: Hi all,
: With the many questions on reinforcing the aft deck of kayaks so the don't
: break when we sit on them, I pose the question: Why sit on the after deck
: when getting into the kayak?

: My technique is to support my weight with my arms with my hands on the
: gunwales as I get into kayaks, SoF or Hardshell.

: Curious,
: Mike Savage
: South West Cork

It's not regular entry/exit the presents a problem.

Some, not so lucky to have a bomb proof roll, will need to climb on their stern decks for a rescue, re-entry or to assist rescued paddlers re-enter their boats.

The glass lay-ups for the hull have the forces of the water pushing back when we place our body weight on the hull bottom. The same lay-up on the deck can't support the concentrated weight of the paddler. Plus the bulkhead, will create a stress riser making the deck likely to break right there, unless extra glass reinforcement is used.

For the same reasons it is prudent to add glass reinforcement to the fore deck to add strength for rescue situations. I'd hate to have to tell someone they have to find another kayak to do a T rescue with because my fore deck might not be strong enough to support the weight.

All the best,
Rob