Under towDean and I were out today for a paddle with practice. The plan was to paddle a bit practicing various strokes then do a few rolls, paddle some more etc, etc. Turns out we paddled a total of 8 kms to cover a distance of about 4 linear kms.
At one point Dean wanted to do a roll with a boat in tow. I wasn't sure about that thinking there's a release on the tow belt for a reason. But off we went.
And rolling After a short tow he went over intentionally. He came to an abrupt stop while inertia kept me moving ahead. The line went slack as Dean rolled up. There was no entanglement but I wonder if the safest thing to do isn't a straight release of the tow belt before rolling. I can't recall reading anything in any of the kayak books or mags on this ... comments welcomed.
wow cape spear is wonderful! a few days yet then finally I will drop hiking for a while in favor of some sea kayaking ;-). ciao tony
ReplyDeleteGio, hiking is good and so is kayaking, I like to do both. When its not possible to kayak I hike. Glad you like the pictures. Stay safe when you kayak!
ReplyDeleteTny :-)
I would be really careful rolling with rope voluntarily. As you know water and rope really don't mix well. In fact, I had a friend who came really close to getting tangled up in this situation.
ReplyDeleteHe would do better to break out of the system, roll then pick up the rope again and strap the line back on after the fact.
In some advanced courses we simulate a problem by getting tower to roll over while at the same time getting the person who is getting towed to start back paddling to put some tension on the rope. The tower has to then break out of the system then roll back up.
Doing that you will realize a) how difficult it is to release some quick release systems while under tension and b) how easily it is to panic under water.
Of course you should really only do that under supervision of a 3rd person who can jump in and help if necessary.
David J.
http://www.paddlinginstructor.com
Thanks for your comment David. On second thought after we did this little exercise I wouldn't do it again. Even a slim chance of being caught up in the rope is not worth the chance. And, as you say, release of the tow belt under water before rolling should be practiced.
ReplyDeleteTony :-)
Interesting conversation Tony. I know when I did the level 3 paddle canada course with Richard that was one of the things Richard wanted us to complete was a Tow/roll release. Never really understood the point as you have stated but I am guessing he wanted to ensure in the event that one did tip over during towing you could actually get out of the situation. I too was concerned about the possibilty of ended up entangled but luckily this was a non issue on that day anyway. We practice all kinds of weird shit at this racket who knows when it will rear its ugly head.
ReplyDeleteTony L