Like other have said, Nail the first strip. You can then just clamp the next strip, no glue, and glue the rest. The nailed strip is later discarded. I did that on my second kayak, but the hole can be steamed closed. For one method (mine) of going without staples, here is a set of pictures for you. Use whatever you want, improve and experiment. The rules are not chiseled in stone... :-)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyolsen/sets/605979/with/11435677/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyolsen/collections/72157600004900707/

Good luck!!
Tony Olsen

: I'm building a hybrid night heron (first timer) and am about to put
: the first strip on for the deck. I haven't read anywhere how to
: start that first strip? I'm trying for stapleless construction
: but i don't see how thats possible one the first strip? Any
: suggestions? Also, as the first strip twists to stay flat on the
: forms a gap appears between strip and hull in the areas just
: behind and in front of the cockpit. Should i be making a rolling
: bevel on the underside of this first strip or is this a issue to
: address later when the deck is complete? Any play-by-play or
: other tips would be great!

: Thanks,

: Damian