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

Tag: rescue (Page 2 of 13)

Kokatat Rescue Life Vests – Carson Lindsay

Carson Lindsay runs through is 3:2:1:1 rescue equipment carry and how he loads it in two different PFDs.

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Whetman Equipment Bait Ring

We have a Whetman Equipment Bait Ring winging its way to Unsponsored HQ.

Whetman Equipment Bait Ring

This 12mm aluminium ring has an internal diameter of 45mm and a minimum breaking strength of 25kN.

It is also UK made.

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A New Vision With Palm’s Nevis PFD

Introducing the new Nevis PFD from Palm Equipment. Featuring the world’s first Piggyback harness and the brand new Delta Fit system, this award-winning PFD raises the bar for whitewater safety.

Palm Equipment - Nevis PFD
A New Vision With Palm’s Nevis PFD

The Nevis is the culmination of over three years of development, based on research by University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Designed by Barney Caulfield and tested worldwide by leading whitewater kayakers including Palm athlete Bren Orton.

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PFD Chest Harness Best Practice

Chest harnesses are a familiar part of all whitewater rescue PFDs these days, allowing you to enter the water attached to a tether, or to help with bank belays.

PFD Chest Harness Best Practice
PFD Chest Harness Best Practice

Research by Loel Colins and Chris Onions at the University of Central Lancashire found that 25% of chest harness releases failed to release properly under low load.

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What Is Your Emergency?

There’s been an accident and you need the help of the emergency services: Who do you call? What do you ask for? What information will you give? Based on a recent incident in the UK, here’s some learning (that I hope you’ll never have to put into practice)!

This is the very bare bones of calling for help and is not a substitute for completing a relevant first aid course, a safety and rescue course or undertaking leadership training and assessment. Every emergency is unique, but these simple steps should help you to get the help you need as efficiently as possible.

I’m a kayaker, get me out of here!! – Photo V. Bowman
I’m a kayaker, get me out of here!! – Photo V. Bowman
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Dr Throwline

It’s a classic!

Dr Throwline
Dr Throwline
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Astral Greenjacket 2020

For 2020 Astral have made an update to the colours of the Greenjacket. In addition to the all black colour scheme from 2019 they also have this blue/red combination.

Astral Greenjacket 2020
Astral Greenjacket 2020

What do you think? It also matches one of the new colour ways for the Serpent 2.0.

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Astral Serpent 2.0 PFD

A long time ago HF produced the Serpent PFD that was designed and developed by Allan Ellard. It was a great piece of gear that had a huge following. For 2020 Astral has developed the Serpent 2.0.

The new design is extremely similar to the original with an update in materials, some of the ergonomics and and increase of 20N in buoyancy to a total of 70N.

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Palm Equipment – Nevis PFD

Palm Equipment have released an image of their new Nevis PFD. This is the same PFD that we’ve shown a few times on the site over the last year being worn by Bren Orton and others in prototype form.

Palm Equipment - Nevis PFD
Palm Equipment – Nevis PFD
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Spyderco Pacific Salt – Review

If you carry a throw line with you whilst paddling you should also carry a knife that is at least capable of cutting the rope that the line is made from.

Spyderco Pacific Salt
Spyderco Pacific Salt
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DMM Boa – Review

This is the ‘Big Daddy’ of lockers – the ultimate rigging biner and one which is super strong and super tough. This makes them ideal for kayaking. I’ve had a number of Boa carabiners in my gear inventory for the last four years.

DMM Boa - Review
DMM Boa – Screwgate (Left) and Locksafe (Right)
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Flip Lines And Rescue Tape

When I became a raft guide in the late 90’s the way in which we were shown to right a raft posed significant danger.  It basically  meant utilising the drain holes in the raft by sticking your finger through and using your knees to flip the raft.  Get it wrong and you would be seriously hurt. So I am thankful that using a flip line to right a raft is now the default technique being taught and is used by the vast majority of guides.

We are now starting to see these types of lines carried by kayakers and canoeists. I would highly recommend that all paddlers have one of these and spend some time learning how to use it effectively and safely.

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