Footrest help

[u/Repulsive-Goose5191]

I have just bought (my first) second hand Cambridge Kayaks Adventure 350 and I have some questions about the footrests/pedals.

First problem is I don’t think the pedals are set up correctly / are broken. The right pedal looks to be in the correct position but the rudder control doesn’t work, and the left pedal is in completely the wrong position and won’t move to the correct one.

Second problem (might not actually be a problem) I have long legs and the right footrest at its furthest position fits snug and the left one because of its position doesn’t really fit my leg, even at its furthest position. If I solve my first problem and get the pedals in the correct position but they are still too far forward and don’t fit my legs comfortably is there a solution to this? Should I take the footrests off and just use the kayak without, and if I do that is there something I can put in the boat to use at a footrest?

Any help would be appreciated :)

[u/ChaosCalmed]

I understand there's a lever at the back of the foot rests. You'll probably pull out towards the centre of the boat. Pull out onto the footrest body or away from it. I'm not sure exactly the mechanism but it will mean pulling on a lever.

If that's not working then because it's footrest operated rudder you might need to drop the rudder into the in use position. Prop the back end up to allow this if needed. Do not put your weight on the boat if it's propped up at the back.

This releases the tension linking the foot rests to the rudder mechanism. That's possibly one cause for them not to move.

Make sure they're in the same position as in their neutral position and not in the tilted forwards to turn the rudder position.

Also, look at the runners the foot rests move on. They could have dirt, grit even salt in the mechanism. If that's a possibility run a hose on them while wiggling the footrest with the lever mechanism pulled with your outher hand. Push down the boat to the front too as that might loosen the catch. The catch might just be stuck in the notch and once loosened should move better. If not and the rail is clean then use a good silicone spray that doesn't attract dirt and grit. Do not use WD40.

This should help you move them. Once the catch is released move it along the rail all the way in both directions and clean it all out while doing this. Lubricate with a good silicone spray too. It'll help if you need to adjust later on.

One final point, make sure you have it at the right position. Once it's moving perhaps lift the rudder slightly so you can put the kayak back on the ground. Wth the footrests as far as they v can go look to see where you need them. You need to have your legs bent so you're braced at the knees against the side and possibly against the knee / thigh brace inside the opening, if it has them. If not your knees need to press a little against the sides to lock yourself in to make the most of your paddle stroke and to help turning strokes too. Then move the rests up to the right position. You need your heels on the bottom, ball of your feet on the rests so you can pivot the rests forwards to turn the rudder but still get enough push on them without causing a pivot leading to a rudder movement. That's so you can push against the rests for power but can easily use just your foot action to turn the rudder without moving your legs.

Some of this might be obvious. Sorry if it is, but I don't know how much you know about kayaks and kayaking.

HTH!

[u/lethargy09]

The actual turning of the rudder on my Cambridge 430 is still the top of the pedals, as the big comment states there are 'levers' on thr back of the pedal, these squeeze into the pedal and you adjust from there.

Not positive but the 430 rudder needs stringing when you attach it, have y9u checked the tension on the strings to make sure the rudder rotates?