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Old 04-15-2019, 08:45 AM   #7
KenM
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Default Elastic deck cords & perimeter ropes

As recreational kayakers we would primarily use elastic deck cords to stow some gear for handy access. When using a paddle and float to attempt a deep water re-entry the elastic deck cords are needed to hold the paddle blade in position otherwise it will just slide off the boat. Using elastic deck cords to try and pull yourself back into your boat is futile because they will just stretch when you pull. They might be useful to just grab and hold on to a smooth plastic kayak if capsized. Now... If you were a sea kayaker and intended to paddle across Lake Erie and possibly encounter high wind and big waves you would most likely be outfitted with rope perimeter lines to grab on to if capsized and attempting a re-entry.

A lot of confusing kayak "suggestions" come from the fact that there are different kinds of kayaks used for different kinds of conditions... recreational, whitewater, fishing and sea kayaks. People that tell you what you need for gear or safety rarely take into account what type of boat and conditions you paddle in. They only know what "they" do.

Much of what we need to know about safe paddling and rescue techniques is specific to moving water. -Ken

More than you want to know about deck rigging:

https://paddling.com/learn/deck-lines-rigging/
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