I just read "Deep Trouble". What a great book! I noticed that many of the accidents turned desparate when the kayak and/or paddle floated away from the paddler. This was especially the case when a solo paddler got into trouble. Most of my paddling is done solo, so I want to figure out how to correctly tether myself to my paddle and my boat. The trick is to setup the tethering so I won't notice it under normal conditions (i.e. it has to be comfortable and out of the way) and so I can untether rapidly should saftey require me to do so. What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. --Tim *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
On Tue, Mar 24, 1998 at 08:18:37AM -0800, Tim Mattson wrote: > What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about > tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. Nothing. Hold onto the paddle if you think you're going to need it. (The *last* thing I want is any kind of rope or line attached to me.) ---Rsk *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Rich is *always* in the surf zone, so to speak. In his teva's I wouldn't use a leash, either. >///:>Chris Hardenbrook<:\\\< Sunny Southern California Rich Kulawiec wrote: > On Tue, Mar 24, 1998 at 08:18:37AM -0800, Tim Mattson wrote: > > What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about > > tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. > > Nothing. Hold onto the paddle if you think you're going to need it. > > (The *last* thing I want is any kind of rope or line attached to me.) > > ---Rsk *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Tim Mattson wrote: > > I just read "Deep Trouble". What a great book! > > I noticed that many of the accidents turned desparate > when the kayak and/or paddle floated away from the > paddler. This was especially the case when a solo > paddler got into trouble. > > Most of my paddling is done solo, so I want to figure > out how to correctly tether myself to my paddle and my > boat. The trick is to setup the tethering so I won't notice > it under normal conditions (i.e. it has to be comfortable > and out of the way) and so I can untether rapidly should > saftey require me to do so. > > What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about > tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. I paddle solo without a spare paddle. But even if I were to have a spare paddle, I would still tether. My tether is between the paddle and the boat. One with out the other is of limited use. I feel I can always hang on to my paddle in a capsize and will still have my boat. Or if I drop the paddle and hang on to the boat, the paddle will not float away. The tether is a commercial one, forget the brand, and consists of a hook on one end that goes through a d-ring on your deck and a velvro strap on the other end that wraps around the paddle shaft. It has about 4 feet or so of bungee between that can be adjusted to a shorter length which is advisable (to shorten you pull the bungee out its holder at the paddle end, cut off what you don't need and reinsert). It is lightweight and hardly noticeable. There are dangers in tethers, mainly the risk of entanglement. I would agree with Rich on this especially if you are relying on a roll for a self-rescue. That's why I carry a sheath knife on my PFD. Myknife has no sharp point and no sharp blade, just a serrated blade on one side. It can not easily hurt my fabric deck nor me. The knife is also tethered to my PFD. If I drop it I can retrieve with the tether and grab the knife even blindly with no danger of slicing myself as the serrations only work if pulled along a surface, i.e. I can accidentally grab the blade with no harm to myself. The knife tether is long enough that I can cut the tether in case it entangles me. Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we first move to tether. So have a knife too. ralph -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Tim, My own, and I far as I can tell the most popular solution among those who use leashes, is a leash from the boat to the paddle, not to the paddler. You want it long enough not interfere with strokes, sweeps and braces, yet short enough not to entangle you when paddling or wet exiting. Bungi cord of a sturdy thickness works, though knots in bungi have a tendency to work themselves out, and must be regularly inspected. There are also squeeze crimpons available for bungi that eliminate this problem. One commercial product uses a sort of super "telephone" curled cord to achieve the variable length. One important point often overlooked with leashes. People imagine the cord need only be strong enough to hold the paddle itself. In fact if you swim in waves and are grasping the paddle, the cord may have the weight of the loaded boat on one end being pulled away from your weight on the other. So both the cord and its attachment point to the boat must be strong. At 08:18 AM 3/24/98 -0800, you wrote: > >I just read "Deep Trouble". What a great book! > >I noticed that many of the accidents turned desparate >when the kayak and/or paddle floated away from the >paddler. This was especially the case when a solo >paddler got into trouble. > >Most of my paddling is done solo, so I want to figure >out how to correctly tether myself to my paddle and my >boat. The trick is to setup the