I believe you should be able to have foot pedals added. I'm sorry to hear that yours hurts your back...were you able to try your kayak out before you bought it? Also, they definately make adjustable seats should you wish to have your seat changed! A friend of mine just bought herself an Old Town Diringo (sp?) but she hadn't tried out the boat before she bought it...she had tried mine and a Perception Swifty...she loved the Pungo and hated the Swifty so why she didn't try out the Old Town is beyond me as the shop not only has space there to try out the boat but you can take one home and try it too. I think she liked this particular boat because it has a built in space for your fishing rod (although these can be added to any boat). Luckily for her, she loves her boat. It came with pedals and an adjustable seat and I'm happy for her that she likes it as much as she does...we were worried! About the J hooks, I see them all over the place, especially where a vehicle has 2 yaks on top. I may have to get one myself next spring as my husband is now wanting a kayak! I once took an outdoor class while I was in college. We had to do things like horseback riding, setting up tents while blindfolded, orienteering and our final was a 3 day canoe trip down the Brown River in Rhode Island. I had never been in a canoe before. I liked it well enough but I do think they are far less stable than the kayak. I also like the kayak better for it's ability to poke around the edges of the water where all the wildlife can be found. The canoe does have more room for gear and (unless you have a tandem kayak) room for a friend. :) Both are fun and the important thing, no matter if you have a kayak or a canoe, is that you are out enjoying the world. :)