For what it's worth, I have size 12 feet and squeeze them into a low-volume Outer Island. I raised the deck 1/2". Footroom is fine, but I wear neoprene booties or aqua-socks. My Arctic Tern has similar dimensions to the Walrus, and it had lots of foot room, even with the T-nut-mounted footpegs. Obviously your son has paddled the kayak and must have determined that he wanted to raise the deck, but I would have to question the need for this with farily average-sized feet...

Dean