Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
A pin kit is the collection of equipment that you carry to aid in a whitewater rescue that may or may not involve a pinned kayak or canoe. Within my paddling group there will be several variations of this kit, it is important that the group is not reliant on one persons kit as it may be that person or that persons boat that is in need of assistance.
The areas in which you paddle may also dictate the type and amount of kit you carry.
I was sent this great idea via the Unsponsored FB page by Brian Taylor.
A small piece of bungee and a small piece of cordage can be used as shown to keep the gate of a carabiner open.
If you are using a throw line on the river I firmly believe that you need to carry a knife capable of cutting the line you are using.
There are two schools of thought on how a knife should be carried. The first option is to have a knife stored in such a way that it does not create a snag hazard but still remains accessible. The choices on how this can be achieved is limited and really relies on using a pocket on your PFD. The second option is to carry a knife clipped onto the outside of your PFD. By doing this you are accepting that there will be an increased snag risk but the knife will be readily accessible. The other issue with knives that are mounted on the outside of your PFD is that it should remain secure until it is required to be used. Continue reading
This is the ‘Big Daddy’ of lockers – the ultimate rigging biner and one which is super strong and super tough. This should make it ideal for kayaking.
I currently have one of Palm’s FXr rescue PFDs in for review. The FXr is based upon the platform of the FX PFD. Here are my thoughts on this piece of kit:
The FX PFD from Palm Equipment has been around in one form or another for years and has been one of Palm’s top sellers throughout its lifetime. The new 2013 FX has really ramped up the design in terms of its looks, but how does it perform? Read on…
A nasty situation develops on this rapid on Wilson Creek. A good rescue!
Wilson Creek – Dental Work Rescue from Matt Dolian on Vimeo.
I have been asked a few times about whether or not the Palm Rescue Waist Belt and Zambezi Utility Belt will accept throw lines/bags from other manufacturers.
Things can go wrong. When they do it’s important to have the skills, kit and quick reaction to deal with it. This great video from Liam Chambers shows just how important this is.
Grizedale Beck pin to swim, to unpin. from Liam Chambers on Vimeo.
Sometime about 18 months ago we were waiting for rivers to come up in the lakes and went to this, adamant to get on and paddle some for the sake of paddling myself and Greg ran the entry falls to the main slide.
Was it worth it? No. Was that safety course worth it? Yes. Could it have gone worse? Almost definitely. Here’s what happened.
Filmed using Nick Woodman’s finest.
If you are running whitewater I strongly believe that all members of the paddling group should carry and throw line/bag AND know how to use it safely/effectively. I would also say that if you are carry a line you must also carry a knife that is capable of cutting it.
The choice of throw lines/bags is vast and although they may look the same there are some distinct differences that you must consider before selecting the right one for you. Continue reading
Made by CRKT and designed by knife maker Russ Kommer the Bear Claw is a rescue knife like no other.
Specs –
Full tang taper ground AUS 6M stainless steel blade with a fine bead blast finish.
Finger hole and friction grooves located on blade spine, choil and near tip for maximum blade control and safety.
The handle is contoured black Zytel.
Includes a injection molded black Zytel sheath that has seven lanyard holes and belting slots with lanyard and black stainless steel Teflon plated pocket clip.
AUS 6M stainless steel blade hardened to 55-57HRC, Blade length: 2″.
I picked up one of these knives from a climbing shop in Hailey, Idaho. I had been after a decent knife for kayaking for some time and was probably going to pick up a Gerber on my return to the UK. However after checking the Bear Claw out for a few minutes I decided it was going to be a better choice.
Your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is probably along with your helmet your prime piece of protection whilst on the water. Your PFD not only helps to keep you afloat it also offers vital padded protection for your body.
The Rescue PFD is something as yet I have not covered as part of the Pin Kit series. So here it is.
Walk into any climbing shop and you’ll be presented with a wide array of carabiners, loads of sizes, loads of shapes, loads of colours and a range of prices.
What ever carabiner you choose to buy please make sure that it is a type that is rated for climbing/caving and that it is suitable for job you will be asking it to do. A carabiner suitable for climbing will have its strength rating forged, stamped or etched on it. It should also conform to the 0120CE standard, this again should be present on the carabiner.
There are some really super light carabiners available out there that are great for climbing but could be too easily damaged/compromised whilst on the river. In instances where hauling, belaying or security are required locking carabiners are best. I carry four locking carabiners as part of my kit, but also have a couple of non-locking carabiners in my boat for clipping gear into that can be called into service if required.
The number you should carry is subjective – Mountainbuzz, Pin Kit. Continue reading
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