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

Hi Sid,

    I guess you've illustrated my point. If conditions are benign enough
such that use of the paddle park is indicated then why not just use an
equipment-free contact tow where the victim holds onto the rescuer's boat?
If conditions are not benign then the use of a non-releasable paddle park
would be contra-indicated. I have had more than one instructor forward the
use of a contact tow (the device) and I have one on my deck when paddling
but lately I've started to question the wisdom of it's use. You are quite
right the BCU itself does not (that I have seen) imply the need to strap the
boats together. I have rigged my tow belt to handle the same chore as it is
at least releasable. I do not question it's value as a paddle park, just as
a "contact tow" device. I have not personally had any problems with this but
I can imagine someone setting up a rigged contact tow on the right,
capsizing on the left and being in a tight spot if they do not have a left
side roll.

    With respect to release of the paddle-park used as contact-tow, we both
are well aware of the potential for problems with lines snagging in the
carabiner gate or problems with lines pulled tight enough that an easy
release from the 'biner is not possible.


Thanks in advance for your comments,

Jed
Team North Atlantic
  -----Original Message-----
  From: SNStone_at_aol.com
  Subject: 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.

   <snip>

  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.

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