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<\/a>D-Rings for Securing Ballast.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.phseakayaks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_0022-2.jpg\")
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The Aries cockpit fitted to a Volan.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nI’m writing with a much belated thank you! And, in the process, want to convey what a huge impact your accommodating my specific needs and paddling P&H boats have made in the quality of my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I lost my left leg to cancer more than 43 years ago at age 27. I was very active and athletic before the surgery and was driven to not let the amputation slow me down. Prosthetics were not as adaptable and innovative during those times. I tended to sports where the mobility was provided. I actively pursued downhill skiing and was addicted to speed. The same with water skiing. I was riding a bike during the summer without my prosthetic but I had been in search of another sport that wouldn’t rely so much on my lower body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>David at West Beach for a winter launch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n My introduction to sea kayaking was quite by accident some ten years ago. My wife and I had rented a cabin on a small pond in New Hampshire that had two of what I now understand to be plastic sea kayaks filled with leaves under the cabin. I paddled every opportunity I could grab that week, while taking care not to ignore my wife. I was like a fish taking the bait. The hook was set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Returning home, it didn’t take long to find a rental for the remainder of the summer.\u00a0 I spent that summer on the numerous flatwater lakes in our area.\u00a0 I was getting the added exercise and loved paddling.\u00a0 \u00a0It was on a lake paddle that I bumped into a group of kayakers.\u00a0 Conversation ensued and I was convinced\u00a0to join them on a sea journey.\u00a0 \u00a0I had no idea what I was getting\u00a0into.\u00a0 \u00a0That trip convinced me I needed a drysuit and possible lessons or coaching.\u00a0 Through a twist of fate the drysuit connection happened to be a P&H paddler – Suz Hutchinson.\u00a0 \u00a0 Suz introduced me to P&H boats and John.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nJohn has been an extraordinary coach and mentor guiding my development and progression in the sport. I quickly realized how much I didn’t know and actively pursued a course to increase my knowledge and skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I swear by the Swede form design of the P&H brand. It has been an extraordinarily stable platform as I deal with the significant lateral weight differential. Additionally, once having been exposed to the more aggressive thigh braces and being able to adjust them individually I have been able to more easily adjust for the mass difference from my natural leg to the prosthetic side. This has significantly benefited me by being able to develop a reliable roll. The d-rings allow me to come close to a neutral position without the need for excessive leaning by adding weight to the front and day hatch without concern that they will move around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nP&H became a socially acceptable addiction. My current collection includes Carbon-infused versions of: Cetus MV, Aries 155, and Volan MV. I also abuse a Delphin 155. My son-in-law paddles a Cetus MV and I just ordered a Virgo for family use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n