Legs falling asleep, a sore behind, and a sore back are some of the most common complaints among paddlers and are usually the result of an uncomfortable seat. In 2001, the engineers at Confluence Watersports developed the Phase3 Outfitting seating system that gives boaters infinite adjustability to their seating position for a customized and comfortable seating system. Last week the US Patent Office issued a patent to Confluence Watersports for the system.
“Phase3 has differentiated our leading brand, Wilderness Systems, from our competitors, and the patent only further recognizes how unique a system it truly is,” said Kelley Woolsey, VP of Marketing and Sales, Confluence Watersports. “As an industry, we have consistently focused on a boat's on-water performance, but we have found almost more than anything else that if a boat isn't comfortable, people aren't going to paddle it.”
“We set out to create a system that would adapt to each paddler's unique body type allowing them to paddle longer without fatigue,” said Robert McDonough, Director of Research and Development, Confluence Watersports, and the leader of the team that developed the patented design. “Phase3 gives paddlers the support and adjustability they need for a comfortable and enjoyable paddling experience.”
Phase3 incorporates an adjustable thigh support system that reduces leg fatigue and keeps legs from falling asleep, common paddler complaints. To support the back, the Phase3 design has an independent seat back that can be raised and lowered as well as adjusted forward and back. All adjustments can easily be made while seated in the boat.
Filed in May of 2001 Confluence Watersports was issued patent number 6,736,084 on May 18, 2004. The Phase3 Outfitting system and other derivations of the design are used in Confluence Watersports' Wilderness Systems touring and recreational kayaks and Wave Sport whitewater kayaks.
