I've heard of PFD integrated systems, but has anyone ever thought of combining a tow belt with a spray skirt, or am I the first Jeanyus! It would always be there for you. I know some will say you want to be able to hand off your system at times, but that could be worked out. I'm gonna hafta mull this one over... Mark *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
If you need to tow someone a long way, then you'd want to be able to hand off the tow to another paddler. You can switch tow belts, but not if the tow were attached to you spray skirt. I'm assuming you're talking about the tunnel, not the actual deck -- since various tugs on the line would likely rip off your spray deck and compromise you as well as the towee. If you haven't towed anyone for a mile or two or more, then you may not appreciate how useful it can be to be able to get relief. A system that makes it easy to do so is a safer, more useful system IMHO. Remember, too, that the conditions under which people might need a tow might not be the easiest for the person doing to towing, as well. Bob V Mark Sanders wrote: > I've heard of PFD integrated systems, but has anyone ever thought of > combining a tow belt with a spray skirt, or am I the first Jeanyus! > > It would always be there for you. I know some will say you want to be able > to hand off your system at times, but that could be worked out. I'm gonna > hafta mull this one over... *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
If towing some one any distance it it best to attached to a rear deck "U-bolt" just behind the the towing paddler with a "biner" or use a waist belt configuration. What is the experience and wisdom of PaddleWise paddlers? John Bob Volin <bobvolin_at_optonline.net> wrote: snipped: If you need to tow someone a long way, then you'd want to be able to hand off the tow to another paddler. --------------------------------- Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. *************************************************************************** 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 really, really think a tow system needs to be operated with three things in mind: 1. SOP ahead of time that you will not be asked for permission to be towed. You will simply be towed if deemed necessary by the group leader. This is all decided well ahead of time. I have had a paddler refuse a tow and screw the trip for their obtuse behavior. 2. The tow 'biner must be operated/ clipped on/off with one hand. 3. Getting rid of the tow rope must be done, again, with one hand very quickly. I can envision losing my balance while towing in rough seas and ending in an upside down position due to an unintended dump. Making tow systems may not be prudent. Buy a tested commercial system and be happy you did. It is a known quantity in a situation where unknowns are not wanted. I wear a tow belt. I got to use it twice. Shoot! That is two more than I ever thought I would need to use it. The second time I had to argue with a fat old woman who didn't want a tow even though she couldn't make it to the lunch landing spot due to a strong tide. Hence the need for an SOP. I learned the SOP trick here. Very good advise. Thank you Paddlewise. Jim et al On May 7, 2007, at 11:19 PM, John H wrote: > If towing some one any distance it it best to attached to a rear > deck "U-bolt" just behind the the towing paddler with a "biner" or > use a waist belt configuration. What is the experience and wisdom > of PaddleWise paddlers? > John *************************************************************************** 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 5/7/2007 8:21:32 PM Pacific Daylight Time, seajohnkayak_at_yahoo.com writes: If towing some one any distance it it best to attached to a rear deck "U-bolt" just behind the the towing paddler with a "biner" or use a waist belt configuration. What is the experience and wisdom of PaddleWise paddlers? John Bob Volin <bobvolin_at_optonline.net> wrote: snipped: If you need to tow someone a long way, then you'd want to be able to hand off the tow to another paddler. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A U bolt? How would you release it under strain? If you want to make it simpler, go to West Marine and buy a jamcleat and fairlead. Should cost you all of 20 bucks. However, you cannot hand off your tow to anyone without those fittings on their deck. Towing from the boat is very comfortable, though. Watch the tow bag in surf if you store it under deck fittings. Waist belt tow systems are universal. If you or the guy you are towing eat it, the release and reattachment are simple. There are a number of commercial rigs on the market that are decent.None work for me strait off the shelf. After you've had one a while you like and dislike certain things about them. If you are towing someone, remember there is a reason you are doing so. They are compromised and need your help. Practice this enough to not fail when you are needed. Don't become compromised yourself. Cheers, Rob G ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> There are a number of commercial > rigs on the market that are decent.None work for me strait off the > shelf. > After you've had one a while you like and dislike certain things > about them. > Concur. I replaced the dog leash brass clip on my commercial tow system with a $27 SS safety harness type clip from West Marine. I can use it with or without gloves and dont have to worry about the pin corroding like in the typical biner. I also added a yard of thick bungee to the end nearest me as a shock absorber. I need to learn the daisy chain method of rope storage and see if I like it. Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
It is important that you be able to quickly release yourself from a tow in case of some emergency. For example, suppose you capsize while towing you want to be able to quickly release the tow. Or if conditions become too dangerous, you want to get rid of the tow line very quickly to avoid other problems such as entanglement. I think a minimum length of 40 feet is needed. You can daisy chain the line to create a shorter line by hooking the carabiner into the last "chain". I'd personally buy a commercial belt and use the extra time to paddle. sid ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. *************************************************************************** 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 generally hook my carabiner into my piercing. It motivates me to hurry up and finish the tow. Due to list policy I cant tell you what I have pierced. Let your mind wander. Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> From: James Farrelly > > I generally hook my carabiner into my piercing. It motivates me to > hurry up and finish the tow. Due to list policy I cant tell you what > I have pierced. Let your mind wander. > > Jim et al Well the extra few inches could be critical in heavy seas, but you do have to worry about cold water shrinkage! *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Since you're not supposed to tamper with your PFD, I was thinking maybe velcro closing belt loops on the tube part of a spray skirt. That way the force is taken by the tow belt, it can be removed easily, but it's always handy. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Mark, Both Mike Bode and I bought new tow belts to replace what we were using after taking Fiona Whiteheads class on Incident Management at the Southwest Kayak Symposium. We bought these units, http://www.seakayakingusa.com/gear.htm#tow although both Mike and I disagree with them about bungies and we have both modified our setups so they incorporate a bungie. Next time you paddle with either of us, we'll be glad to show them to you. My previous setup was a Salamander Keelhauler Pro. What I didn't like about it was that in an emergency, it was easy to get confused and grab the short line when the long one was needed and vice versa. In addition, trying to stuff that setup back into the bag was difficult. Our new belts are much easier to use. Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
[Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply including old headers and footers. It's list policy.... this post was modified to meet policy] At 09:00 PM 07/05/2007, Steve Holtzman wrote: >Both Mike Bode and I bought new tow belts to replace what we were using >We bought these units, http://www.seakayakingusa.com/gear.htm#tow although >both Mike and I disagree with them about bungies and we have both modified >our setups so they incorporate a bungie. The one you link to looks and sounds a lot like the one made by Northwater http://www.northwater.com/html/tow_systems.html and available from MEC in Canada. As a waist mounted system it works 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 5/9/2007 6:14:49 AM Pacific Daylight Time, sandmarks_at_ca.rr.com writes: Since you're not supposed to tamper with your PFD, I was thinking maybe velcro closing belt loops on the tube part of a spray skirt. That way the force is taken by the tow belt, it can be removed easily, but it's always handy. <>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> What is so hard about putting on a belt? Easy on and more importantly easy off if the tow goes bad. My spraydeck tunnel is usually under the overseal on my drysuit or drytop and not available for modifications. Cheers, Rob G ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. *************************************************************************** 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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