: They are a must unless you are just playing around along the shore.

Some SOF kayakers also use a sea-sock, which can also be backed up with float bags for added safety.

Pavia Lumholt has developed a way to produce fabric bulkheads for SOF kayaks that shows promise. Pavia is looking to publish this information soon.

The first issue of the MASIK (Qajaq USA's online newsletter) features an interesting way to "de-water" a flooded SOF. The current issue of the MASIK has an excellent article on making a sea-sock. These newsletters can be downloaded at the link below. Each issue contains articles on Greenland kayaking and kayak building. You will recognize many names from this forum and the Greenland forum.

Greg Stamer