Is kayaking hard on the lower back?

[Wakeup]

I had a lower back injury a few years ago, and I'm worried that it may irritate the old injury again. I have never had the opportunity to sit in one yet, but it looks stressful on the lower back. I really would like to give it a try though because it looks like tons of fun. Anyone with experience want to offer their opinion?

[tater03]

I found it more harder on my shoulder muscles but that could have just been my experience. I would think that you would be using your back muscles.

[jason]

You have a back rest that help ease any pain you may have. You may be working out some new muscles your first few times out so you may get sore from that. Some kayak places are on the water and will let you try them out before you buy. Those are usually short trips however. What I would recommend is going to a kayak rental place and just renting one a few times. I say a few times because again, you may get sore your first time out. This way you get a feel to see if it is right for you.

[failghe]

I had a SOT that hurt my back sometimes because the backrest was low and dug in a little. You can add different back padding. I miss my canoe though.