Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
Readers, we have all done – or should have done a WW safety course, either an in country one, Rescue 3 or similar. We learn about z drags and mechanical advantage. We should learn about steep ground assessments, we learn to portage, we learn our own boundaries.
We have the new Palm Equipment Bolt throwline in for review at Unsponsored HQ. The Bolt is the big brother to the Lightning throwline released last year and replaces the Palm Alpine throwline.
Peak UK added a stainless steel ring to some of their throwline bags a few years ago.
For 2017 the range has been updated but still includes the ring. This great edit talks through the construction and setup of the 2017 throwline range.
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.
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.
A great video from Boreal looking at Advantage Systems and Z-Drag for whitewater, swiftwater & technical rope rescue.
Another new Palm Equipment product in for review at Unsponsored HQ. This is the new Palm folding knife.
The image below shows the Palm Folding knife with a Spyderco UK Penknife (Orange FRN), and Spyderco Ladybug.
Losing a GoPro because the sticky mount has failed is not a nice experience. I have been there. Using a leash or tethering system has become a key part of using a GoPro, especially when attached to a kayak, paddle or helmet. Since the release of the Blackout housing and GoPro Hero 4 the usual place to add a leash to tether the camera has gone.
GoPro have removed access to the metal bar that acts as part of the hinge, this was used by many to attach a thin piece of cord although some cases have failed due to this. There are two alternatives to using the hinge that depend upon the thumbscrew on the QR mount.
I had a bit of time today so had a go at modifying my two throw lines. I much prefer the clean rope principle where the end of the throw line that you keep hold of is a clean piece of rope i.e. has no knots or tubing.
Before:
After:
The second modification I carried out was the removal of the tubing from the bag end of the line and the reduction in the size of the loop. The idea is that the loop is big enough to clip a karabiner into but is far too small to get a hand stuck.
A great video from our friends at NRS.
Knowing how to quickly coiling your throw rope for a second toss is an essential swiftwater rescue skill. Here’s a trick to help you make a fast, tangle-free second throw.
This a Spyderco Tasman Salt. The blade is a rust resistant H1 steel. This knife has now found a new home in my PFD. A review will follow shortly.
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
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