Deck lines are an essential safety system for a rough water sea kayak. They don't have them on river boats because the water is going one way. You and the boat will get down river like it or not. On sea kayaks, where the wind may push you one way and the waves the other, they have various safety functions. They make it easier to hang onto your boat in case of capsize. If the boat gets away from you, it is easier for someone else to hold onto it once they catch it. Even if you keep hold of the boat, the lines make it a lot easier for someone to rescue you. Last and most common, they give your paddling partners something to grab onto when you raft up for a rest or snack or whatever. There are those who hate the idea of breaking up the lines of their pretty wood boat with all that rope. I respect em, but I won't paddle with them. I may need the rescue, I may have to rescue them. Either way, deck lines give us something to grab if the time comes. Put them on your boat. You will be happy you did.

: What is the purpose for the bungees (or maybe they're ropes) that run the
: length of the deck in this kayak.
: thanks