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Love the honesty. Worked years in factories dealing with sketchy safety situations and the number one way I saw people get hurt was having things dangling off them and getting stuck on something.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

So true I never want anything dangling off my vest

Thanks for the advice! I’m going to make the change right away and is really how I started out before I got a jacket with a quick release belt.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

just looking out for ya jeff....

I mean you are right. I also have a cow tail and why did I bought it ... let me think .... for no reason. I just need to have one because all my friend also have one and I want to look as cool as them. I have mine since 2018 and in these 3 years I NEVER used it and why? BECAUSE as you said these things are made to take a swimmers boat from A to B BUT for example simply a class 3 river is to much to clip the boat at the cow tail. So this thing just has no use. Then the next thing is that my lifejacket has no point which could release the cow tail in a case of an accident. So this thing is all in all just al massiv dangerous for me. Thats good that you spoke about this theme again especially for me because I'm paddling un austria tomorrow and now I am going to remove this thing before I'm paddling there again.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Good feedback Fritz

As a sea kayaker I find the cowtail very useful. We don't have the same entanglement issues as river paddlers. The cowtail is useful to quickly tow a boat or hook onto your own boat for a rock landing.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

That’s so true very useful for that

@feelegoode2067

Жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison Well you did say maybe on class three.

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

@@feelegoode2067 yup i totally see a use there

Great video as always. I have a cow tail in a box somewhere. Good point about not focusing on the boat and making sure the paddler is safe.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

thanks Keith

Yah, I use this tether properly and used this to ferry a couple of boats only on III’s/IV. But, you make a heck of a lot of sense. Mines gone tomorrow and will be replaced with a similar set up as yours. Just eliminating one floppy snag point. Also, my tether has come loose on rapids a few times and is annoying as crap.

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

Yeah i would see them coming loose all the time on paddlers

Beside all that was said which is all good things to do the one reason I keep the leash on class 4-5 is to be able to clip it on my boat and exit the boat when the shore is too steep to get out and hold the boat at the same time. That way I can use my 2 hands to scramble up and the boat follows behind me. Like you said there is always a risk vs benefit element to be considered and this piece of equipment can bring a lot of risk of not used properly. Great video mate, thanks!

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome thanks for the feedback

Really enjoying the safety tips series so far. Your passion for the sport is on full display, or maybe your just tired of seeing dangerous things on the river. Now I’m just beater class but I know not to have snaggy things affixed to my person. I have a piece like that…stowed behind my seat. Mostly for portage and I could achieve the same thing with the paracord stowed in the same location. Anyway good stuff to put out there, keep it coming.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I don’t claim to be anything more then someone that’s noticed a few things out there that paddlers are doing that’s unsafe and if can reach one to stop I feel I done my part🤓 I’m sure some will disagree but that’s ok

Great video again love it

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate!!

Interesting video. I’m broadly in agreement that there’s little value and a fair bit of added risk using tethers on the river. I had a friend very nearly drown as a result of rescuing a boat using a tether. She clipped in, flipped upside down, the boat then snagged on something, her hands were so cold, she literally couldn’t pull the buckle. She was barely able to keep her head above water. From my understanding, she probably would have drowned, had another paddler not have been able to cut the line with his knife. That said, I don’t know that I agree with your method of clipping your webbing to the QR belt/ring. I think that method still presents many of the same risks. I have been teaching beginner/intermediate kayaking for a number of years and have literally rescued hundreds of boats. My preferred rescue method is; - ensure there are airbags in the boat. - ideally ensure there are bow airbags in a creeker - if someone does swim, paddle along side the boat. Flip it back up the right way. - grab one of the front handles and the side of the cockpit rim. Take 5 seconds or so to lift the front of the boat up, so the majority of the water drains out. Repeat again if needed to get 90% of the water out. - now float alongside the boat till you see a good eddy. Then you can shove it in from either end ~15ft or so. You can also tow with over the shoulder webbing if needed too. The nice thing with this method is that you don’t need to use any form of tow 70% or the time. The boat is also mostly emptied for the swimmer once it gets to the side. Much of the way people go with tethers is down to training. In the UK it’s rare to ever see many rescue classes teaching or promotion tethers. Hopefully classes in North America catch on with explaining the risks and showing alternate methods. Stay safe everyone.

@harrywatsonpaddle

3 жыл бұрын

I should add that I find the bulldozing method not that helpful. Being able to give any swimmer a mostly drained kayak also saves and ton of time when getting back in.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

All really valid points Harry wow thanks for the accident report so glad that worked out I have heard so many stories about issues with clipping into kayaks that exactly what I’m saying. And yeah I don’t tow boats with that sling I was saying you could if that’s your thing but I’m not recommending it ever. I’m all about the method ypu wrote about emptying out and bulldozing a kayak and pulling it up on shore I never want to be clipped into a boat on a river. Thanks for the feedback

As a kayaker, I have no idea whether it's useful or not, but as an open ocean rescue swimmer, it's an essential part of our kit and used for many potential rescue scenarios.

