How to Install a Kneeling Pad in a Canoe

Canoes are small boats originally designed by Native Americans for river and lake travel. Canoes are very versatile. They can be loaded for a long trip, carried on the head from lake to lake, or raced through whitewater. Although most canoes have built in seats at the front and back for paddlers, they are also great solo boats. To keep control of a canoe while soloing, the canoeist must kneel low in the middle of the boat, where there are no seats. A kneeling pad makes this much more comfortable and is easy to install.

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width of your canoe at its center, near the thwart (the bar that bridges the two side walls of the canoe).

    • 2

      Buy a kneeling pad that fits your canoe. Available from from any outdoor outfitter, kneeling pads are generally made of water-resistant neoprene, with one soft surface for your knees and one gripping surface to hold to the canoe bottom.

    • 3

      Put the canoe in the water, and climb in on your knees. Move around slowly until you find the spot where the canoe feels most stable.

    • 4

      Lay your kneeling pad down on the canoe floor and center it onto the stable spot.

    • 5

      Glue down your kneeling pad. This is optional, as many canoeists prefer to be able to remove the pad and hang it up to dry after a day's canoeing. If you decide to affix it, use resorcinol-based glue, which won't degrade in wet or severe weather conditions. This is often sold as "boat glue." Never nail or staple down a kneeling pad, as that will cause a leak in the canoe.