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From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
subject: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 18:01:08 -0500
While wandering through a marine shop a while back, out of the corner 
of my eye I saw one of these on a shelf:

<http://www.fox40whistle.com/consumer/OrderProduct.aspx?ProductNo=162>

At first I thought it was a Nerf football (the kind with the fins on 
the back).

It is a throw line, with the line stored inside the body of the 
thing.

It struck me that it could be thrown like a football (American, not 
soccer).  I'm no Heisman contender, but a football is pretty easy to 
throw with some accuracy and distance compared to a floppy throw bag. 
Of course, it's one thing to imagine this and another to do it.  The 
handle on the front end could really mess up a throw and, if wet, it 
might be difficult to grip and get a good spin/throw.

Anyone try one of these?   Can you throw it like a football with any 
success?

Mike
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From: Joseph Pylka <jpylka_at_earthlink.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 01:08:44 -0500
> [Original Message]
> From: Michael Daly 
> To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
> <http://www.fox40whistle.com/consumer/OrderProduct.aspx?ProductNo=162>
>
> It is a throw line, with the line stored inside the body of the thing.
> Anyone try one of these?   Can you throw it like a football with any 
> success?

	I think I would have serious reservations about this item.  I paddle
moving and whitewater as well as quietwater and this isn't a practical
configuration for such conditions.  Fifty feet is just too short for many
rescue applications. The webpage does not mention the thickness of the rope
but judging from its rated strength, and the photograph, it is too thin and
probably couldn't be held readily in cold conditions and I suspect it slips
easily -- but at least it floats.  It probably pays out nicely but how on
earth do you get the line back in?  
	It looks like one of those things designed by someone who doesn't
understand all the functions of what he's working on.  One gets the
impression that the writer thinks that the goal is to get that big yellow
thing into the hands of the victim.  
	I think I'd pass on this item....

Joe P.
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From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 10:47:32 -0500
On 19 Mar 2004 at 1:08, Joseph Pylka wrote:

>  I think I would have serious reservations about this item.  I paddle
> moving and whitewater as well as quietwater and this isn't a practical
> configuration for such conditions.  Fifty feet is just too short for
> many rescue applications. 

I wouldn't consider it for swiftwater rescue, but for sea kayaking - 
CG requires a fifty foot throw line at all times in Canada.

> It probably pays out nicely but how on earth do you get the line back
> in?  

For a quick second throw - you wouldn't.  Otherwise it gets stuffed 
back in the little hole it comes out.  I'd imagine it would take more 
time to re-stuff than a standard throwbag.

As far as the light line - I was looking at the assortment of sea 
kayak and flatwater canoe throwbags at MEC a couple of days ago and 
the Spectra versions were at most 1/4 inch diameter - not good for 
grip.  Even the braided polypro were maybe 3/8 inch.  Heavy line 
doesn't seem to be a consideration in flatwater throwbags.  These 
were Northwater and Serratus/MEC designs.

I think the Fox 40 would be a reasonable option for some.  If I were 
to design it, I'd get rid of the plastic handle on one end and just 
run the line through and make a loop with plastic tubing over the 
rope - more flexible and easy to grip or clip.

Mike
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From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 08:35:56 -0800
Mike Daly said:
 
> I wouldn't consider it for swiftwater rescue, but for sea kayaking - 
> CG requires a fifty foot throw line at all times in Canada.
> 

Mike,

Why not just carry something to satisfy the Canadian CG regs and really use
a tow line. Assuming you could hit another seakayaker with the throw line,
what's he supposed to do with it? He can't reach his bow to attach it. And
trying to tow him from the middle of his boat won't work real well either.

IMHO, a 50 foot floating tow line, with a carabineer on the end so that you
can hook it up to him will be much more useful - except I won't satisfy your
CG's requirements.

Steve Holtzman
Southern CA
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From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 15:47:43 -0500
On 19 Mar 2004 at 8:35, Steve Holtzman wrote:

> IMHO, a 50 foot floating tow line, with a carabineer on the end so
> that you can hook it up to him will be much more useful - except I
> won't satisfy your CG's requirements.