@WadeHarrison

4 ай бұрын

I was just referring to paddling on micro creeks with lots of strainers ect

I work as a camp counselor, and a lot of us have switched to a similar system to your sling. I have mine mounted to the belt at all times while I’m working, but so much of it stays tucked in the zipper pocket that there is nothing to get snagged. Astral actually makes a static tether with a ring on one end and a carabiner on the other, and it’s designed to be stored in those pockets

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Nice thanks for the feedback Joe…

@CryptoSurfer

3 жыл бұрын

I have one of these stashed in the side pocket. I think I’ll get a carabiner on the ring and stash the whole thing in the pocket.

@feelegoode2067

Жыл бұрын

I'm a bigger fan of a prusik looped around your waist (like a belt) with a quick release 'biner.

Great video!

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy 🤩

The sling method is so much better. I have a sling that I have in a loop that I just put over my shoulder to tow boats. So easy to let go of and to set up. Also means I can loop it over things to tie up the boat

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

See this guy ☝🏻gets it!!!

Well said - wise words. No need to paddle with snagging hazards hanging off you.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Yes totally agree thanks for feedback

@ChrisBaerWhereIs

2 жыл бұрын

You have a pfd on how is a snug teather any more dangerous?

I only use a tow tether when paddling with my son or with one of his friends. And when I do, it's stowed between the clamshell and my chest (not clipped into anything but loose in the mesh pocket) with the tether really tight against my body so it would be really hard for it to catch on anything. I never pull it out unless it's in calm water below the rapid, where it's actually incredibly handy. I also only put the thick webbing on the Green Jacket through the plastic cleat and never use the metal one so my tow tether could easily be released at all times.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think they are OK if properly used but sadly so many just clip it wherever

I have a salamander waist throw bag. It has a tow tether that's stashed in a separate velcro pocket. Out of the way and snag free. And the belt has a quick release. I paddle a packraft and most of my paddling partners are inflatables that they can't roll, so being able to tow an inflatable that got separated from its paddler is really convenient.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

I’m not a fan of those waist mounted throw bags either but I get it..

@JustinBaker2567

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison why is that?

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@JustinBaker2567 it’s just more gear on me i don’t mind them as much as the tow tether though

@JustinBaker2567

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah as someone paddling an inflatable and can't roll, I really like having it on my body. I can see why that wouldn't be important for someone who paddles a hardshell and can reliably roll.

Well said

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Zac....

in France, as a kayaking instructor, you must have a quick realease cowtail, a throwbag and a knife when paddling class III or more... That's the law.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

That’s what I’m talking about thanks for being safe and teaching safety

Agree with the points made! It is a significant entanglement risk with very minimal reward. If you where a raft guide, would you have a super loose perimeter line? No. Job number one of a rescuer is to keep themselves safe. If they get themselves in trouble they have now dramatically changed the ratio of rescuers/swimmers. I have flipped and swam lots. My partners used the bulldozer method and is very low risk to the rescuer. During my SRT, they did live bait without the cow tails. A rope with a locking carabiner that is locked to the ring works and is quick to set up. An ever worse set up is the cow tail with a non-locking carabiner or a locking carabiner that is left unlocked. This is a recipe for hooking onto river gremlins, ie. re-bar, abandoned shopping carts, branches on sweepers. I also like your point of rescuing the paddle first. Boats are much easier to find than paddles, due to size and typical colours (some exceptions to colour do happen). Granted their is a counterpoint if you are on a multi day trip and all your survival supplies are in your boat. Keep the drive alive!

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

totally agree Dan and all great feedback thanks!!

@kevinhill.8

2 жыл бұрын

This!!! ☝🏼

Hey Wade! Love your Podcast btw 🤙🏽 I’ve heard you mention the use of slings as essential, multipurpose safety gear. What type of sling are you specifically talking about? Is it something like the Palm Equipment Snake Sling? Or more like a Black Diamond nylon rock climbing “runner” (sling)? Thanks for your time! Keep up the great work🤟🏽

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Yes Just like that but I make my own

you smashed it mate

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

Mine gets used to clip onto my paddle on lake when doing rescues and the odd boat tow on lake or maybe class 2 when need arises. I like the laziness of clipping it to my paddle so I can just leave it in water beside me on lake and know it's there when I finish the rescue. Much prefer a sling method tucked up under the tunnel of dry top/suit out of way and easy to access when needed on moving water.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

I can see that thanks for the feedback

I don't disagree but this might be the most ADHD video I've seen so far.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

dude Totally I will not disagree nothing Worse then filming these then have to edit yourself and like oh dam this is a mess i get off topic at times when the adhd slips in hahah Thanks for watching 🤗

How would you tow kids on a lake (lifetime wave 6ft) when they are tired?

