It is very rare that one will be transporting bricks. I have only done it on a few occasions.

Fibreglass boats will sink if totally flooded, yet very few people add positive buoyancy to them.

A cedar boat is not going to sink, even totally flooded.

A capsized kayak actually takes on less water than you might expect, unless you come out in rolling surf.

I wouldn't go adding any permanently fixed buoyancy until you have used the boat. Take it down to some sheltered shallow water and put it through its paces... Capsize yourself a few times, without a spray deck at first, and then with a spray deck (don't bump your head on the bottom), try to fill the boat with water, lift the stem and empty it out in the water, in general, see how the boat feels, how buoyant it actually is, practice scrambling in while in the water, try kneeling in the boat, try standing up in the boat, try sitting on the back deck with your feet over the sides, then try doing the same with your feet in the cockpit while using the paddle to balance.

Think to yourself, if I was a ten year old kid, what would I be trying next.

Messing around like that will teach you loads about the characteristics of your boat, and your confidence will quadruple once you are as happy outside of your boat as you are inside it. I you can get your head around the notion that kayaking is a wet sport, you are going to have fun.... And a load less stress.

Actually, I should take my own advice and do a messing around session again.

A GENTLEMAN GETS IN DRY AND GETS OUT DRY...

Et