Re: [Paddlewise] Safety Tether

If I'm paddling alone in difficult conditions, I run a length
of 1" webbing between my stern grab loop and the tow belt
on my Kokatat PFD.  I've had no problems re-entering and
rolling (in practice sessions, admittedly), and, in any case, 
the tow belt allows for a quick release.  I unclip the tether 
from my waist and stuff it under some deck bungees before
entering the surf.  The worst thing about it is the 
embarrassment on shore when I try to walk away from the boat 
with the tether still attached.

-Paul

On Tue, 15 Oct 2002, Gary Gibbs wrote:

> Does anyone on this list use safety tethers to tie themselves to their kayak?
> How about those who sail their kayak?  I'm thinking of using a paddle tether
> and attaching it to my PFD on the shoulder webbing, and have it connect to my
> (sailing) kayak on the top of the rear deck just behind the seat.  I'm
> concerned that if I wet exit and the kayak then rights itself, it might go
> sailing off at high speed if I'm unable to grab the lifeline.  I guess the
> same thing could happen with a non-sailing kayak if the wind was high enough.


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