: I also fill the floor area from the seat forward to the foot pegs. There's a
: a lot of sand abrasion that occurs there and it makes sliding in and out
: of the kayak much easier.

I put this problem in check by placing a piece of closed cell foam on the floor of the kayak just wide enough to stay in place and long enough to allow my heels a soft surface to rest upon. I can paddle barefoot in comfort...something I do from time to time because I forget to take my smelly booties along.

Robert N Pruden