Hello Everyone,

My question is pretty simple, I think, but I'd like to give you a little background...

I am brand new to sea kayak construction/modification and would like to ask for your advice. I recently bought a used Cirrus LT, a stitch and glue plywood kayak made from a kit by OneOceanKayaks:
http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/stitchglue/stitchkayaks.htm#cirLTanch

I brought it to the manufacturer/designer/owner of OneOceanKayaks (Vaclav Stejskal) for a consultation. He was extremely helpful and advised me on how to make a few adjustments/minor repairs. I have some woodworking experience (made a couple guitars and restored a few) so I maybe know enough to keep myself out of trouble, sometimes.

I've been sea kayaking for a number of years and have taken classes/courses and know I need to be able to rescue my own self after a wet exit. The person who built this kayak did not install any bungees (nor decklines) right behind the cockpit necessary for a self rescue (I use the paddle float technique). I'm going to install them myself but I don't know what material would be best to use for the cord: what diameter bungee cord? Or some other type of cord? Are there different bungee cord tensions? Do you know where I could purchase the cord in the New England area or East coast?

Thank you very much!
Vivian