Hello Patrick: Here's another option, use a short tow cord to tow the swimmer's boat back. Carry a short, 2' length of cord with small snaplinks at each end in a PFD pocket. You can quickly attach the bow of the rescued boat to a deckline just behind you, and paddle, without unravelling your long tow line. >...paddled over and we performed a T-rescue without problems.> I think just flip and pump out gets the swimmer in the boat quicker, but is best with a hands free pump. >What are the best methods for swimming with a paddle without doing a paddle swim? Wrapping your legs around it perhaps?> You might also consider leaving the paddle and swimming more quickly, and using a spare paddle to go back and recover the paddle later. >I could have paddled over to the capsized paddler by leaning over the empty boat and using a draw stroke. > Does anyone have experience of this? Sounds very awkward. I'll have to try it. >Any other methods? < What about bulldozing the boat along back to the swimmer, or sliding it along ahead of you as you paddle back to him? Just ideas, PT, Melbourne, OZ. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
with respect to getting the boat to the victim: You could have emptied the boat where you caught it and then towed to the victim. You need to empty the water anyway. > Hello all, > > I had a nice day of paddling out on the IJselmeer yesterday. This > is a large inland sea that was cut off from the North sea in the > 30's. Anyway, it was nice and sunny but we had force 5 winds. Didn't > make the paddling too difficult (just slow) but did give us a chance > to practice rough water rescues. There were three of us, and as we > entered a particularly shallow and choppy area we had a capsize. > > > The paddler lost hold of his boat and it drifted downwind, luckily > towards me. I intercepted the boat about 20 feet (6 meters) from > the swimmer. The third paddler is a relative beginner and had a hard > time getting his boat turned around to aid the paddler in the water > and bring him over to me for the rescue. He did manage it with some > shouted direction. He got the paddler on his bow, paddled over and > we performed a T-rescue without problems. > > Here are some observations and questions. > > The paddler in the water had never swam with his paddle before. This > would have helped quite a bit. Even though he simply had to swim > down wind to me and his boat, holding on to his paddle and the large > amount of chop prevented him from doing so. The wind was of course > also slowly blowing me away. > > Lesson learned - go out and practice that paddle swimming. It isn't > too difficult but you do need to practice a bit to get the hang of > it. > > What are the best methods for swimming with a paddle without doing > a paddle swim? Wrapping your legs around it perhaps? > > As I sat there holding his boat I felt pretty useless. I looked in > John Lull's rescue book last night and see I could have paddled over > to the capsized paddler by leaning over the empty boat and using > a draw stroke. I am not sure how far I could have gotten, it would > have at least minimized the amount of drift due to the wind. > > Any other methods? I thought about attaching my tow line, but it > seemed like it would take too long to hook up and I was worried about > towing a boat full of water. And spend time detaching it to get the > boats set up for the rescue. Though if there had only been the two > of us this is probably what I would have done. > > -Patrick > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Good point. But with the chop and wind I didn't feel comfortable trying to empty the boat without the swimmer there. I also haven't figured out the best place to temporarily stow a paddle on the Khatsalano. If I had done a "British style" empty (hauling the boat up on the deck), it seems like it would create more area for the wind to catch and blow me further away. -Patrick At Monday, 11 March 2002, SNStone_at_aol.com wrote: >with respect to getting the boat to the victim: You could have emptied the boat where you caught it and then towed to the victim. You need to empty the water anyway. > >Hello all, > >I had a nice day of paddling out on the IJselmeer yesterday. This >is a large inland sea that was cut off from the North sea in the >30's. Anyway, it was nice and sunny but we had force 5 winds. Didn't >make the paddling too difficult (just slow) but did give us a chance >to practice rough water rescues. There were three of us, and as we >entered a particularly shallow and choppy area we had a capsize. [SNIP] *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
We use a device called a paddle park - two carabiners connected by a length of line. Emptying the boat "british style" should be accomplished in under 30 seconds . The issue is the need to boat back to the rescuee. > Good point. But with the chop and wind I didn't feel comfortable > trying to empty the boat without the swimmer there. I also haven't > figured out the best place to temporarily stow a paddle on the Khatsalano. > If I had done a "British style" empty (hauling the boat up on the > deck), it seems like it would create more area for the wind to catch > and blow me further away. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
