Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle tethers

>From: "Matt Broze" <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
I use about a 30" tether
>of 3/16" shock cord that can stretch to twice its length or more (and a
>nylon hook). It stores wrapped around the middle of my paddle shaft where 
>it
>is always quickly available. It is very lightweight, and opposed to the
>coiled kind, doesn't go clack, clack, clack on the deck with every stroke 
> >when in use.

I use a very light and weak snap fastener to clip the loose coil of my 
paddle leash to my chart case to eliminate the click-clack paddly-whack! If 
I have to wet exit or do a very extended brace or sweep, the clip lets go 
easily.

>Also it never tangles with itself or drags in the water. Since
>it is tied to the paddle shaft it has a very secure attachment that I trust
>more than Velcro.

I share your mis-givings about the "sheer strength" of the narrow (inch wide 
or so) and short Velcro strips the typical commerical coil paddle leash is 
supplied with. Especially since the "sheer strength" is reduced when the 
Velcro is wet. I sometimes wonder if the manufacturers remember that the 
entire leash system needs to be strong enough not only to hold a paddle that 
might be "towed" in the water beside the kayak, but to withstand sharp tugs 
with a swimming kayaker holding on to the paddle shaft, with a loaded kayak 
being jerked away by large seas at the other end of the leash. In this case, 
the leash might be the kayaker's only hope of not losing their boat, and the 
Velcro would be the weakest link in the chain.
I happen to have access to Velcro that is wide enough to wrap fully around 
my paddle shaft "sideways" so I've upgraded the Velcro strap to one that is 
about six inches wide and the full diameter of the shaft. With this much 
surface area gripping - many times the orginal - I'm confident the Velcro 
would not fail before some other part of the "system" - my shoulder for 
example - gave way.

>Tie it tightly enough so it doesn't slide around on the
>shaft when you paddle but can be slid to one side should you want to--like
>maybe when doing a paddle-float rescue without detatching the tether. It is
>simple to make using under $2.00 worth of materials (about 3.5 feet of 
>shock
>cord and a $.69 nylon hook. I push the cord through the nylon clip and tie 
>a
>figure eight knot to stop it from pulling through the hole. I tie it on the
>paddle end with a bowline. Easy to do in advance for a two piece paddle but
>difficult to tie under tension to a one piece paddle (tight enough so it
>doesn't slide around).

Most knots in bungi have a tendency to work themselves loose after a while, 
though the bowline (which I know as a "bolan") sounds good. Another 
possibility would be the large metal "crip-ons", similiar to the small ones 
used to hold rudder cables. Available at boating supply stores.

Philip Torrens
N49°16' W123°06'

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