TOPIC:

Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 11 months ago #4861

chris71
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I love my current PFD (Stolquist Wedge E)... but it is not equiped for rescue (no lashes for quick release belt, no d-rings)...
Can one use a seakayak style throwbag/waiststrap/fannypack style system for towing, etc. on whitewater safely?
I have been told never to modify a PFD, but I have seen people on the river with custom straps, loops, etc put on theirs... comments?

If I would indeed have to purchase a new PFD, what model would you recommend with a similiar fit and comfort to my WEDGE-E?

Comments and suggestions appreciated!

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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 11 months ago #4863

Kayaker0678 Offline Platinum Member Posts: 821 Thank you received: 0	i would buy a new throw bag for the accuraccy and a new pfd becuase of the way they sit on your body.
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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 11 months ago #4865

AdrianTregoning Offline Moderator Posts: 2212 Thank you received: 8	[color=cyan:aed130469a]yeah, def. I don't think it's a good idea to modify your existing pfd. Safety is an important and indeed vital aspect and it's not worth it to skimp. [/color:aed130469a]
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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 11 months ago #4869

arska Offline Senior Member Posts: 27 Thank you received: 0	I think this PFD is very good i have one and i like it lot. www.soulboater.com/en/news/reports/article/323/ :hyper:
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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 10 months ago #4971

WakaWai Offline Moderator Posts: 222 Thank you received: 0	www.astralbuoyancy.com/06webpage/06lowband/06products/6a3.html
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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 10 months ago #4975

piep Offline Junior Member Posts: 8 Thank you received: 0	I don't understand why does pfds offer so poor protection on the thorax and the "upper back". Two things I ask to my pfd is to help me swim in big water but also to protect me from hitting rocks in lower volume rivers (swimming, rescues or paddling situations)... Mine is a W-Carver from Hiko (Europe) which as hign flotabillity and offers good protection
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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 10 months ago #4996

chris71 Topic Author Offline Elite Member Posts: 183 Thank you received: 0	Thank you all for the comments. Came across this too, very good info: www.whitewater-rescue.com/aboutus.asp?id06=120&par06=0 Won't be modifying my jacket, for sure... Has anyone used those sea kayak belt / tow systems that are completely separate from a PFD (go around your waist like a fanny pack)??
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Rescue PFD / Tow line systems 19 years 10 months ago #5012

neilnt
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Tow systems are pretty dangerous on moving water. Even if they have a quick release it doesn't make them full proof.

Most of the time I just push a kajak to the bank with the bow of my boat. If it's a wide river I use a sling over the shoulder clipped to the grab handle. It works, is super simple, and just slips off my shoulder if I have a problem with the boat. You can also use it to get an unconcious swimmer to the bank.

Sea Kajakers might have to tow somebody 20km so they want a better system and are not so worried about the kajak they are towing getting stuck somewhere.

Be safe out there,

Neil

www.swiftwaterrescue.at

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