[Paddlewise] beads on bungie

I was reviewing quickly some of the material in the "Skin boats of
Greenland " on this subject.
It seems the beads where used tighten loose deck line or allow  an atlatl or
other piece of equipment to  easily slip underneath the deck lines. I also
suspect that the bead prevented the paddler from accidentally "digging" into
the skin of the boat and tearing the skin  when he needed to secure his
equipment .

Since modern day Kayakers tend to emulate their ancient counterparts
sometimes the bead is unnecessary. On modern day kayaks I find beads are
needed if the bungie cord is thin and string like. Some  kayaks like P&H
and CD need  a few beads to allow a paddler to secure  their paddle
underneath. Other manufacturers like Necky and  Seaward use a thicker bungie
cord on their kayak decks.  I have never had a problem slipping a paddle
blade underneath  thicker  bungie cord  in rough waters with one hand.

Mind you  adding a few coloured beads to ones boat does make it look
attractive and it  doesn't hurt.

Has anyone found that putting  beads on their bungie cordst wears down the
gelco on their kayaks ? If so are  they wooden or plastic  beads?

Dave

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