We live across the freeway from the North Fork of the American River, but I'm afraid to try it. We use our canoe and kayaks in lakes and slow rivers.

We bought two Old Town Otter (not Offer) kayaks. The first time I tried one, my back was bad for three months; so I haven't used it since. I think the problem is that there are no foot rests, so all the strain of paddling goes to my lower back. Are there foot rests I can add to molded plastic kayaks?

We bought the Subaru kayak rack, and I don't remember if it's made by Thule or Yakima. It's a U-shaped bracket that bolts onto the cartop carrier, and then you strap the kayak to the outside of the "U" - unless it falls off before you get the straps in place. I don't see the rack available any more, so maybe other people agreed that the rack is hopeless.

I taught canoeing at a summer camp during college, so it's my canoe I love.

-Joe-