> Anybody have a recommended configuration for foredeck rigging? My dad
> built me a kayak and left the rigging up to me. I plan to use shock cord,
> but I haven't used the boat much, so I don't know what items it should
> accommodate or how. For example, can it be arranged to maximize map
> readability? Can I put a camelbak under it and drink without removing it?

I use 1/4" bungee in a "boxed X" configuration on the foredeck. Under the bungies goes a spare paddle and a Hydrapack. The other end of the paddle goes under a single bungee loop near the bow. The Hydrapack is similar to a Camelback, just better (ok, I'm biased because the guys who developed the Hydrapack are friends of mine, and they gave me a cool one-of-a-kind prototype- but the valve is really much better than the Camelback bite valve). I keep necessities such as sun screen, lip balm and energy bars in the water bag, and the hose is long enough to allow drinking without removing the bag. A common mistake is to place the bungee too close to the cockpit. Make sure the bungee is far enough forward so that whatever you place under them won't hinder your paddle stroke.

Rick Rubio