Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
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
What would you do in a situation like this pin on the Oetz?
Do you have a pin/rescue kit that can handle the emergency? Do you know how to use it safely and effectively?
Kayak design has moved on so much since I started to paddle. The level or difficulty at which people paddle is owed in some part to the change in kayak design over the years.
I currently paddle a Recon 93 and despite it being used for pretty much the same stuff as my first plastic kayak – an Ace Swing, yet the technology and features are simply worlds apart.
So if you are looking for a kayak packed full of safety features what are you actually looking for?
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.
The HF Weasel is HF’s smallest and most compact throw bag. If space within your boat is at a premium then this bag may be the one for you. The Weasel fits even in the smallest kayak or can be fixed and carried on a waist belt (HF Swifty Belt).
If a throw bag is needed in a emergency you probably won’t have any time for a second go! Therefore the most important factors when using a throwbag is how well it throws, and how easy it is to get the bag to land on target. In both cases the HF Weasel fits the bill. I found the bag easy to throw both under and over arm. The rope pays out nicely during a throw and is also easy to repack if you do need (or have time) to have a second go.
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
It’s always interesting to see what other paddlers carry with them. What do you carry with you?
Astral athlete Gareth Tate sends in a photo showing what he carries in his Greenjacket and says…
“I could not be more stoked on the convenience and capacity of the new clamshell pocket on the Greenjacket, check out what I am able to carry with room to spare.”
-1-2 prussiks
-2 locking carabiners
-1 small pulley
-15-20ft of webbing (half inch)
-Rescue whistle
-Rescue knife
-Snack bar
-SPOT device
What do you carry in your Greenjacket?
During the late 80’s and early 90’s the Cow Tail seemed a pretty common accessory to have attached to your rescue PFD. Over the years they seem to have fallen out of favour.
May be this is a genuine change in focus of use or may be it’s because they are now an extra that needs to be paid for?
The new Rescue Belt from Palm is very similar to the Zambezi River Belt. The main difference being that the Rescue Belt lacks the tow loop/pouch but gains 2 x D-rings.
The PeakUK Bull bag is available in 25, 20 and 15 metre varieties. I had a chance to check out and throw the the 25 and 15 metre models.
The Petzl Vertigo has been primarily designed for ease of clipping in with the added bonus of having a locking key gate. This makes it ideal for Via Ferrata and kayaking applications where you need the safety of a locked gate yet want to open and secure it quickly.
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