I see you are just 32 but presume you took a few years off from paddling. During the week you should really look into possible considering exercises to strengthen your core muscles. The pain in your back is trying to communicate that you are pushing your spine and discs to hard. When the outer disks bulge and start leaking fluid you aren't going to get that fluid back and you are setting yourself up for having much more back pain later on in life.
I think kayaking blew out my back years ago. I haven't had back surgery or anything but I've had episodes lasting months of severe pain associated with activity from YEARS ago.
I don't can't paddle anymore. The position specifically places way to much pressure on the exact ONE disk I have damaged.
You aren't 18 anymore and just being an adult with a job and kids weakens inner core muscles. The muscles in your back may not be strong enough to handle the LARGE uptake in activity you are placing upon them. GAL but be careful too.
The internet is 90% complaining and entitlement and I hate it because I deserve better!