tethering so I won't notice >it under normal conditions (i.e. it has to be comfortable >and out of the way) and so I can untether rapidly should >saftey require me to do so. > >What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about >tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. > >--Tim > >*************************************************************************** >PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List >Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net >Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ >*************************************************************************** > **************************************** Mountain Equipment Co-op 1655 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 Tel: 640-732-1989 Fax: 604-731-6483 email: pid_at_mec.ca Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca ***************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I am confused. Why would I tether the paddle to the boat rather than to me? I can see how a short lesh between my wrist and the paddle would work, but I can't see why a longer (i.e. more tangle-prone) tether to the boat would be better. Remember, I would have a quick release mechanism of some kind on the tether. Also, I already have a knife on my PFD (it looks cool). So in an emergency I could get the tether off. With a connection to the boat, though, I worry that the longer tether might get in the way of a roll or some extreme bracing. -- Tim *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Tim, My own thoughts on why a tether from paddle to boat rather than paddle to paddler. I'm sure others will have different ideas. As long as you can develop the reflex of holding on to your paddle while wet exiting, and as long as the paddle is leashed to the boat, if you have the paddle, you have the boat. There's even a little shock absorption in this system: Should the boat get slammed by a huge wave you can let the paddle shaft run through your fingers or in extreme circumstances, let go altogether. If on the other hand (so to speak) the paddle is tethered to you, during a wet exit you are using one hand to pop the skirt, and one hand to hold on to the boat so you won't lose it while coming to the surface. The paddle on its leash is spinning around you unpredictably. Should the cockpit rim be torqued out of your hand as you surface, you must now chase your boat while hampered by your paddle. (There is a technique for "swimming with your paddle" basically holding it in front of your body and paddling with it, but having tried it, it's much slower that normal swimming with a PFD). Basically it boils down to the boat and the paddle are not much use without one another. There's little point in "saving" the paddle unless you have the boat as well. Hope this is food for thought. Philip Torrens At 10:35 AM 3/24/98 -0800, you wrote: > >I am confused. Why would I tether the paddle to >the boat rather than to me? I can see how a >short lesh between my wrist and the paddle would >work, but I can't see why a longer (i.e. more >tangle-prone) tether to the boat would be better. > >Remember, I would have a quick release mechanism of >some kind on the tether. Also, I already have a knife >on my PFD (it looks cool). So in an emergency I could >get the tether off. With a connection to the boat, though, >I worry that the longer tether might get in the way >of a roll or some extreme bracing. > >-- Tim > >*************************************************************************** >PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List >Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net >Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ >*************************************************************************** > **************************************** Mountain Equipment Co-op 1655 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 Tel: 640-732-1989 Fax: 604-731-6483 email: pid_at_mec.ca Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca ***************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
On Tue, 24 Mar 1998, Tim Mattson wrote: >> >> >>I am confused. Why would I tether the paddle to >>the boat rather than to me? I can see how a you fall out of the boat, and you're holding the paddle, where did the boat go? the paddle is already in your hands, no reason to let go... you grabbed for the boat, but it just got blown away by high winds... you want the paddle and the boat [sea kayaking assumed, not WW. in WW forget tethers] >>short lesh between my wrist and the paddle would >>work, but I can't see why a longer (i.e. more >>tangle-prone) tether to the boat would be better. >> >>Remember, I would have a quick release mechanism of >>some kind on the tether. Also, I already have a knife >>on my PFD (it looks cool). So in an emergency I could >>get the tether off. With a connection to the boat, though, >>I worry that the longer tether might get in the way >>of a roll or some extreme bracing. >> >>-- Tim i still haven't read "deep trouble" but from discussion, i understand most deaths were from becoming seperated from the boat... if the boat and paddle are tethered to each other, as long as you grab one, you should have the other. and my feeling is, you'll more than likely still have your hands on the paddle??!! mark #------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com-------------------------------------- mark zen o, o__ o_/| o_. po box 474 </ [\/ [\_| [\_\ ft. lupton, co 80621-0474 (`-/-------/----') (`----|-------\-') #~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~ http://www.diac.com/~zen/cpr [Colorado Paddlers' Resource] http://www.diac.com/~zen/rmskc [Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club] http://www.diac.com/~zen/rmcc [Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page] http://www.diac.com/~zen/mark [personal] -- Fortune: The goal of science is to build better mousetraps. The goal of nature is to build better mice. