RE: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling - a warning

I agree.  The tow ropes used in these circumstances have a quick-disconnect
so that the paddler can free themselves in a dangerous situation.  These tow
ropes are actually zipper bags (containing the rope) attached to a belt with
a quick release buckle.   They are specially designed for kayak
towing/rescue.  I think they are available from some sea kayak catalogs
(I'll have to look it up).   Each paddler that is towing must make sure that
the quick-release buckle is positioned on the front of their waist, so they
can get to it quickly in an emergency situation.  


-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Pylka [mailto:pylka_at_castle.net]
Sent: Monday, April 05, 1999 11:55 AM
To: Ted Whitney; paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling - a warning


        I'd have some safety concerns, too, beside your comments.  A rope
attached to a paddler's waist could become a dangerous thing.  It's
imperative that such a restraint be instantly sheddable if a problem
develops.  At the very least I would much rather tie the rope onto a biner
or ring in front of the paddler with a "hasty hitch" which can be released
with a single pull on the end.

From: Ted Whitney
>I know a couple of ACA instructors who have a useful technique for keeping
a
>group of paddlers with mixed skills together: towing.   At the beginning of
>any trips which may involve a long paddle or a crossing, tow ropes are
>issued to all the stronger paddlers (in some cases, this may be all the
>paddlers except one or two).
>When poor conditions (wind, currents/tides) or a major crossing occurs, the
>paddlers are split up into tow groups.  Each tow group is made up of
>paddlers with different strength and skill levels.   The end of each tow
>rope (attached to the paddler's waist) is connected to the bow of the boat
>behind the paddler.   The stronger, faster, and more experienced are placed
>at or near the front (these paddlers are often known as the "engines"),
>while slower paddlers are placed towards the rear of the tow line.   The
>leaders or guides are usually placed at the beginning of each tow group,
>just in front of their "engines".

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************