While fishing is often thought of as a relaxing endeavor, it’s also a physical activity. And with any physical activity comes the potential for aches and pains in the body.
Whether you’ve dealt with back pain from fishing for years or it’s a new phenomenon, our tips can help alleviate some of the aches, so you stay out on your boat longer.
Why Does My Back Hurt From Fishing?
No, it’s not that you’re getting old. When you’re spending time on uneven surfaces, your back puts a lot of energy into keeping you upright. Even with the smallest waves, your back is working overtime to keep you balanced.
If you’re thinking back pain is also caused by hauling in a large catch, you’d be surprised by what smaller fish can do. According to a Duke University study, even 69% of fly fishermen report back pain. Why? Overuse syndrome, or repetitive motion one uses while fishing, often leads to fatigued muscles.
Combine that with lifting fishing equipment onto your boat, and it all starts to add up. After a few hours, your muscles are tired, leaving your spine vulnerable to injury.
What Can You Do?
There are a couple of easy adjustments you can make to help alleviate back pain from fishing.
- Invest in the Right Shoes
It’s time to leave the flip flops at home. Look for tennis shoes with insoles that distribute your weight evenly and are designed with foot support in mind.
- Stretch Before You Head Out
Whether you spend your week sitting at a desk, or live a robustly active lifestyle, stretching for just 5 minutes before you head out can go a long way.
Bending over towards the ground, or making small circles with your arms makes a world of difference.
If you’re feeling mid-day back pain while fishing, take another 5 minutes and stretch again. Try experimenting to see what stretches give you the best results.
- Get the Right Seat
Your seat situation also makes a big difference in your day. As your boat rocks, even from the gentlest waves, your body absorbs that motion. As we mentioned earlier, this tires out your muscles.
A shock absorbing boat seat takes the impact of waves so your back doesn’t have to, making them a must-have addition for your boat.
Time for No-Pain Fishing with Smooth Moves
Spending time on the water shouldn’t mean dealing with aches the next day. Smooth Moves offers you the boat seat that’s best for back pain, trusted by anglers from across the country.
Check out our options designed for any pedestal style seating and if you have questions, our answers are right here. Have a specific need or inquiry? Drop us a line. We make boating comfortable so you enjoy the day fishing.
