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HITCHIN' A RIDE:
The Rafted Tow
When we start wandering out into the ocean's constantly changing environment, we can
sometimes get ourselves in a little bit over our heads. This is where trouble can begin. A paddler who
has reached the limit of his skills or who is incapacitated will tend to become somewhat rigid. At a
time when a relaxed and limber body would be beneficial, the paddler's tension will cause him to be
rocked around like a bell buoy. The distressed paddler will find that his kayak may feel more unstable
than it really is. This lack of maneuverability may become a problem if wind or waves change or
increase. A capsize can complicate matters further; once the paddler reenters the kayak, he may suffer
from heightened anxiety, making it nearly impossible to paddle under his own power to safer conditions.
Paying attention to your partner's tell tale signs can help alert you to a need for
intervention. Your partner may be uncharacteristically quiet. Some paddlers in distress stare at the
front of their kayaks and won't even turn their heads to talk. On the other hand, if you hear your
paddling partner becoming exceptionally vocal, it can also be a sign of agitation and distress. For
example, the word "whoa" in any form is a sign of a panic situation. A distressed paddler can
quickly experience a decrease in balance and paddling efficiency. Whenever you encounter signs of
distress, it is an obvious indication that the paddler needs you to act swiftly to provide support, as
the risk of a capsize will greatly increase.
A rafted tow can be an important rescue technique to use when a paddler has exceeded
the limits of his ability or experience. This method can also be used in the event of an injury or a
case of sea sickness. In any case where a paddler is incapable of staying upright or paddling by
himself, it's time to make use of a raft or a rafted tow.
When a situation like this arises, the affected paddler is going to need something to
support himself to stay upright. With two or more rescuers, a stabilized raft can be formed by holding
onto each others' kayaks and using the paddles to bridge them together. One rescuer supports the victim
while the others conduct a tow with the use of a long tow line.
The limitation to this method is obvious: Most of us paddle in pairs, and don't have
a lot of extra paddlers around to facilitate tows. This is when the rafted tow method can be useful.
With the rafted tow, the rescuer not only provides support for the victim but also the paddle power to
reach a safer destination. By holding onto the rear or front of the rescuer's kayak, the victim will be
able to support himself and give the paddler the space needed to do a complete paddle stroke.
The easiest way to do the rafted tow is with the victim at the bow of your kayak. As
the paddler will be facing you, it is much easier to keep an eye on his condition. This position also
allows for ease of communication, which helps to build the victim's confidence and sense of security.
Potential drawbacks include wind or currents. If the wind is angled off your bow, you
might end up in a lee-cocking situation. If this occurs, you will have to position the victim's kayak at
the stern of your kayak. (That is, of course unless you want to go with the wind.) When towing a paddler
from the stern of your kayak, keep in mind that your inability to see the victim means that you might
not be aware of a change in his condition. If a paddler is seasick, he might lose his ability to
function.
Kayaks equipped with rudders can present problems for both paddlers when towing from
the stern. The victim may become entangled in the rudder cables or cut his dry suit or skin on the metal
of the rudder system. The rescuer may also find himself without the use of his footrests, since they are
connected to the rudder cables.
When you first attempt to tow someone with the rafted tow method, you will soon see
that it is not the easiest task to perform. The wind and the condition of the sea can make towing an
incapacitated paddler quite strenuous. Keeping a steady course can be very frustrating, if not
impossible. In conditions like this, it is best to try to use the wind and currents to your advantage if
you can, even if you have to pick an alternative destination. Try not to spend too much energy fighting
wind and current - go with them if you can. Remember, you must get to safer conditions as soon as
possible.
Keep in mind that the rafted tow is going to handle differently with each condition.
What works best for me is to tow the victim's kayak, whether it be from the stern or from the bow, on
the side closest to safer water, as you'll tend to veer to the side of the tow. I also try to set up a
ferry angle using wind and current to reduce the work load as much as possible.
It is also a good idea to strap the front of the victim's kayak to your own kayak.
This will eliminate the possibility of hitting your elbow on the other kayak as you pull through with
your stroke. I like to carry a short piece of rope about two feet long, with a carabineer attached to
one end. I can clip the carabineer to the front of the victim's kayak and a jam cleat located just
behind my cockpit. This will keep the front of the victim's kayak securely at my side and out of the way
of my paddle stroke.
A quick-release system is essential when doing any kind of tow. The last thing you
need at this point is to capsize and become entangled in your own tow line. A quick release system is
just as important when towing off of a long line. When using a long line, it is also better to tow from
your torso than from your deck. The tow line will be attached at a higher point above the deck, and will
be less likely to hook onto the stern of your kayak. Never tow another kayak from your own kayak's
grab-loop. Your kayak will be jerked from side to side and there is no way you can do a quick release if
it becomes necessary.
Towing is an important part of kayaking. It can mean the difference between getting
someone safely to shore or leaving him or her helplessly floating in cold water, risking hypothermia. As
with all rescue techniques, practice is essential, making it more likely that you will effectively
execute the maneuver when faced with a real rescue situation. Be sure to practice in a variety of
conditions; since kayaks have so many different shapes and handling characteristics, you will want to
know what to expect
before you need to use this tow.
(c) Mike Falconeri |
