Perhaps that's a good argument for always adding full perimeter deck lines to our kayaks?

You made this a question, not a statement.

It was not my intent to attack you. Your replies seem to take on a adversarial stance.

Your post said:

"Rob,
You're actually advising to not use perimeter lines? Really?
The website shows this: 
http://www.laughingloon.com/boat4sale.html"

Two false statements linked together do not create a truth.

This is insulting. I will accept the apology I will never get from you.

Thanks for the plug.

I continue this line in the hope our many observers will embrace the idea, to question "the norm" and what they want from paddling and realize there is a great diversity to "paddling".

If you only conceive of "paddling" as rough water paddling, then you have bought into the whole British style of paddling which has be heavily marketed through "Paddling" magazines and through aggressive "Professional Paddling Coaches" most or all from BCU (British Canoe Union) sources.

And of course, deck lines are a part of the program, their dogma.

So if this is "paddling" to you, I can understand your reaction to another point of view.

There are many "Styles" of paddling, not all of which are looking for trouble or "adventure". And there are many "dogmas" about the "right way".

I paddled White Water for years and we were definitely "looking for trouble" every time we went out. If you didn't have a combat roll you didn't paddle, period.

It seems odd, but it was only recently I realized, I don't like to paddle (sea kayaking), not for paddling sake.

I've been paddling with a group out of Portland and their trips are often, go fast, and straight line to some distant off shore island. I can do this, but I realized this was not fun.

This experience was good because it became clear to me, I like to explore!

I like to follow convoluted coast lines and island mazes. I've been on power boats and sail boats where you stayed well off shore to avoid underwater obstacles. Close in to shore is exactly where I want to be. Maine and Georgian Bay of Lake Huron are explorer's paradise and this is where I paddle.

I carry charts, GSP, VHF radio, paddle float, pump, spare paddle, and carefully consider weather, tides, distances, stopping places and bail out spots. I can roll and self rescue. I think that's good coverage for exploring.

Of course people around the world have different local conditions which shape their paddling options.

If your plan is to head for rough water then follow the British dogma, they wrote the book, have deck lines.

I would bet 90% of paddlers are not rough water paddlers.

Ever hear of the Delmarva Retreat? Hard core Greenland action. I went out there one year. Three days of rolling. Nothing else. No paddling anywhere. One day of rolling all day was enough for me.

If you went over to one of those people a bitched about deck lines, or tried to rescue them you're likely to get a tuilik up side the head.

This writing is tricky stuff. Things get taken differently than you intend. I see many responders who don't read or think about what's written in the post they respond to. Like at a party where everyone is waiting for a millisecond of a pause to state their opinion. No one is listening.

If I reach one person out there, who reflects, and says to themselves, yah, I'm an explorer, I'm cruiser, I'm health nut, or I'm a rough water paddler, and this is why what I find fun about paddling. Then you're a leg up, and you don't have to follow the crowd doing something you don't find fun.

There are a lot of ways to paddle. Keep it fun.