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From: Andy P <a_m_p_at_spils.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Re: PFD Zippers
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 09:38:52 -0800
Maybe a breakaway link like some necklaces have would be a good idea, so if you tangle 
or you need it fast you can just give it a pull.  Doesn't solve the possibility of it wraping 
around you, but it's a start.


>My Lotus Strait Jacket has an elastic thingey that the zipper tucks into
>when it's zipped up to keep it from catching on anything.  A pocket has a
>loop INSIDE it to tie a whistle lanyard to.  That way there's no
>whistle-line floating around until you're ready to use it.  It's been my
>experience that ANY line, rope or lanyard floating loose will, while
>submerged, find something to wrap around, guaranteed!
>
>Having been upside down, under water and unwrapping the pump from my ankle I
>had tied into my boat before I could get all the way out I discovered my
>great idea of securing the pump wasn't so great after all.  The strength of
>the smallest nylon lanyard is amazing.  I'd humbly suggest one should check
>every line that could possibly wrap around something while turning upside
>down under water.  I'd rather loose the whistle than get drowned by it.
>
>Paddle lots, but be among the first to chicken out and live long
>Bob


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From: Keith Wrage <keith.wrage_at_charter.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Re: PFD Zippers
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 09:20:21 -0600
 >At 09:38 AM 2/18/03 -0800, you wrote:
 >Maybe a breakaway link like some necklaces have would be a good idea, so 
if you tangle
 >or you need it fast you can just give it a pull.  Doesn't solve the 
possibility of it wraping
 >around you, but it's a start.

I agree that entanglement isn't a fun prospect, but I also would not want 
to run the risk of any critical emergency equipment being lost due to a 
weak connection - or simply to break away during a capsize event if it 
somehow hits another piece of equipment - or washed away in the surf zone.

I think secure cords but being very careful about placement and "packaging" 
is important.  Another gadget that might be useful is a diver's retractor - 
small spring loaded device that has a fast-lock clip on it.  Various sizes 
retract various weights of equipment.  It results in a tightly held piece 
of equipment that can still be used with about 24" of its attachment point 
- and when you let go of it, it sucks the equip back into its storage location.

FWIW,
Keith





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