Re: [Paddlewise] tow rope length

From: Joe Pylka <pylka_at_castle.net>
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 17:11:40 -0500
>
>  I think too
>much of the cord and bungee used in kayaking is much too thick and
>bulky. It is isn't as if one is rock climbing and has to deal with the
>extreme load forces of gravity in a fall.  Surpisingly small diameter
>rope will do in kayaking.  >
        True, things such as Prusik cord are extremely strong but still in
narrow diameters.  IOW strength is not necessarily a function of  thickness.
These ropes are thick for utility.  It's cold now....  it is much easier for
a waterlogged and cold paddler to grasp a thick rope than a thin one.
Secondly, I think there are more forces at work in wildly moving water, e.g.
at a surf line than you may think.   A thin line can become very
uncomfortable to hold onto, and may even seriously lacerate your hand.
    --From another question regarding this....  Why not use a Prusik sling
and a carabiner to control the length of towrope payed out?
JP


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Fri Dec 10 1999 - 14:13:25 PST

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:17 PDT