How will you use a safety line

How will you use a safety line

We have made a video with three safety line set-ups. We have heard even more ideas on how to do it from like-minded sea kayakers worldwide. We have noticed that most people favour the use of a safety line. Some of the paddlers we talk to, even on social media, are already using it for years. And very few are against the idea of connecting yourself to the boat. So, what do you have to think about when you make your setup?

We have field-tested many setups during the past decade to end up with the three ways you see in our video. A significant problem is an entanglement. I’m not a huge fan of lines and ropes. We notice that we end up quickly in longer tow lines when in the water during field testing. The first thing that came to mind was the waist belt long tow line. It seems perfect to use as a safety line; you can easily attach it to your boat on one of the deck lines.

Once upside down, there is absolutely no way you can lose your boat, and you will have enough length to perform a full self-rescue. You will be able to go to the bow and lift it to empty the cockpit; you can go to the back deck to perform a cowboy scramble or ladder self-rescue. But the main problem we encountered during testing was entanglement. By the time you get back in your cockpit, the rope is wrapped around your legs. If conditions have pushed you over, you certainly have no opportunity to release yourself from all the rope around your legs.

short towline

Therefore we started experimenting with the contact tow. This is the short towline that sea kayakers attach between the deck lines right in front of the cockpit. It will keep you together with your kayak after a capsize and wet exit, no question about it.

Top tip: make sure the contact tow is long enough so you can exit the cockpit swift and safe when upside down in the water. The best is to field test it on dry land before using it in the water.

Now, the safety line will allow you to get your bearings right after the capsize and before you start up your self-rescue attempt. The critical part of using the contact tow is assessing the situation! The rule that I apply is that if I see fit to perform a cowboy scramble self-rescue, I detach from the safety line to move to the bow. I can empty the cockpit by lifting the bow and performing a swift self-rescue. My cockpit will be empty, and I will be ready to continue immediately.

The short length of the safety line prevents moving to the bow or stern. I hear you think, what is the point of the safety line then?Again, as stated before, most people lose their craft upon capsize/wet exit. In case of doubt, there is no doubt! If I see unfit to perform all this, due to the conditions and the waves, due to my physical shape at that point, I will NOT detach myself! I will then perform a re-entry and roll self-rescue (with or without a paddle float). So, you see, it is not all black or white. To become self-reliant sea kayakers, we still need to think for ourselves. Use common sense, and don’t let yourself be fooled by the ocean. She rarely gives second chances.

Short tow line (rope)

Short tow line (marine grade bungee)

Practical!

When making your own set-up, there are details you can change or alter. Will you go for a solid rope, or marine grade, tough bungee, or buy a contact tow (like the one we reviewed in an earlier issue of THE PADDLER: Whetman Equipment Contact Tow)? We like to make the connection with the loop of our spray deck. Nothing gets in the way; you can see the connection in front of you, so it’s very practical if you need to detach. Also, we use full neoprene, though spray decks (from P&H). They stay put, no matter what. You can choose to connect the safety line to your PFD. If it is equipped with an emergency release belt and ring, this may also prove a helpful solution.

Note: there is no such thing as a perfect safety line. You will make compromises. There is a low chance of entanglement if it’s short, but you can’t move to the bow or aft deck without detaching. If it is long, you can move around but with a high chance of entanglement. Always carry a knife with you; you never know. Carry it on your person, within reach.

Have fun and take care of each other on the water!

Video Sea Kayak Safety Line: