[Paddlewise] Hand injuries caused by entrapment in Bow and Stern looped lines

Last year I started to research Bow and Stern loop hand injuries.  I posted
and asked anyone who had suffered or knew of such injuries to contact me.  I
thank those who took the time to do so. I am again asking for assistance.

If you responded to my request, thank you.  Specifically I want to thank
Michael Jackson and John Kirk Anderson for their excellent replies.  However,
I would like to hear from others.

These injuries occur when a hand or finger becomes trapped inside the looped
grab line at the ends of kayaks.  Often these loops are used to attach a
toggle.  The injury usually occurs in surf, or when the kayak is spun in rough
water (window-shading) and the swimmer/kayakers finger or hand is crushed by
the line. They can also occur when boats are dropped or slip from the kayakers
grasp while on shore.

I am only interested in accounts of injuries.  Please stay on topic.  Many
last year contacted me with stories about using the grab loops/toggles to
carry the kayak.  While I agree this is not a good practice it is off topic
unless while carrying the kayak an injury occurred.

If you belong to a club or group of kayakers who have modified their kayaks to
single line grab lines I'd like to hear from you as well.  Is this an official
club policy or just a wise practice?

I have started to contact some kayak associations but would like to add to the
body of research.  The more information I have should mean manufactures will
take the information more seriously.  My intent is to try to convince kayak
manufactures to cease the practice of adding looped grab lines to their
kayaks.  I will make my research available online.

If you have first or second hand knowledge of such injuries please contact me
back channel at gwarner2_at_shaw.ca

Thanks
Gordin Warner
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