I don't see why not.  As long as you can throw it, whether it's used 
for towing or for rescue it's still 50ft long.  That's the only 
requirement of the regs - 50ft, floating and throwable.

Some folks meet the requirements by carrying 50 ft of three-strand 
junk polypro - the hardware store stuff with a 100 lb rating!  Once 
"coiled" it keeps its shape and is almost useless.  But legal!

Mike
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From: <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 11:45:20 -0500
> CG requires a fifty foot throw line at all times in Canada.

Does anyone know if there is a similar requirement in the States?  If
so, is it across the country, or State specific, or what?

I may be breaking some regulations.  I only carry a tow bag when I'm not
solo, and if I'm not camping and paddling in inhabited areas, I usually
don't have any rope with me at all.

Rick
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From: <cholst_at_bitstream.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 11:52:40 -0600
Quoting Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com:

> > CG requires a fifty foot throw line at all times in Canada.
> 
> Does anyone know if there is a similar requirement in the States?  If
> so, is it across the country, or State specific, or what?
> 

AFAIK, this is strictly a Canadian Coast Guard regulation, and not a very 
intelligent one for sea kayaks. You just can't throw very far from a seated 
position. Since I paddle occasionally on the Canadian side of Lake Superior, I 
tried throwing a WW throw bag from my kayak, but couldn't get it more than 
about 25 feet. It's much quicker and easier to just paddle over to the victim.

Chuck Holst
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From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 13:39:27 -0800
Rick said:

> > CG requires a fifty foot throw line at all times in Canada.
> 
> Does anyone know if there is a similar requirement in the 
> States?  If so, is it across the country, or State specific, or what?
> 
> I may be breaking some regulations.  I only carry a tow bag 
> when I'm not solo, and if I'm not camping and paddling in 
> inhabited areas, I usually don't have any rope with me at all.

There is no USCG requirement to carry a throw bag. It's a good requirement
for ww paddlers, but IMHO it's wasted for sea kayakers.

Steve
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From: Sean Peterson <northwoodspaddler_at_msn.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 12:55:15 -0500
Mike:

I have never seen this before.  While it is a nifty ideal from a throwing
perspective, I noticed that the strength of the line is only rated to 900 lbs.
The throwbag I use has rope rated to 2,500 lbs.

Sean
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From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 15:47:43 -0500
On 19 Mar 2004 at 12:55, Sean Peterson wrote:

> I have never seen this before.  While it is a nifty ideal from a
> throwing perspective, I noticed that the strength of the line is only
> rated to 900 lbs. The throwbag I use has rope rated to 2,500 lbs.

The last time I checked, WW safety lines were expected to meet 1100lb 
rating.  Ditto rescue belts on PFDs.  Tow belts on sea kayak PFDs are 
rarely rated at 1100lb - I think mine is around 600.  My WW PFD has a 
two inch belt, the SK's is only 1.5 inch.

I can't see any need for anything stronger in SK.  Many of us are 
still trying to find a meaninful use for the rescue lines under CG 
regs.

Mike
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From: <snogun_at_isl.is>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Fox 40 Throw line
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 18:28:33 GMT
One thing bugs me about this throw line.
I would be afraid to be on the receiving end of this 
thing, hard plastic and my head, no thanks.
I guess the floppy old throw-bag is floppy for a 
reason?
how does it wrap up afterwards?

cheers
sno

Snorri Gunnarsson
snogun_at_internet.is
http://www.internet.is/snogun

On Mar 18, 2004, at 11:01 PM, Michael Daly wrote:

While wandering through a marine shop a while 
back, out of the corner
of my eye I saw one of these on a shelf:

<http://www.fox40whistle.com/consumer/
OrderProduct.aspx?ProductNo=162>

-------------------------------------------------------
^etta skeyti er sent mep vefposti isl.is
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