I'm about to undergo a total hip replacement in December and I'm wondering if there is any experience out there on getting back into a kayak after surgery. I'm 53 (around the average age of Sea Kayaker mag readers it seems) and am in a Necky Chatham 16. I'm in decent shape, also being an ultimate frisbee player (and wondering about playing that again after surgery too!)

Are there issues for just getting back in the boat, and once that is accomplished, any effect on rolling (hip flicks??) etc? Anything else I haven't thought to ask??

Richard

Richard, I paddle fairly regularly with two friends who each have had a hip replacement. One is contemplating having the other hip done soon. They received all sorts of pro and con input from various doctors, but just decided to go kayaking. They don't leap into their boats (Caribou and Romany) but otherwise all is well.

I know it's a little late to reply, but I just joined the forum. I had a left THR (total hip replacement) 6 yrs ago and then the right side last yr and I'm 64 now. Less than a year later I was backpacking and kayaking again. I don't see hip flicks as being risky for people with successful THR's. Running, jumping, skiing or inward rotations of the upper leg would be risky, depending on the surgical attachment method. You should discuss with your ortho surgeon. Some movements will always have risk with a THR. Kayaking looks safe but ask your doc.