Paint protective film would help, but multiple layers would probably be required. However, the real solution is a flat area incorporated into the deck design such as seen on Nick's Mystery.
Even though my Razor Billed Auk is fairly narrow, the high angled paddle stroke used in flat water marathon racing keeps the paddle more vertical, and it enters the water close to the boat, hence the paddle strikes can occur, but that's more poor technique than boat design.

Anyway, I no longer race kayaks, so I am just trying to repair the unsightly dings before offering the boat for sale.