Some coaming lips seem more accommodating than others. I prefer a tow belt that's integral with the PFD, which distributes the load on your torso. Any tow system is better than none when you really need one, though I'd give priority to quick release functionality, shock-absorption in the line somewhere, and appropriate length for situation (including an ability to readily create the right length quickly, for conditions encountered). Also, cow-tailing gives you a base system you can customize. Perhaps a rear deck-mounted tow line is the best alternative for those who prefer not to tow from the waist. I've towed for 6 hours straight in gale-force, open seas. I'd suggest a secure cockpit arrangement for extreme-condition towing unless rear-deck towing. The jerks can occasionally be rather rude (the tugging I mean, not the other paddlers). I'd also suggest some towing practice with your chosen rig in some moderate conditions. Do so with paddlers you know. Cow-tail article by Doug Alderson: http://www.seakayakermag.com/2002/02August/cowtail01.htm Ralph posted: >The idea of getting the tow line away from around my waist is very >appealing. Does anyone have any pros and cons of securing the tow around >the cockpit coaming as in the rigs at the bottom of this page >http://www.northwater.com/html/tow_systems.html< Doug Lloyd Victoria BC *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 3/29/2005 6:01:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, dalloyd_at_telus.net writes: Some coaming lips seem more accommodating than others. I prefer a tow belt that's integral with the PFD, which distributes the load on your torso. The coaming mounted tow just looks like a bad idea. I suppose if its the only thing around, fine. But it's not. Why does the original post-er want to not tow from the waist? Waist mounted PFD systems are probably the simplest in all aspects of use. If that is still so, he/she may buy a jam cleat and a fairlead for about 25-30 bucks at West Marine. After a 10 minute installation of those, a simple throw bag works well as a tow system. Buy one that is easy to restuff. Replace those crummy aluminum carabiners with a proper stainless steel one. Daisy chain the line to about 20 feet and it'll be useful for a great deal of applications. Most boat mounted tow systems cannot be handed off to others. I like towing from my boat, it is the most comfortable to me. Waist mounted tow systems can be handed off to others and there are quite a few out that are of excellent quality. I use one with a short line that quickly accepts a longer line when I won't be in my regular boat. The downside is that I have to think about where I'm going and what I'm doing and make sure I bring the proper line. The great thing about PFD mounted systems is they are there, all the time, providing the owner keeps it in its intended condition. After that I fall out of the fan club. I don't like raising my center of gravity any more than it is by towing from a higher position. After an emergency release I don't like running the straps back through the tiny slots in my Lotus Straightjacket PFD. It is equipped with a 2" diameter ring that has to be just so, also. If you add a bit of bounce to the sea I start running out of talent trying to reset the thing. Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Anyone out there paddle a Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 or 170 and prepared to offer their thoughts on the boat? I'm looking for a plastic boat, sans-rudder, to use for coaching. I normally paddle a Nordkapp or an Arluk 1.8 and something smaller would be nice. I'm 70kgs and fairly competent (BCU Coach L4). There is a 170 locally which I will demo, but any comments would be useful. Cheers JKA -- John Kirk-Anderson Banks Peninsula NEW ZEALAND *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 07:18 PM 4/1/2005 +1200, John Kirk-Anderson wrote: >Anyone out there paddle a Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 or 170 and prepared >to offer their thoughts on the boat? > >I'm looking for a plastic boat, sans-rudder, to use for coaching. I normally >paddle a Nordkapp or an Arluk 1.8 and something smaller would be nice. I'm >70kgs and fairly competent (BCU Coach L4). > >There is a 170 locally which I will demo, but any comments would be useful. I've only paddled the 165 and it would likely be an ideal boat for teaching with the only caveat being that it might be too easy to perform many of the skills you're teaching, possibly frustrating some students when they can't make their boats perform as well. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
All I can tell you is I just took my ACA IDW and ICE, down at Sea Kayak GA, and there was an Instructor Trainer candidate that used a tempest (I think 17) part the time. The other part he used an Arctic Hawk. I do know that he liked the Tempest hands down in surf, and I'd guess based on his comments and how often he paddled it, he liked the Tempest in flat water better, too. Hope this helps. I know I didn't give you a lot of info. sorry. Thx, Richard T. Magill, Director, Word & Water Adventures www.wordandwater.us *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I have both a Plastic 165 for my girlfriend (ex now) and a Kevlar 170 Tempest. So far I can say they are the best two kayaks I've owned. They're also the only two kayaks I've owned so they could be my worst too I suppose. But nodisiregardlessly, I do love my Tempest 170 and have had it for 2 years. Very little ocean but many lakes including Tahoe and Pyramid, and a few rivers which I just came back from doing Black Canyon below Hoover where we encountered some pretty stiff winds. The 170 did great. Doug Jensen Nevada City, CA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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