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Tying the leash to the boat, not the paddler, is good advice. Another thing: Be sure to remove the leash before attempting any surf landing or launch (any landing or launch, infact). You would not want to be tangled up in the leash if you capsized. >///:>Chris Hardenbrook<:\\\< Sunny Southern California Product Information Department wrote: > Hi Tim, > My own, and I far as I can tell the most popular solution among those who > use leashes, is a leash from the boat to the paddle, not to the paddler. <snip the rest> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Whoaaaaa ! mailbox overflow! I'm sure we've seen this discussion before ... haven't we ? My opinion is that I can see no reason why I would ever want to be tethered to my boat, or to my paddle. I have seen pictures on the web of telephone elastic leashes, which frankly to me look almost as ridiculous as pepsi max rambo sea kayakers paddling around with sheath knives on their jackets. (river paddlers have a somewhat more valid need to carry a knife, but for river rescue not as a hero badge) A paddle park is useful, and a short (four inch) elastic fixed at one end to a deck fitting next the cockpit and with a hook or ball on the other, can quickly be looped around the paddle shaft to secure it if both hands are otherwise required for eating/fishing etc. and a spare set of split paddles/storm paddle would seem rather more versatile than bits of elastic. We have had long discussions about the benefits of relying on equipment, rather than on skills. Manufacturers make paddle tethers .... because people will spend their money buying them. If a wet exit is necessary it is possible to do it in control - it takes one hand to release a spray skirt, hold the cockpit rim, and wet exit .... leaving the other hand (you all have TWO hands don't you ?) to hold on to the paddle. If you are worried about falling out of your boat and losing your paddle/boat then I would consider paddling with able partners (with at least one spare paddle with them) who can retrieve your lost paddle while you practice and gain confidence in appropriate skills - rather than wasting time relying on potentially dangerous and unnecessary bits kit. Sorry about the rant, but we have been here before on r.b.p and wave~length. Maybe Jackie would consider including a brief history of the formation of the paddlewise list and a pointer to the wave~length archives in the welcome message ? Cheers Colin ______________________________________________________ Dr Colin Calder Centre for CBL in Land Use and Environmental Sciences (CLUES) MacRobert Building, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, AB24 5UA, UK, Scotland ______________________________________________________ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
On Wed, 25 Mar 1998, Colin Calder wrote: >> >>Whoaaaaa ! mailbox overflow! >> >>I'm sure we've seen this discussion before ... haven't we ? not on this list ;-) >> >>My opinion is that I can see no reason why I would ever want to be tethered >>to my boat, or to my paddle. I have seen pictures on the web of telephone >>elastic leashes, which frankly to me look almost as ridiculous as pepsi max >>rambo sea kayakers paddling around with sheath knives on their jackets. >>(river paddlers have a somewhat more valid need to carry a knife, but for >>river rescue not as a hero badge) >> [snip] >> >>We have had long discussions about the benefits of relying on equipment, >>rather than on skills. Manufacturers make paddle tethers .... because people >>will spend their money buying them. If a wet exit is necessary it is >>possible to do it in control - it takes one hand to release a spray skirt, >>hold the cockpit rim, and wet exit .... leaving the other hand (you all have >>TWO hands don't you ?) to hold on to the paddle. If you are worried about >>falling out of your boat and losing your paddle/boat then I would consider >>paddling with able partners (with at least one spare paddle with them) who >>can retrieve your lost paddle while you practice and gain confidence in >>appropriate skills - rather than wasting time relying on potentially >>dangerous and unnecessary bits kit. >> >>Sorry about the rant, but we have been here before on r.b.p and wave~length. >>Maybe Jackie would consider including a brief history of the formation of >>the paddlewise list and a pointer to the wave~length archives in the welcome >>message ? >> >>Cheers >>Colin sorry colin, but i think you're still missing it. almost nobody at all was talking about tethering the paddle to the paddler, they were talking about tethering the boat to the paddle, because most folks will