Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
Jake shows us just what to do if you end up in the swimming in whitewater without your craft of choice.
Whitewater kayakers have a saying, ‘We’re all between swims’. Whether you’re a whitewater paddler or not, everybody should know what to do if you end up in a fast moving river.
The last thing anyone wants is for a throwline that is being used in a rescue situation to come apart. Making sure that the rope is threaded and tied into its bag correctly is a critical part of getting things right. Palm Equipment takes us on a walk through of how their throw bag system should be tied. The same knots and principles can be used on other bags.
As an honored and respected member of the WW community CMM and HMH are requesting your cooperation. In 2017 it is proposed that a WW safety anthology of stories and rescues will be published. This is a new take on a river safety manual – it is not a boring safety manual but a book full of first person accounts, where the reader can learn from your experiences.
We are looking for true and accurate submissions, without the need for scenario evaluations. 2000+ word count – The book cannot evolve without your help. It cannot help grow the community, from which we all learn. Our request for your inclusion within the book has not been taken lightly, your experiences and knowledge are sure to be of benefit for our readers.
We posted a similar video from Jackson Kayak a few months back and it had a huge number of hits. This one from Palm Equipment is a nicely put together edit and is definitely worth sharing here on Unsponsored.
If you haven’t tried the Hand Of God rescue you need to add it to your paddling skills list.
We’ve had an original Petzl Vertigo here at Unsponsored HQ for a few years and have really liked it’s performance. Petzl have been on the case and have updated the Vertigo using i-beam technology. Just like the original the Petzl Vertigo has been primarily designed for ease of clipping in with the added bonus of having a locking key gate. The new construction has shaved off 2 grams.
Your PFD is one of the most important pieces of safety gear that a paddler owns. It’s got work right first time, every time. Time, UV and general paddler abuse can cause damage to your PFD that may or may not be visible.
This PFD related video from Palm Equipment gives a great run through on how you should carry out a PFD health check.
The is How to Make a Flip Line edit from US based NRS is a great watch.
A flip line, or guide belt, made with a length of webbing and a locking carabiner, has many different uses for kayakers, rafters and canoeist. In addition to helping flip an overturned raft, you can use it to make a rescue anchor, boat tether, rescue harness, etc. Swiftwater rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows how to build yours.
A super important rescue technique. A must for all paddlers.
NRS make some great instructional videos and the The Hand Of God Rescue edit is certainly one of them.
So we all had a break from the Dirty First Aid, bet you are glad?
Well now lets be quick, lets be simple.
Kayakers, Sup guys n’ gals, Canoeists we all have our own thoughts about breaks and dislocations – but lets get down and dirty.
It’s simple – immobilise as easy and quick as possible, lets not get caught up with which sling is best, which way to strap.
Palm had a lightning bag shipped to Unsponsored HQ as soon as the production models were available. Retail customers will be able to get hold of a bag from good kayak/canoe retailers over the next few weeks.
Since the bag arrived we have had a good look over it and have tested but the feel, throwing and repacking ease with a number of different paddlers. Since the Lightning bag has already been compared to the HF Weasel by many it also makes sense to make some further comparisons during this initial look at the Lightning.
I have had the chance to have a close look at the Lightning bag a few times but this is the first time that I have been able to have not only a look but actually use the bag.
An epic title!
Demo of how to set up the Whetman Equipment Pig Rig using two Python 5m slings & two Ring Pull Prussiks.
More innovative gear from UK based Whetman Equipment. This time it’s the Ring Pull Prussik.
The Ring Pull Prussik provides a simple fast rope grab for hauling on a line in river rescue.
6mm red prussik cord
6mm stainless ring
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