Attaching things to your deck...

[zirkel]

Relatively noob here who just upgraded to a 14' x 26" racing/touring board. 

I like long flatwater paddles on performance-oriented boards and have been surprised that MOST manufacturers don't include deck tie down points on ALL their board models.  These are usually included on touring or all-around boards, but not performance/racing boards.  This seems like such a simple gesture that wouldn't necessarily adversely affect weight or performance, but allows you to strap gear or a small dry bag to your deck.

There's a product called Sup Pocket that would meet my needs, but I'm not sure how the four suction cups would hold up when the pack is weighted with gear.  Additionally, $50 is a bit over-priced, in my mind, for a simple mesh pack and four suction cups.  And I don't want to glue anything to the deck of my new board.

Anyone else deal with this dilemma?

Thanks!

[PonoBill]

Yeah, but glueing is the right way to solve the problem. I like the NSI soft mounts.
http://www.bigwinds.com/sup/category/111/product/2039

[Off-Shore]

I wear a CamelBak SUP hydration pack for my longer paddles and it holds everything I need. If I need more I pack in a dry pack and attach to the handle in the middle of my race board between my feet. Works well.

You could also try buying some of the suction cups and making your own set up. I'm not sure about the U.S. but the UK Amazon has a set of 4 cups for less than USD4. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0079X5RGS/ref=pd_aw_sim_diy_4/276-3865754-0237432?refRID=0240YJT78SS68T98W0MT

[blueplanetsurf]

The reason manufacturers don't put them on most race and high performance surfing boards is because anything tied to the deck creates a lot of drag when water washes over the deck, so while it's nice to have tie downs for touring and fair weather paddling, as soon as you have some chop or waves, it will affect performance and you are better off wearing your gear on your body if you care about board speed.  Also, tie downs do add weight and if you are spending hundreds of dollars extra for carbon construction to save a few pounds, the four plugs and resin weigh enough to make a difference.

[Badger]

I'll second the NSI soft mounts. I have them on my M-14 and they work well.

http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=338&idcategory=93

I tried the suction cup route. Even tried some big three inch ones. You just can't depend on them to stay put and they don't look as nice.

Most of the time a bungee does the job to carry things like sandals and belt pack pfd, plus it provides a place to put my shirt if it gets too hot.

When I want to carry a lot of stuff like food, water, wallet, phone, extra clothes, I use this bag. Shop around. I think I got mine for $29.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/nrs/big-haul-mesh-deck-bag/

This one looks good too and for less money.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/seattle-sports/mesh-deck-bag/

[SUPJorge]

I bought a 4-suction cup mesh (not the SUPpocket, but functionally identical) and was thoroughly disappointed. It's not exactly in the spirit of the "pay it forward" challenge, but you can have mine if you want it (and if I can find it). 
Everyone I know swears by the NSI tabs but, fortunately for me, the handle on my board allows me to bungee almost anything to it. What type of board/handle do you have?

[Roundhouse]

I just ordered a Surfco EZ-Plug Peel and Stick Surface Mounted Leash Plug for a forward grab on my SUP. For five years I used a windsurfing rubber handle on the nose of a longboard style SUP to aid in paddling out though beach break and it worked great. It was a little obtrusive and required two small deck plugs. On this more aggressive shape I'm going to try a rail saver tied to this plug about 12 inches from the nose. I wear paddling gloves primarily for sun protection but give me a good grip. When I bury the paddle and grab the rail saver on the tail if works great. I hate being so close to the fins and it takes precious seconds away when trying to get to you feet and accelerate outside. Worst case the SUP ends up on the end of the 12' leash. I have had good luck with Surfco rail tape adhesion and even removal but have got away from using tape. Just too ugly.

[MtnSUPSKI]

Yeah, but glueing is the right way to solve the problem. I like the NSI soft mounts.
http://www.bigwinds.com/sup/category/111/product/2039

I have a rotomolded street fighter I use for fishing (i have a scotty flush mounted on rear behind deck pad for my fly rod) and want to put on the NSI soft mounts on front. The street fighter comes with a dry hatch (very limited space), and would also like to bungee gear down, do they stick to plastic well?

[Badger]

I just found a Seattle Sports mesh bag on sale for only $16.08 plus shipping so I bought it. It was the last one they had.

https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&gws_rd=ssl#q=Seattle+Sports+Mesh+Kayak+Deck+Bag&hl=en&tbm=shop&spd=18315368901341658164

The SS bag is a little smaller than the NRS Big Haul bag and will fit the M-14 better.

The NRS bag will go on my girlfriends board so now we'll both have one.

[PonoBill]

Far as I can tell they stick to about anything. The tough part is getting them off if you decide you don't want them where you stuck them.

[stoneaxe]

I somehow missread the subject and thought this was a post on male enhancement or something.....not that I need it or anything.....

[Badger]

Far as I can tell they stick to about anything. The tough part is getting them off if you decide you don't want them where you stuck them.

Have you tried to remove them? I'd sure like to here how it went.

I was thinking a razor blade scraper might work.

[PonoBill]

I started to try to reposition one but realized it wasn't going to happen without destroying the tiedown. So I decided it was fine where it is. They don't get in the way.

[coldsup]

Camelback for me.

[zirkel]

All good input.

My gf ties a windshell to the carry handle of her Speed Board.  That would drive me nuts having something between my feet on the deck.  I understand what you're saying about the weight on the deck and added drag but, for my purposes (think flatwater day touring), I'd rather not carry anything on my back if possible.  I'll check out the NSI soft mounts.

Thanks!