Equipment: Deck Lines

Deck lines are sections of nylon shock cord permanently attached to your kayak. Deck lines primarily serve two purposes; first as a way of attaching gear that you want easily accessible, such as water bottles, bilge pumps and spare paddles.

The second purpose of a deck line is to help you in a self-rescue after a wet exit from the kayak. Grabbing the deck line is much easier than trying to hold on to the combing or round shell of the kayak. Most touring style boats have an arrangement of deck lines located behind the cockpit that can be used with a paddle and paddle float to provide stability when re-entering a flooded kayak.