I have both the back rest and the hooter. i think its the best thing for me it adds alot of excitment in 8 to 10 knots of wind even with two adults. With one person and I weigh 180 its no sweat to fly a hull. The only thing left to do on my wave is to put a diamond spreader on the mast (it bends with the hooter). To tack the hooter I find it best to furl it first.As far as the back rest go when I put them on I thought I would take them off from time to time but I never do they are comfortable I never get a stiff back. I never sit up on them because they said not to but maybe its ok.I sail my wave about three times aweek in the summer I have raced it but not one design so it just doesn't compete well in open class sailing but for crusing around its fun. My recomondation is if you have the money wy not.