have a hold of their paddle, and want to make sure they keep their boat ... and part of the reason paddlewise was formed was to have useful discussions like this, in a _constructive_ environment, NOT one filled with abuse of people's ideas. we want to discuss issues that _are_ filled with emotion, but not attack other people for their beliefs. this thread is a great example. "rsk" was dead against tethers of any kind, and in a whitewater situation, so am i, but in a sea kayak, there are valid uses for a tether, and these were discussed, and even rich now sees there are _some_ limited uses ... r.b.p and wave~length are NOT paddlewise, most all discussions are new. due to most of the crap on r.b.p i never read it, i follow the paddling lists, and have entertaining, and sometimes heated discussions, i don't care if the subject was beat to death and back on r.b.p, paddlewise is not r.b.p NOR is it wave~length... hopefully _you_ _CAN_ see the difference. [anti-rant mode off] mark #------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com-------------------------------------- mark zen o, o__ o_/| o_. po box 474 </ [\/ [\_| [\_\ ft. lupton, co 80621-0474 (`-/-------/----') (`----|-------\-') #~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~ http://www.diac.com/~zen/cpr [Colorado Paddlers' Resource] http://www.diac.com/~zen/rmskc [Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club] http://www.diac.com/~zen/rmcc [Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page] http://www.diac.com/~zen/mark [personal] -- Fortune: The goal of science is to build better mousetraps. The goal of nature is to build better mice. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Colin, > From: Colin Calder <c.j.calder_at_abdn.ac.uk> > > Whoaaaaa ! mailbox overflow! > > I'm sure we've seen this discussion before ... haven't we ? Not on PaddleWise. We've got a lot of new folks who've probably not seen this before, either. And, each time these topics come up, I seem to learn something new :-) Like the spring loaded retractable cable Bob mentions. That sounds like an item of many uses (depending on the size). > My opinion is that I can see no reason why I would ever want to be tethered > to my boat, or to my paddle. I have seen pictures on the web of telephone Preference. Some paddlers see no reason to wear a pfd in the same conditions in which they would snorkle and certainly wouldn't wear a pfd while kayak surfing in large surf as the buoyancy would prevent them from being able to dive under a large wave and avoid a major thrashing bobbing in the surf. Was a time when everyone said "wear pfd's 100% of the time." That subject also comes up periodically in different places. Then we had some feedback from a new member. Caveman had a lot to say about it and a lot of it made sense as well as some good comments from John Winters. New blood, new input, new opinions. Good stuff :-) When paddling alone, a tether from the paddle to the boat could mean the difference in recovering the boat in an unexpected upset. Someone mentioned something about a paddler using a quick-release seat belt in his kayak. He felt he had a much better chance of recovery if he could make certain he didn't get twisted out of his kayak and he claims to have an extremely reliable roll. So reliable, he felt confident in buckling himself in his kayak. Before anyone gets too upset at the idea, remember this is not so radical as this is what the Tsunami rangers have been doing for some time... buckling up. Of course, they are using open decked boats (another radical idea?), but it's still a seat belt. Different preferences for different paddlers in preparation for understood situations. > elastic leashes, which frankly to me look almost as ridiculous as pepsi max > rambo sea kayakers paddling around with sheath knives on their jackets. > (river paddlers have a somewhat more valid need to carry a knife, but for > river rescue not as a hero badge) Some towing takes place in sea kayaking. Sometimes in rough conditions. Lot of kite kayaking, too. Also, there are lines for drogues, fishing, trolling, etc. That knife just might be as handy for spreading peanut butter for the sea kayaker as a river kayaker, too ;-) > A paddle park is useful, and a short (four inch) elastic fixed at one end to > a deck fitting next the cockpit and with a hook or ball on the other, can > quickly be looped around the paddle shaft to secure it if both hands are > otherwise required for eating/fishing etc. and a spare set of split > paddles/storm paddle would seem rather more versatile than bits of elastic. More good ideas for solutions to resting your paddle :-). Many paddlers carry extra paddles which is good preparation in case of a paddle breaking or being lost. However, spares don't solve the problem of a boat being blown away while you are in the water. > We have had long discussions about the benefits of relying on equipment, > rather than on skills. Manufacturers make paddle tethers .... because people > will spend their money buying them. If a wet exit is necessary it is > possible to do it in control - it takes one hand to release a spray skirt, It's not the controlled wet exit that those using tethers are concerned about, I don't think. It's the unexpected swim and possible separation from the boat that they are trying