Dave (& Mike/Deeds),

We should get together. I also live in Port Orchard and travel to Tacoma /Seattle fairly often. I finished my Artic Tern 2 weeks ago and launched at Allen Waterfront Park last Saturday then paddled from Port Orchard to Gorst on Sunday.

I purchased the knee/thigh brace kit from Pygmy which includes preshaped thigh brace foam pads with precut plywood backings. I glued the foam onto the plywood backings and epoxy coated the plywood. After sitting in the boat (in my garage), moving the thigh braces around, I still couldn't arrive at a best location to install them. I decided to attach velcro strips to the plywood backing so I could try out the thigh braces in various locations, or remove them if necessary.

During my next several paddling excursions, I plan on testing the uninstalled thigh braces in several locations, moving them around as I paddle until I find a best fit that prevents my legs from fatiguing and provides the support I will need for efficient paddling.

Paul T. Williams Port Orchard, WA