Our hikingbench's have been tried and indeed purchased
by sailors of many different dinghy class associations, from around the
World. By listening to their ideas and comments we are now able to offer
four versions, shown above. We are always help to discuss your needs Contact
Us The types of dinghy listed are
a guide only, not a definitive application list and are largely made from
sailors’ opinions.
Improve your efficiency on the water by using
the hikingbench™
Practise your hiking technique and good posture off
of the water, so that good posture becomes a habit on the water! Just
5 or 10 minutes a day on the hikingbench™,
is the easy way to strengthen your hiking muscles and abdominal core muscles.
The hikingbench is ideal for sailing clubs to teach
good posture and correct hiking positions on dry land.
About the bench
The hikingbench is constructed from aluminum extrusion
which provides a strong, yet light weight assembly. The whole unit is
held together with ergonomically designed hand wheel nuts to allow for
easy assembly, transport and storage and was awarded
design registration number 4012136
The hikingbench is fitted with the
Sailing Solutions adjustable toe-strap and has a sliding seat position
to match most dinghies.
The seat (designed to simulate the deck section)
is made from a special grade of polycarbonate plastic which is strong,
rigid, crack resistant and fire resistant.
The history of hiking out
Paul Elvstrøm Olympic
gold medallist transformed dinghy sailing by pioneering the technique
of hiking out. He was the first to fix toe-straps, in the bottom of his
dinghy, so that he could hook his feet underneath the straps. Thus enable
him to get all his body weight, from the knees upwards, outside the boat.
This provided significant leverage to enable the boat to remain level
in stronger winds and hence go faster than his competitors. This revolutionised
dinghy racing and quickly became the norm in all dinghy classes.
This technique required significant fitness.
Elvstrøm built a training bench with toe-straps in his garage to
replicate the sitting-out position in his dinghy. He then trained on dry
land hiking out on the bench at home.
The hikingbench development story
During the early part of the 2009 sailing season
prototypes were shown to Topper squad sailors at a number of Traveler
and National events. During this period we have noted the sailors' comments
and the product has evolved to meet sailors' and potential retailers'
wishes. From this the original flat Classic hiking version for Toppers
and Lasers was made and extensively tested.
During September 2009 www.hikingbench.com was launched and the product advertised on Yachts & Yachting. Since
then we have exported hikingbench all over the World. The original style
Classic hikingbench is currently being used by a large number of sailors
who sail dinghies including Laser, Topper, Solo, Star and RS100.
We then moved on to create a taller version suitable
for the Finn dinghy known as the Elite Hikingbench. This needed considerable
reinforcement to the structure due to the hiking style and forces involved.
Without the help and encouragement from members of the Finn class this
would not have been possible. This bench is suitable for other class with
the bent knee style of hiking
On the 6th and 7th March 2010 the hikingbench was
exhibited at the RYA Dinghy show. Many sailors form different class associations
tried the demonstration models on the stand, and we received enquiries
regarding the possibility of mounting the Finn style seat on the flat
hikingbench by RS500 & Supernova owners. Hence a third type the Classic
N Hikingbench was added to the range.
At The 2011 RYA Volvo Dinghy Show
we added the Laser Pro Hikingbench with a double seat to match the Laser's
deck width.
Whats new for 2012?
At The 2012 RYA Volvo Dinghy Show
we showed a new toe-strap mounting on the Laser Pro Hikingbench
developed with Paul Goodison to give more of a real Laser feel. This was awarded
design registration number 4023026 February 2012 Click |