to avoid. > hold the cockpit rim, and wet exit .... leaving the other hand (you all have > TWO hands don't you ?) to hold on to the paddle. If you are worried about Most of the time both hands are on the paddle in an attempt to roll and recover. Sometimes, the sea has other ideas about you being able to remain in the cockpit. Tether from the paddle to the boat is just another precautionary measure used by some paddlers. Like many paddlers wearing pfd's in benign conditions. "Ya never know," they feel, and this is their precaution. > falling out of your boat and losing your paddle/boat then I would consider > paddling with able partners (with at least one spare paddle with them) who > can retrieve your lost paddle while you practice and gain confidence in > appropriate skills - rather than wasting time relying on potentially > dangerous and unnecessary bits kit. > > Sorry about the rant, but we have been here before on r.b.p and wave~length. > Maybe Jackie would consider including a brief history of the formation of > the paddlewise list and a pointer to the wave~length archives in the welcome > message ? History of the formation of PaddleWise? Naaahhh... too boring :-) And I don't mind subjects coming up again. New equipment appears on the scene regularly as do new tests and new paddlers with new paddling situations. I like for everyone to have an opportunity to add their .02 btw, I am gradually building an archive web site for PaddleWise at http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ One of my concerns about doing this was that I didn't want readers to think that any subject was closed or finalized and all problems solved, all questions answered. That's why I say it's a work in progress. There's always room for new ideas. I like being surprised by a new way of looking at things :-) Cheers, Jackie \ / | \ / \ | / __ ___ / __( ( )_ _( )___ \ | / _( ( ) __ _( )__ _( _( ) ______ ( ) ( ( )_ ( ( )__ __( ( ) _________ _( ______( ) _( ( ) (___ _ ___) ( ) / | (_______ ( _ _ ) | \ (_____ __ _(_ _ _ ) _ _ / \ / \O/ \ \ " / | _ _ \ / \O/ \ | " __/ ( /",o ((_at_ y _\`(_ sSSs, [ [ \"] (.`SSSSs |__\ \L___ ___(,_SSSsss_ \-------------------+--`----_at_)----(____ `' __)---/ ~~jf~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(` ; /SS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ ~~ `\ ^ (SSs ~~ ~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~ /` `' \Ss` ~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~uuuuuuuSs ~~ ~ ~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~'UUUUUUUU ~~~~~ ~~~ \UUUUUU/ ~~~ ~ \UUUU/ ~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~ \UUU /\ \UU\ / `} ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~ (\ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ \UU\/ ``} >jf:-) jf" ,_.} ~~ ~~~~ ~(/~ ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~~~/ `` \ ~~ / `,~'" ~~ ~~~ '~~' *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Tim, Carrying a readily accessible second paddle is the way to go, it is a lot safer and you do not have to deal with any ropes nor wires when you need to do a wet exit. I suggest that you make a greenland storm paddle and keep it on your foredeck, as you in my kayak that day. I can make one for you if the project seems to hard. Before I had my storm paddle I used to carry a canoe paddle on my foredeck. Since it has a bigger blade paddling fast and rolling was not a problem. The alaskan natives of King Island use a single blade paddle all the time. Happy paddling, - Julio > > I just read "Deep Trouble". What a great book! > > I noticed that many of the accidents turned desparate > when the kayak and/or paddle floated away from the > paddler. This was especially the case when a solo > paddler got into trouble. > > Most of my paddling is done solo, so I want to figure > out how to correctly tether myself to my paddle and my > boat. The trick is to setup the tethering so I won't notice > it under normal conditions (i.e. it has to be comfortable > and out of the way) and so I can untether rapidly should > saftey require me to do so. > > What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about > tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. > > --Tim > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Lots of good gouge being passed on this issue. Don't want to repeat stuff, but I'm definitely in the camp of folks who don't want to be personally tethered to <anything>! Paddle-to-boat is good, but having a boat with no paddle --- or spare --- is not good. Better than nothing, but not what you want. Couple of new thoughts. Many of us who paddle with Inuit ("Greenland") paddles also use the short version of that paddle called a "storm paddle" as a spare. It's ideal for a situation in which the Inuit paddle (1) fails, (2) is lost in extraordinary weather, or (3) is too much paddle for a run into very high headwinds. And it fits on the foredeck of most kayaks, making it a lot easier and safer to get to. But it takes practice. Especially in big weather. But that's exactly why the Inuits --- the ones who <made> the "Darwin cut" --- carved them and used them in nasty weather. Dive shops can be good sources of widgets for kayakers. My only leash --- which I rarely use --- is a coiled "telephone cord" cable in a plastic housing with a couple of solid fittings on the