Re: [Paddlewise] Contact Tows (was Rescue Options)

Speaking for the BCU. A contact tow does not imply the need to "strap" the 
boats together. You can, and it sometimes help, use a paddle park (two 
carabiners connected by a length of line equal to twice the length of the 
deck), to connect the two kayaks. Releasing simply involves undoing one 
carabiner.

Some disclaimer and safety. Using carabiners when wearing gloves can present 
a dexterity problem. Before using such you should practice with gloves on to 
ensure proper use of equipment.  I prefer the larger carabiners as they are 
easier to manipulate when wearing gloves.

Second, you must apply some common sense when using lines to connect boats. 
Consider the conditions you are in the the potential risks of the solutions. 
For example, using a paddle park in calm conditions is probable relatively 
benign from a safety standpoint. Waves are not going to pound against you. On 
the other hand, rougher conditions could very well dictate the need to do a 
contact tow without tying the boats together.

I would interested in knowing how the ACA teaches doing a contact tow? 

To reiterate, the BCU Canoe Safety Training does not insist on "strapping" 
boats together when doing a contact tow. It is simply one technique in your 
rescue toolkit.

sid


>    Peter's mention of "contact tows" brings up a question that has been
> bouncing around in my otherwise empty head for some time. Conventional
> wisdom call for towing gear to be quickly releasable and shock absorbent.
> Contact tows seem to be neither. Is there another option that we have
> missed? Are contact tows really the best way to handle these scenarios? 
> Both
> the ACA and the BCU are big on the ability to release tows in an emergency
> (ex. after the tow'er capsizes) and yet the contact tows that both
> organizations recommend are, at best, difficult to release in the event of
> such a capsize.
> 
> Jed
> Team North Atlantic
> 


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