Re: [Paddlewise] Safety Tether

I have taken a tether when doing a solo crossing of a large expanse when
the risk of loosing the boat outweighs the risk of entanglement.  It was
not elegant but consisted of a nylon webbing belt with quick release
buckle attached by a carabiner to an approximately 6 foot section of
floating yellow rope (so I could easily spot it) which was tied into the
cockpit seat.  

In case of entanglement I had several options including unhooking the
carbiner, releasing the plastic buckle or using the rescue knife on my
vest.  

Like I said, it has some problems but I was weighing the risks. 
Actually I have never actually used it, just had it in case the
conditions seemed to warrant it.  

Prior to this I had myself never heard of kayakers doing so.  Most
surfers I have seen wear tethers that are attached to their ankle or
wrist so I just modified their idea with the guidence of surf shop owner
in California.  

Bob
Chicago
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