need to know your design well, then design where the breaks should/could be and then if it will work go for it, or slightly modify the design to make it work. lay some strips down to get a feel for what will happen and add backers in difficult areas.

1/simplest is to build across, making joints where the xsect shape dictates (abrupt change) rather than any arbitrary sheer location, then after whole is built, just cut across where the 'sheer' would be with a thin blade saw thru the pattern. if the strips are fairly large, they will line up ok.

2/next is to forget about the sheer and plan the breaks around logical parts of the pattern. espec if the pattern is fine. if it undercuts the forms somewhat, precut and splice together the relevant forms so you can dismantle them to pull the appropriate parts off.
or if you don't really care, just cut the form - i've done that. always could fix or remake if wanted.

it really depends on your nature than anything else. its just wood that can be made to do amazing things if you want it. if its your first yak and you want to paddle, keep it all simple and achievable, if it's more of a building project, what the heck - if it doesnt work, simplify the pattern and cut out the hard parts or paint the tough parts over. might have to do that on parts of my present yak!!