I have been rescued, sorry to say, in some pretty bumpy water. One of which resulted in a Coast Guard pickup of some of my companions. I grab the far deck line and swim up onto the boat. Easiest thing to get a hold of. I've tried to get back into boats without lines in club rescue practices. Was not fun or easy. I like decklines. A lot. And I wouldn't own a sea kayak without them. Surf kayak? Sure. Whitewater boat? The same. Sea Kayak? Never.

Just as an aside, whitewater folks mostly have to chase the boat if they swim. That's why they emphasize the roll so much. It's a bumpy ride if they come out. I can't speak to native boats.

Personal opinion and worth every cent you paid for it. Long as everyone comes home from the paddle safe, I'm a happy guy.

: Deck lines are a stylistic choice, popularized by the British boaters. They
: become another "feature" to add to your boat.

: I don't use them on my boats. I think they sound good when you're sitting
: home digesting dinner, but in real conditions they could as easily snag on
: your PFD as you try to climb on your deck.

: Any of you really needed to grab your boat in REALLY rough conditions?

: You're going to grab the cockpit or wrap your arms around the boat before
: your start plucking with your fingertips for a little piece of line, flat
: on a deck, god forbid you should have cold numb hands.