Re: [Paddlewise] RE Throw bags for sea kayakers (was day hatch)

From: Joe Pylka <pylka_at_castle.net>
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 12:36:41 -0400
>>>---Its a big bag and the rope is 15 meters long, floatable and brightly


colored. The carabiner is big and ugly and looks as though it would scratch


a boat so I've covered parts of it with heat shrink. The carabiner really


puts people off but I haven't exchanged it for a smaller prettier unit


because I reckon you need the weight to get a decent throw. 





        Throwbags are a primary rescue device in whitewater.  Typically they
aren't longer than 70 feet since that's a practical limit on how far you can
throw one.  


        Take That Carabiner Off!!! if you will be throwing that rope.  You do
not need the extra weight.  The concentrated mass of the rope in the bag is
more than sufficient.  If more weight is necessary, just dip some water into
the bag...    It can give someone quite a headache.  





>>>Also it makes a nice handle for people to hang on to. The carabiner is
stored in an elastic


fabric pocket, which would be some protection if it accidentally hit the
rescuee.





        It is also a dangerous handle.  In whitewater throwbags where it comes
with a loop of rope at the bottom, we tie knots into it so the rescuee cannot
get his hand wrapped in it and can let go if an emergency arises.  You never
want anything that a hand can get trapped in... 


        In cold water situations where a victim may be unable to grip a rope,
have him wrap the rope around his arm a turn or three.  There's usually
sufficient friction for him to hang on with an elbow bend, yet can release if
he has to...





So I guess I'm saying throw ropes could be useful where the sea meets the


land!





    Basically so,  most of the time such ropes are used to pendulum the victim
to shore.  





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Received on Mon Apr 29 2002 - 09:39:37 PDT

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