Components and Adjustments

Thigh braces

Thigh braces provide better control when manoeuvring your kayak.

Thigh braces for polyethylene kayaks

BORÉALDESIGN developed and introduced in 2007 a new thigh brace system for its plastic kayaks that offers remarkable comfort and adjustment. Moreover, three minicell sections have been added to improve knee and thigh comfort.

Our two-stage design allows the paddler to achieve a high degree of fit and comfort. The first stage is in the form of a traditional thigh brace and is installed at the factory during the manufacturing process.

- Stage 1 consists of the thigh brace itself. It has the advantage to be rigid and to provide excellent support to the thigh; - Stage 2 is formed by a small dome. It is adjustable in height according to the paddler's size; it pivots on itself and also slides in Stage 1 (thigh brace). Stage 2 can be installed only on a kayak that is already equipped with the Stage 1.

Stage 1 is factory-installed in the following kayaks:

• Inukshuk
• Fjell with rudder*
• Fjell with skeg*
• Sedna
• Baffin*
• Muktuk
• Epsilon*

* Stage 2 is also provided with the Baffin, Fjell and Epsilon. The paddler can choose to install it or not, according to his/her size and preferences.

Our thigh brace system (Stage 1, or Stages 1 and 2) also fits the following plastic kayaks:

Kasko Ookpik Esperanto

If you wish to order and install the Stage 1 in your plastic kayak :

Installation stage 1

Installation stage 2

When you purchase the thigh brace system, the screws and complete instructions for its installation are also provided.

Thigh braces for composite kayaks

Thigh braces are featured in all our composite kayaks except the Narwhal and Beluga models. If you prefer not having thigh braces in your kayak, they may be removed. Use a rotary tool equipped with a blade and carefully cut along the line you traced in the cockpit. A fine white line will remain, delineating the fibreglass. To avoid the presence of this line, order your composite kayak without thigh braces.