Hmm. Do your boats have hip pads? If they aren't tapered enough towards the front, they'll cut off circulation. If you don't have hip pads, it could be the tightness of the backband/footpegs. If you get enough pressure between the two on your legs, they'll go. The next thing could be general tension. Is he new to kayaking and just tensing up without realizing it? More time in the boat and a little attention to his legs when paddling will fix that. The last thing could jsut be your friend's legs. My left foot falls asleep in every boat i get into, from my squirt up through sea kayaks. I'm pretty sure that it's from spraining that ankle a few times when i was young. Perhaps he just needs some extra padding on the seat because he's got some sensitive nerves in his lower back or legs. good luck! -tim