might give it ago. I have just cut out a contoured pad made from high density 6mm foam, in the shape of a U ....I'll keep you posted. 

For me, the sciatica problem originated with tight hamstrings and glutes.  Lots of flexibility work made a difference in the discomfort, but the base line problem was still there.  When I paddled a lot of K1, I found that when I decreased my running and cycling cross-training, especially running intensity, the incidence of sciatica problems was decreased as well.  I now plan my running volume and intensity carefully to complement my surfski training AND work on my flexibility.

Aside from all the preventative measures, I use a gel pad that sits in the seat well quite nicely and can be secured with adhesive backed velcro.  The one I use is called a "Skwoosh pad" (see link below) and I can paddle for hours numbness free.  Without it, depending on the seat shape I can handle anywhere from 10 (many K1 seats) to 90 minutes (Mako 6 and V10).

I find I can rotate nicely with this seat pad- maybe better than before.  No chafing or numbness to speak off.  And its warmer up slightly faster when a bucketful of cold water fills the seat!

Happy paddling!

Alan

http://www.skwoosh.com/Shop/tabid/301/CategoryID/8/List/1/SortField/0/Level/1/ProductID/23/Default.aspx

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the link.  I previously underwent surgery for a slipped disk. That was in 93. I started paddling icf k1 in 97.  I just recently moved to surf ski after a long break (7 years).  I've read your other posts, appreciate the info you have put in here.

Mark

I too suffer from this problem.  The worst part is if you have a portage in a race or there is a run up the beach at the end of the race.  Embarassing to say the least.  Plus it adds minutes on to your time.

My lack of flexibility in the hammies and glutes seems to be the problem and like others, some skis are worse than others.

The padding of the seat did nothing for me.  Consistent stretching and sitting with improved posture has helped.  Another trick I learned is from Dave Kissane and Matt Rees.  Both have cut a section of garden hose the length of the seat and then sliced the hose down the middle.  They  place the hose in the centre of the seat.  Tape it to secure it.  Then place some rubber foam over the top and tape it as well.  The ridge runs between the butt cheeks and basically changes the point of contact.  You no longer are sitting on your sciatic nerve. 

Works for them and it worked for me.  You will get some odd looks and it is uncomfortable at first.    Other than that....take up yoga.

Rob - ask Dave about it this weekend.  You might even get a photo of his ski to see if he has set it up for the race on Sunday.

good luck,

Barnesy

I had pain when I was starting with my Mako.  First, I can't paddle it without a padded seat for very long, and it always ends up with bruising pain on my 'sit bones' for days after.  So I always keep padding taped in.

Second, I started doing piriformis stretches before paddling.  If I skip all other stretches, I make sure to still do this one (http://www.jaxmed.com/massage/p_leg_cross2_W.jpg .. actually I do the stretch standing up, crossing my leg and squatting/leaning forward).  It helps keep my lower half loose and comfortable the whole paddle.  I typically stretch my legs more (time wise) then my arms/back before setting out.  But I have very inflexible legs by nature.. 

There are probably some other hip flexor or piriformis stretches that might help your issue.  Good luck.

Another success: After 3 years of increasing generalized left leg pain, finally got results. Pain would gradually increase over 20 minutes, with odd sensations behind my knee and top of ankle, eventually becoming throbbing gluteus pain that would disappear on exiting the boat. I tried the other post items with minimal relief- stretching, sitting on rubber hose, cut my foam seat into all kinds of shapes, drugs, physical therapy for leg stretching, ultimately an MRI which was abnormally normal. Also vigorous massage, acupuncture, et. al. Meanwhile, I was also running 15 miles per week, some weights, and normal work.
Finally found a local doc who, by elimination from my long list of notes involved in my pain history, recommended physical therapy on the SI joint: sacro-iliac joint, down by the base of the spine. This can cause inflammation of many of the small muscles in the butt region.

Three visits to the PT, (I spaced it out 2 weeks between appts) and following the scope closely, not doing more or less, and now have good paddles with minimal pain after 2 hour padddles. When it does set in, it is controlled pain and a minor distraction.
The first weeks exercises were super simple, no stress at all, and I wondered if it was doing anything at all. PT could tell the difference after the first week. By the third visit, the exercises were quite demanding and I could feel the good results while paddling- no pain.

If some one has a place to post/store the pdf files of the exercises, the PT has no problem with it. Let me know.
Steve.