> [Original Message] > From: Peter Rattenbury > 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. > Haven't done any longterm towing but you're right -- this originated as a WW technique. Years ago there was a kit available which riveted to your deck just ahead of the coaming. The river was plastic and would break out if excessive force were applied -- for safety's sake so you wouldn't get entrapped. There was a locking carabiner and enough rope so that your kayak could turn under it so you could get to the proper side of the towed boat. Once you did so, the rope would follow around your coaming and the towed boat would snug up against your boat somewhere behind you. Mostly, in WW you're towing the boat to shore or other safe place and you are not necessarily towing so much as ferrying. A loosely towed boat is a liability and difficult to control but if it's snugged against yours, then you are in effect ferrying a looong kayak, which is often the easier maneuver. Joe P. *************************************************************************** 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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