Here are some other thoughts

[boatbuster]

If it works well for you, don't change it. Outfitting is highly subjective.

I like what you did with the big padded blocks to brace your feet against. Got to be more comfortable than Yakimas. I hope those blocks stay in.

Re. The duct tape. It looks like you used that to add a couple of thin layers of foam pad. You can of course buy more mini-cell in whatever thickness you want and add it to the top of the saddle with contact cement. I would be concerned about that duct tape tearing up and the goo getting on a dry suit.

I'm a big believer in bulkheads and I have always been able to get mine tight enough to suit me. However after seeing the kind of boating and rolling you do I respect your outfitting choices. I just don't like straps, especially crossing high on the thigh like that and requiring unbuckling to to get out.

Re. back deck pin. Thankfully I have never had that happen. The key to gettingout of a bulkhead is of course sliding your feet off the pegs, but it would be very difficult if you were pinned backwards. I am less concerned coming out of a front pin.

Reading the post above about Little River falls makes me realize the crazy stuff we do in canoes. Phil, is that the same accident captured in Tales of the Paddlesnake?

[boatbuster]

Arggghhhh, I did it again. This is supposed to go under the Prelude outfitting post.