RE: Pumping out - why pump on an assisted rescue? The process of emptying the boat before the victim climbs back in only takes a small amount of time. The total assisted rescue - once victim and boat are reunited - should be accomplished in under 60 seconds. RE: Letting the paddle go - hold onto equipment. It can float away quickly and often seeing small items in surf and waves is difficult. If nothing else the paddle can be held in one hand with the shaft aligned to arm. ss > Hello Patrick: > Here's another option, use a short tow cord to tow the swimmer's boat back. > Carry a short, 2' length of cord with small snaplinks at each end in a PFD > pocket. You can quickly attach the bow of the rescued boat to a deckline > just behind you, and paddle, without unravelling your long tow line. > >...paddled over and we performed a T-rescue without problems.> > I think just flip and pump out gets the swimmer in the boat quicker, but is > best with a hands free pump. > >What are the best methods for swimming with a paddle without doing a > paddle > swim? Wrapping your legs around it perhaps?> > You might also consider leaving the paddle and swimming more quickly, and > using a spare paddle to go back and recover the paddle later. > >I could have paddled over to the capsized paddler by leaning over the > empty > boat and using > a draw stroke. > > Does anyone have experience of this? Sounds very awkward. I'll have to try > it. > >Any other methods? < > What about bulldozing the boat along back to the swimmer, or sliding it > along ahead of you as you paddle back to him? > Just ideas, > PT, Melbourne, OZ. > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 -----Original Message----- From: Peter Treby Subject: [Paddlewise] Rescue Options Here's another option, use a short tow cord to tow the swimmer's boat back. Carry a short, 2' length of cord with small snaplinks at each end in a PFD pocket. You can quickly attach the bow of the rescued boat to a deckline just behind you, and paddle, without unravelling your long tow line. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I hate to speak for any organization, but my ACA instructors course gave a multitude of methods, not least with the contact tow line. The contact tow that I use has a plastic squeeze release (plastic buckle available at marine stores, camping stores etc. and used with belt packs) that splits the woven straps in the middle (also, both sides of this buckle are adjustable for length). I have applied velcro to the extra long 'tongue' (excess strapping) which doubles the towline as a paddle park for my storm paddle. I did an article for Anorak on it last year. In addition to the contact tow line (as a mechanical device), we reviewed the 3 physical 'grip' methods where the towee is essentially draped over your boat gripping the hull, in the front, back, facing forward and backward. Also analyzed the benefits and pitfalls of each. SNStone_at_aol.com wrote: > > > I would interested in knowing how the ACA teaches doing a contact tow? > > -- ø gabriel l romeu ø http://studiofurniture.com ø http://journalphoto.org ø http://kayakoutfitting.org *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: <SNStone_at_aol.com> To: <jluby_at_teamnorthatlantic.com>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 5:21 PM 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. Hey Sid - I think you meand that the length of line is equal to twice the width of the deck...... Joan *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Jed" <jluby_at_teamnorthatlantic.com> > 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? Around these parts, conventional wisdom says use a deck mounted cleat and a short line with a 'biner at one end. The 'biner is used in whatever way seems convenient to attach the towee and the bitter end is attached to the cleat. Done properly, the cleat can release the towee quickly. The cleat I use is a Clamcleat Sail Line CL241 as it's small and low profile with no projecting bits to catch things on. Good for up to 6mm (1/4 in) line. Wichart stainless 'biner as well. No shock absorbsion though. I don't rig the tow line so tight that I'd worry. Only done in practice in benign conditions though, so YMMV. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Good suggestion. Linda and I each have a short contact tow line permanently attached to our deck lines, ready for quick deployment. If the paddler were in the kayak but without a paddle, you could also do a contact tow by having the rescuee hug your forward deck near the bow. Chuck Holst -----Original Message----- From: Peter Treby [SMTP:ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 3:01 PM To: PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net; patrick_at_patrickmaun.com Subject: [Paddlewise] Rescue Options Hello Patrick: Here's another option, use a short tow cord to tow the swimmer's boat back. Carry a short, 2' length of cord with small snaplinks at each end in a PFD pocket. You can quickly attach the bow of the rescued boat to a deckline just behind you, and paddle, without unravelling your long tow line. >...paddled over and we performed a T-rescue without problems.> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:28 PDT