Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Tag: rescue (Page 1 of 13)

When It All Goes Wrong

As well as making sure I have all the necessary safety kit (PFD, helmet, throw line, whistle, pin kit) I like to have a range of kit with me that can be used in emergency situations. If a trip were to turn into an epic it is possible that someone may have been injured and/or we could be stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

Therefore my kit centres around three key elements/purposes:

I like to carry a range of kit that will help keep me and/or my paddling buddies warm and offer a little shelter.
If someone gets injured I’d like to go someway to help patch him or her up.
I’d like to ensure that morale stays high.

I have to weigh all of these needs against what is practically possible and the weight I can actually carry in my boat. Regardless this kit needs to be carried in my boat or on my person and needs to be kept dry. I am currently using an Exped Cloudburst dry sack for the bulk of the emergency kit that I carry. It is based around a traditional roll top dry bag but it has straps so that it can be used as a rucksack. It has a volume of 15 litres which means it is big enough to hold the essentials but will still fit in the back of my Liquid Logic Stomper.

When It All Goes Wrong
When It All Goes Wrong
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Pin Kit/Rescue Gear

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.

Pin Kit/Rescue Gear
Pin Kit/Rescue Gear
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Social Media Saturday 25 November 2023

Welcome to Unsponsored and Social Media Saturday 25 November 2023.

Social Media Saturday 25 November 2023

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Social Media Saturday 21 October 2023

Welcome to Unsponsored and Social Media Saturday 21 October 2023.

Social Media Saturday 23 October 2023

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NRS Ninja Pro PFD 2024

The NRS Ninja was a huge hit when it was released with top level performance and fit. For 2024 NRS are introducing the new Ninja Pro PFD.

As a class V whitewater PFD the Ninja Pro gets all of the features that you need and would expect to see.

This includes:

  • Orbit Fit System enhances overall comfort, increases range of motion and eliminates the desire to over-tighten.
  • Fully-featured rescue vest includes a strategically placed 1.5” quick-release rescue belt with an aluminum attachment ring.
  • Continuous, interconnected webbing creates an internal harness for maximum security in live bait scenarios and when grabbing users by shoulder straps.
  • Compartmentalized, zippered, drop-down, clamshell pocket stows and organizes essential on-person gear.
  • Features five attachment points for knife, lights, or strobe and extensive 3M® reflective accents to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Hand warmer pocket features 4-way stretch double knit polyester lining that’s soft against the skin; pocket doubles as quick storage for webbing or gloves.
  • Strap garages and a deliberately placed lash tab reduces snag points.
  • The Orbit Fit System layers multiple pieces of lightweight closed-cell foam cut to precise specifications to create a unique, flexible, pre-curved shape that effortlessly conforms to your body.
  • Graded Sizing takes into account the appropriate amount of flotation needed for individual body types resulting in a better-fitting, more comfortable life jacket for all.
  • Sustainable construction combines a recycled ripstop nylon shell with a recycled nylon inner that protects the fully recycled Ethafoam shims.
  • AirMesh lining on the lower back adds ventilation and helps manage moisture.
  • Side entry, with adjustments on shoulders, side and waist to secure the life jacket and customize fit.
  • Silicone-coated inner waistband helps hold the PFD in place when swimming.
SizingChestUser Weight
XS/M30″ – 38″90 – 150lbs
M/L36″ – 46″90+lbs
XL/XXL44″ – 56″90+lbs

This PFD will be available in early 2024 and is expected to retail at around $229.95.

NRS Vector PFD

NRS Vector PFD

The new NRS Vector PFD picks up from where the Zen and Ninja PFDs left off. Both PFDs had a superb fit and if the Vector fits at least as well it will sure to be a winner.

The Vector uses the Orbit Fit System designed for overall comfort, allows for full range of motion, and eliminates the need for excessive tightening.

The NRS Vector PFD will be available in three sizes and three colours. Colours include black, red and the citrus yellow/green shown above. The Vector comes in three sizes as detailed below.

SizingChestUser Weight
XS/M30″ – 38″90 – 154lbs
M/L36″ – 46″90+lbs
XL/XXL44″ – 56″90+lbs
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Palm Equipment Riff PFD

New for 2023 is the Palm Equipment Riff PFD.

Palm Equipment Riff PFD
Palm Equipment Riff PFD

This low profile PFD is constructed with a nylon 420D ripstop fabric filled with Gaia and EPE PVC free buoyancy foam.

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Social Media Saturday 28 January 2023

Welcome to Unsponsored Social Media Saturday 28 January 2023.

Social Media Saturday 28 January 2023
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Social Media Saturday 16 July 2022

Welcome to Unsponsored and Social Media Saturday 16 July 2022.

Social Media Saturday 16 July 2022

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Social Media Saturday 1 January 2022

Happy New Year Welcome to Unsponsored and Social Media Saturday 1 January 2022. The first post of 2022.

Social Media Saturday 1 January 2022

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Movie Monday 8 November 2021

Welcome to Unsponsored and Movie Monday 8 November 2021.

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Movie Monday 19 July 2021

Welcome to Unsponsored and Movie Monday 19 July 2021. We reckon that this weeks Movie Monday election are pretty fine. Check them out.

Movie Monday 19 July 2021

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