Safe kit

Safe winter paddling

When it comes to rescue gear it is always a compromise between the weight and size of the item verses likely hood of needing it in a rescue situation. It would be extremely easy to fill a kayak completely with gear that ‘could’ be useful however I find it is best to simplify what you carry so rescues can be initiated swiftly and successfully.

Here is what I carry and the reasons behind it

Firstly I choose not to have a throw line on my body, this is because I find it restricts my movement too much, and if I’m throwing a line I need to get out of my boat first anyway.  I carry two 10mm ropes, one 20m  line which is stowed in the back of my boat, this is used for pins, abseils and applications that require that length. I then carry a short 10-15m line for general rescues , I feel that this is a good length for most rivers in the UK and it doesn’t take too long to repack either.

I am extremely picky about what gains a place in my PFD. I carry a hooped sling tape, two William screw gate crabs. This is for the on water rescues such as toeing a boat.

I then have a hooped prussic in the front compartment with another screw gate crab & a nice fox40 whistle

In my boat I have an old throw line bag where I put all my other bits and bobs. In this bag there is a belay device, a 3 and 5 meter tubular tapes, a swing cheek pulley, two prussic loops, a folding saw. Add duck tape and your all set. I feel with all these bits and bobs you have a big enough variety of gear to perform most rescues

be safe.