@WadeHarrison

6 күн бұрын

Use this sling for that I towed several with it

Great video. Love the redundancy on these safety videos. How long is your sling? Have you played with different lengths to figure out what works best for you?

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

I have a video in that sling coming...

I live in the french alps I’m a monitor/guide for kayaking and rafting and I ran safety on the french championship of descent kayaking/canoeing last week and I’m currently running safety for the french championship of slalom kayaking/canoeing and we have to we’re these they are part of our security kit I paddle class 3/4 daily and paddle class 5 weekly I will always have this on my pfd especially when I taking kids down class 2/3 because the amount of boats we have to tow because they don’t know how to roll but I understand where your coming from no hate nice vid

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Yes doing instructional classes with newer paddlers I get that and I'm sure its a crazy hassle to remove it when paddling more difficult runs and you have justified some safety uses for it on the vest at all times I will disagree but understand where your coming from and appreciate your feedback.

I got rid of mine a couple of years ago and like you keep a webbing sling in that side pocket. I ditched the outside knife also... more because I got tired of losing them than because of a safety issue. Peace

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks feedback!!

I have abandoned using this equipment more recently as well. The risk versus reward is not worth it. Great video.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Good deal eric funny how we think oh going to use this all the time and after few trips it becomes more hassle then useful…

@TverangerTrent

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison I have the same vest and it has come free mid rapid on more than one occasion. I don't even notice :(

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@TverangerTrent it happens to everyone that runs these things l.

I removed mine when I got the pfd 7 years ago. Class 3+ open boater.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Smart!

Where can I find the video of the atow tether you carry?

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

I have not made it yet I have been doing these boat reviews but it will be made soon thanks for asking

Good video Wade will probably save someone !

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and hope so I have read of 2 paddlers that have drowned because of the tow tether got hung up and that could not get loose…

@huntergipson3447

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison made mine which is the same as your setup - carabiner on both ends - stuffed in my vest pocket - wearing a pair of waders walking through cypress knees a loose strap will get you every time 😂😂

Dude! Thanks for the info bro! Yes! 7:10 - The web sling

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help buddy

Wade Harrison I’ve never seen or heard of these. Don’t seem to be a thing in the UK…. Quite happy about that. Love the vids as a new kayaker. :)

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

They are common somewhat in uk but dam allot paddlers in USA like them for some reason

@merlinmess3793

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Wade :) I won’t be one of them

@merlinmess3793

3 жыл бұрын

Wade since this video I’ve seen them 🤦🏾

I appreciate how you said outside of instructional boating… I was about to riot

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

They are kinda a must when doing instructional boating really great tool for that I was more on the side don’t need them on every river just another hazard to deal with in my opinion.

I only use mine to tow tired kids the last few hundred metres to the takeout. I don't wear it when kayaking with adults or above class 3. It's great, one of my best pieces of equipment.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

totally agree Jon for that

@tron3737

3 жыл бұрын

THIS 👆🏽 … As mentioned, it has limitations in waters beyond class two. I just purchased an Astral Web Toe to use for my 8yr old’s first solo paddles on class l, ll swift water. My intent is to user to tow his boat close to our tandem when a river section seems a bit too technical for his limited abilities/experience level. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Astral’s Web Toe tether is 6’ of Spectra webbing, sans any bungee; so it is very nearly the same type of setup as your preferred sling. Astral actually engineered this bungee-less setup to pack away in that side-back zippered compartment of their Green Jacket-which I also happen to use.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@tron3737 nice feedback Bigguy

Great Video Wade!!! Where can I find a build specs to make my own sling? Cheers!!!

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

I have a video on that coming and I will break down what I use...

@jasonwingo7621

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison Thanks Wade cant wait to see it bro!! Loving all the great videos and information you give to everyone!!

100 miles from nowhere in Alaska, I'll keep my tow strap easily accessible and rescue the boat. It's also a lot more securely (and easily easily released) tucked into my NRS Zen. Lots of swimming and boat towing in the packrafting world.

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I can totally see that nothing wrong with having it quickly available and most Alaska rivers are pretty wide open so the odds of snagging it up on anything is fairly low

First nice video dude

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Frogy!!

