I haven't found that to be a problem. Certainly the potential for sand exists, but spraying out the cockpit after paddle just as you would rinse the outside takes care of that. Things don't get tangled as the rope is taut. I suppose that if you stow a lot of gear in the cockpit that may be an issue as it takes up more space than typical footbraces but here is why I like it. First, it's wood, and I like wood braces on a wood boat. Second, it adjusts very easily and quickly, and can be adjusted while in the boat. Third, it's comfortable and provides plenty of support for bracing. But with all that said, "whatever floats your boat." There are so many great designs out there, and no "superior" boat or design. For me, I prefer the wooden braces on my Merganser to the standard ones on my pygmy.