USE WASTED SPACE


Expedition paddler and wooden kayak designer Bryan Hansel says, “When I’m spending eight hours a day in my kayak, I like to have a handy place to organize snacks, sunscreen and other frequently used items. I don’t like reaching behind in a blind attempt to find a small item in the day hatch. I installed a North Water under-deck bag between my knees to hold all the loose gear that’s hard to find elsewhere.”


Squeeze 20 liters or more of extra space from the area be- tween your foot pegs and the forward bulkhead—perfect for a large dry bag. Epoxy a vinyl D-ring anchor to the in- side of your kayak near the bulkhead and use a short lan- yard to clip the dry bag in place.


LINE THE DECKS


If your kayak doesn’t have full perimeter deck lines, add them now. Deck lines provide you with a secure place to hold on after a capsize and make it a lot easier for rescuers to handle your boat.


To install deck lines, first measure the perimeter of your boat and add 12 inches to allow for slack. Deck eyelets and 1/8- inch diameter rope are available from sailing shops.


BUNGEE FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY


Writer and expedition kayaker Derrick Mayo- leth says, “String one- to two-inch wooden beads (found at art supply stores) onto the deck bungees to keep the cord off the deck so you can easily slide your spare paddle underneath.”


CARE FOR FEET


Adventure Kayak senior editor Virginia Marshall says the most rewarding customization she made to her 16-foot Valley Avocet for a recent 50-day expedition was pad- ding out the foot area. “If you like paddling barefoot or with open-heeled shoes, glue or friction-fit a rectangle of closed-cell foam—an old sleeping pad works well—to the hull below the foot pegs. It cushions and insulates, keeping feet comfy and warm.”


David Johnston is a sea kayak instructor and creator of the outdoor industry resource site, www.paddlinginstructor.com.


A bungee bead makes


paddle storage a snap. PHOTO: HANS HEUPINK


www.adventurekayakmag.com 43


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