good questions Posted by: andy on Jun-17-12 10:46 AM (EST)
Keep whistle/light/VHF and other safety gear on or in PFD. Water and snacks need to be handy. I keep my water bladder on rear deck with tube velcroed to PFD strap for hands-free drinking. I can still climb over bladder for exit or re-entry over rear deck. My pump is in cockpit, under fore deck. I have seen rigid and fabric/mesh shelves under some fore decks. Most like to keep deck in front clear of stuff be it for wind resistance or center of gravity. A paddle partner can access your front or rear hatch if you are in cockpit. If not, see if you can climb onto front or rear deck and get into it. Is also good balance practice. You can always land somewhere too to get into hatches. Try some methods out and see what works best for you, conditions and length of trip/leg.