[Paddlewise] Tow Rigs

	Hi All; This topic has all the makings of the dreaded s*********ns debate of
old... ah those were the days my friends...

	My concern with the PFD, or waist mounted systems is this: we are adapting a
WHITE-WATER technique and system across to the SEA. [ well, many of us paddle
in the sea ]. And at sea, you may find yourself towing someone for HOURS at a
time.  This raises issues of efficiency  paddling over long stretches in what
is probably rough water when all the dynamics of the tow [ the 'snap and
twang' of the tow]  is transferred on to your body.

	For mine, it is tough enough trying to tow someone over any sort of distance
in rough water, without the added bonus of having the strain clamped around my
waist and chest..try it for an hour or two and you'll see what I mean.

	I have in mind offshore rescue situations, when either the conditions are so
rough that the towee needs assistance to make forward progress and  survive;
perhaps is seasick, perhaps has suffered serious gear failure as well.

 I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has towed someone for HOURS
in rough sea, using a body-anchor system.  I have only ever towed people with
a deck mounted system and have been glad that the hull anchor point is taking
the strain, not me.  Again, a situation at sea is a whole lot different to a
whitewater rescue.
Cheers, PeterR , Australia.
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