Footpeg

Quite simply, footpegs (also called foot braces) are pegs inside the kayak for your feet to push against. See rudder for descriptions of footpegs for ruddered kayaks.

Most footpegs are adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and it is important to adjust them correctly PRIOR to launching your boat since adjustments are very hard to make while on the water.

A great deal of a kayak's stability and controlability comes from being able to transfer body movements directly into the boat. Footpegs play a big role in this, providing the paddler something to push against while pulling on the paddle. The result of these opposing forces is that the kayak moves thru the water, and that's the whole idea right?

Well adjusted footpegs will allow the paddler to sit with his lower back pressed against the kayak's back rest, his feet firmly on the pegs, his knees bent and pressed either against the underside of the deck, thigh hooks or sides of the kayak.

The goal is to be seated comfortably but also wedged securely in the boat, not so tight you can't get out when you need to, but not so loose that you flop around while paddling and lose all of that paddling effort without moving the boat efficiently.

Alternatives to footpegs include:

• A cross bar - these are used on some racing kayaks and have been adapted to other types.
• The forward bulkhead - some sea kayakers modify the forward bulkhead to be positioned to use as a foot brace. These are not movable.
• Movable bulkhead - some whitewater kayaks have a moveable bulkhead instead of footpegs. This bulkhead is not waterproof.