MOHAWK’S WHITEWATER OUTFITTING
AND TIPS ON HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF IT
Since Mohawk introduced the Thigh Retainer OC1 saddle system back in 1994, we have made many changes and modifications to improve its safety, comfort and effectiveness. The recent modifications we’ve made, make it even better. With custom modifications and options available to fit each paddler and their needs, we feel it is by far the best system available today.
1. Ease of getting in and out of outfitting
2. Easily adjusts to fit paddlers of different sizes
3. Very comfortable
4. Ease of wet exits and re-entry: This system offers very little resistance to wet exits. (Coming out of the outfitting while capsized). Paddlers tell us that when they capsize, they don’t need to use the release buckle to come out of the boat. However, it’s comforting to know that it is there if you need it. With proper footbrace adjustment, it’s simple to release the pressure of your feet from the braces and slide back and out of the outfitting. No buckle needs to be released, although one is provided (within easy reach), if you feel the need. Reentry is as simple as slipping your knees under the foam padded Thigh Retainer and locking your feet on the footbraces, no fumbling with thighstraps.
5. Self supporting: It supports itself. Meaning, there is no array of strings and bungee cords to hold it up. This makes it easy to slip into and out of. Less clutter makes for less chance of entrapment.
6. Holds you securely in place: There is little or no knee lift.
7. Bailing room in front of saddle: This system allows the space forward of the saddle to be clear for bailing room.
8. Release buckle is right in your lap. Pull on straps and both sides release.
Tips for Using your Thigh Retainer
The key to getting the most out of your Thigh Retainer is "set it and forget it". You should be able to tighten the buckle once at the beginning of the day and never mess with it the rest of the day - even after a couple of swims.
The way you should adjust and tighten your Thigh Retainer is as follows:
1. You must first set the footbraces. Don’t set them so close that you can’t pull your toes forward to release from the braces. Your heels should be well forward of the ball of your foot, which is resting against the pedal. With your heel over the pedal and your foot being vertical, it is much more difficult to pull your toes forward to release the pressure on the pedals and fall out of the outfitting. The object is to push yourself into the outfitting with the ball of your foot on the pedal.
2. Now that you’ve got your footbraces set, you can proceed with tightening the Thigh Retainer in the normal fashion which is:
a. With the strap already threaded thru the buckle, put the loose end thru the tightening ring lo- cated just to one side of the buckle.
b. Now start pulling on the strap in the opposite direction of which you put it thru the tightening ring. You can now see if the padding on the strap is centered on your lap, if not, pull the foam in whatever direction is needed. To make it slide thru the side anchors easier, pull the buckle in the opposite direction of which you are pulling the foam.
c. Now the foam pad should be centered on your lap and the straps tight. You are now ready to clamp down the buckle. But, while you were cinching the strap thru the tightening ring, slack has developed between the buckle and the tightening ring. To remove this slack, maintain pressure on the straps with one hand and with the other hand, pull the buckle to the left to remove the slack and clamp it down.
d. After the buckle is clamped, be sure to remove the strap from the tightening ring. Even though the Thigh Retainer System allows for easy wet exits without releasing the buckle, re moving the strap from the ring ensures quick buckle release if needed. Pulling the end of the strap will release the Thigh Retainer.
Using the above method to adjust your Thigh Retainer should be sufficient for most people. However, if you want the most holddown possible, try this:
Once you’ve gone thru the normal tightening procedure, release your feet from the pedals, back out of the Thigh Retainer a little, reset the buckle 1 to 2 inches tighter and squeeze back into the outfitting.
If this method of tightening is used, you will experience the ultimate in holddown and comfort with the added security of quick wet exits and re-entry, plus a backup buckle release right in your lap.
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