ends. I fasten the end with a very solid Velcro strap around the paddle (and, yes, it's strong --- I can hang on it!) and clip the other end into a solid, quick release deck fitting in front of me. But, to add to the other notes --- these things can be really dangerous. Practice everything you'd ever do in a worst case situation with the leash attached --- rolls, braces, re-entries --- and make sure you're comfortable with it before you take it out for extreme paddling. Maybe even think about seeing what it would be like to go over and get tangled in the thing --- only with a spotter standing next to you, and preferably in a pool --- and try to get it released! And the last note: knives. Several folks have said that they'd rely on a knife as a backup for a quick release of a leash. Yeah, they're good things to have --- and, yeah, they <look cool> in a lash tab on the PFD. And some of them --- like the Gerber Shorty --- have blunt points and one-side serated edges. But consider an alternative. I carry a cutting device called (I think) a "Guide Knife"; it's available from several catalogs (and I can probably dig out where if anyone is interested). It closely approximates what we used to call a "shroud cutter" in flying days, and it's the kindergarten (round point scissors) knife of the aviation community. (Yeah, they made pilots use round point scissors at the nav tables, too --- didn't want us to hurt ourselves, I guess.) The "knife" is a J-shaped hook with either a solid, hook shaped blade or (in more contemporary versions) two stainless steel razor sharp blades fastened in a J-shaped plastic hook. Any line up to about 3/8" pulled into these opposed blades is cut in two in a nanosecond. Netting, the same way. Seat belt webbing, history. They're tough, and it's difficult to hurt yourself with it, no matter what you do. (And pilots <tried>, too --- these things were designed to make quick work of parachute shroud lines, should the pilot get wrapped up in the shrouds during a "silk descent".) Down side, they don't <look> very cool --- mine lives in a nylon sheath which is sewn into the flat are on my PFD at the front zipper --- but the part of the handle is hi-viz yellow, so at least <that> part looks cool. Another nice device --- as a backup --- to the quick release on a paddle leash. "Joq" Martin St. Inigoes, MD *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
There was a "new" product released at the DEMA (Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association) show this year which was a spring loaded thin ss cable which can be retracted into a small housing or locks in place. It is designed to hold dive equipment in place until its needed. It's available from Trident. cya Bob Denton Vice President Undersea Breathing Systems bob_at_dnax.com http://www.dnax.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
On Tue, 24 Mar 1998, Chris Hardenbrook wrote: >>Rich is *always* in the surf zone, so to speak. In his teva's I >>wouldn't use a leash, either. >> >///:>Chris Hardenbrook<:\\\< >> Sunny Southern California can you imagine trying to put a leash on rich?? mark >> >>Rich Kulawiec wrote: >> >>> On Tue, Mar 24, 1998 at 08:18:37AM -0800, Tim Mattson wrote: >>> > What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about >>> > tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. >>> >>> Nothing. Hold onto the paddle if you think you're going to need it. >>> >>> (The *last* thing I want is any kind of rope or line attached to me.) >>> >>> ---Rsk -- Fortune: The goal of science is to build better mousetraps. The goal of nature is to build better mice. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I frequently use a tether when paddling my racing kayak, an X-Par Missile. I have no fittings on the deck, and don't want to put any on, so I attach a commercial tether to my life jacket. I've done plenty of practice rolls and at least one unplanned roll with no entrapment problems, but again that may be because of no fittings on the deck. I've also used this tether when paddling an extremely tippy surfski (tippier than Barton's Black Marlin) where I have considerable experience going in the water and getting back on. Even though I have to grab the boat, not having to worry about the paddle makes a difference at times, so I continue to use the tether. Bob Apter ---------- > From: Tim Mattson <tgmattso_at_ichips.intel.com> > To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subject: [Paddlewise] Paddle/Person Teathers > Date: Tuesday, March 24, 1998 8:18 AM > > > I just read "Deep Trouble". What a great book! > > I noticed that many of the accidents turned desparate > when the kayak and/or paddle floated away from the > paddler. This was especially the case when a solo > paddler got into trouble. > > Most of my paddling is done solo, so I want to figure > out how to correctly tether myself to my paddle and my > boat. The trick is to setup the tethering so I won't notice > it under normal conditions (i.e. it has to be comfortable > and out of the way) and so I can untether rapidly should > saftey require me to do so. > > What do the seasoned paddlers on this mail-list do about > tethering? I've never actually seen anyone do it. > > --Tim > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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