Agreed, I have one, and usually on trips where I am supporting class 2/3, every time I start reaching for it to hook a boat I can get the stupid thing unhooked fast enough. Waste of money

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

It has it's place, just not as the only tow component. If you have ever towed a heavy object on a long tow at sea, you will know that the swells place incredible forces directly on the tower's body. So, there are 2 things you need to effect a long tow at sea. One is a quick release for your own safety, so that you can disconnect from the tow instantly. A snap shackle with a short release line is the easy answer to this. The other is that you need an elastic section in the tow line to smooth out the tensioning loads as both you and the towed object encounter differently timed swells, white caps or breaking waves. This is the purpose of a cow tail, which may be a section of the tow line or simply an elastic core within the mid section of the tow line. However, this elastic section must not be near a persons body, but sufficiently far away that in the event of a line breakage or brake away, the lines resistance through the water will prevent the heavy elastic or attached fittings from hitting the person & causing injury. So, it should be near the centre section of the tow line & not at either end. That means that a dedicated cow tail must have a line attached at both ends of it. If you are doing a short tow, then the towed boat needs to overlap the towing boat so that both experience similar swell dynamics at the same time, minimising the loads between them & protecting the kayakers from injury. Therefore, the short tow should not include elastic as it is largely unnecessary and breakage of elastic even under moderate load can cause injury and again, as a matter of safety you do need a quick release to escape dangerous situations before they become dire. I would certainly agree that there is absolutely no place for a loopy thing like that when paddling rapids. It's a drowning entrapment waiting to happen.

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

wow nice thanks for the very valued feedback that's why I wanted to make this to really just keep the topic out there for everyone in paddle sports weather its fishing kayaks to sea to whitewater.

I use them and also wont stop: I think the risk of getting cought on something ( i have to be a tree or branch) at the cowtail is as low as to get cought at the shoulder or bottom strap....with the different that the tail can be released in emergency (and always have to be as you said) Allways consider to not use it when its not save, especialy when its ww 4 and above.... the big reward is the time you need to be ready to use, these few strokes different can realy make the different between catching the eddy or not. Also i sometimes use it as a fixture point as rescue swimmer, the flexible part add a lot of comfort. I hope my english was good enough =)

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

Totally get where you are coming from like I said I don’t fault anyone for using them if it saves one life totally worth it. I’m sure you know how to use it but you have to admit you know there paddlers out there that purchase these and attached them to a none release point on the vest and really don’t even know how to use these they just seen them on others so figured it be a good thing to have that’s the ones that I was really speaking to and hopefully educate on the dangers of not using these properly…

Best use for cow tail is to remove it from pfd and use it open boating - they are great for attaching the swim line (a thow bag) to the secure end loop on the boat.

@WadeHarrison

10 ай бұрын

Oh for sure!

I think you talked ab this somewhere else, maybe podcast, but another thing is people using non-locking carabiners. I’ve seen them attached to cowtails and also just loose on vests (usually on shoulder straps) as an “extra.” 😳

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

It’s crazy how many do that

The AKC did run into an issue on class V whitewater leading to the the death of a fellow member who had a swim and was unconcious. They had no means to reach out to him despite kayaking right next to his body for half an hour. That Issue has lead to the Invention of the Cowtail by Horst Fuersattel (the guy behind HF) Most vests provide plastic D Rings which break at a well defined amount of force to secure the cowtails carabiner the problem of those D rings are that they are not easy replaceable and that they are the first thing that breaks on your life vest. And you are right, if that happens people tend to hook the carabiner in Places where it does not belong, and that is definitely dangerous.

@WadeHarrison

10 ай бұрын

So true too many clip them the wrong way. I feel they do serve somewhat of a very small purpose to only trained individuals that know what they are doing but there's a reason all high-level paddlers never have them on their vest Dane Jackson Aniol Bren Noria the list goes on and on all use rescue vest and carry pocket slings with them the same one I show in this video 😉 thanks for the feedback

Can you drop a link to the video of the sling you showed in the vid.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

I’m going to make that video soon the past few weekends I have been New York and West Virginia after this weekend will be back to normal video and podcast thanks for the interest

@sbaldwin21

2 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison great. Love the kit vids.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

@@sbaldwin21 got some more coming

video of making the tehter with two BINERS?

@WadeHarrison

26 күн бұрын

Yes it’s right here kzread.info/dash/bejne/mZ-s3NCkiJqpaNo.htmlsi=SUbk-OCd6ygmZI_A

@michaelmitchell7879

24 күн бұрын

@@WadeHarrison Thanks! i am trying to get my brain re-wired after a 12 year hiatus here in Colorado. I do remember my SRT class doing this. going to have to find my student handbook. LOL! May i ask what size are the carabiners for that set-up? they look a little small on video. which is understandable. just when i am shopping i would like to know the size. it looks more specific to whitewater and not a big ass rock climbing carabiner so to speak.

I use that to pack my Timber Jacks around. As for on the water, they can be a hazard.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

For sure

So, to be clear. You don't like it - right? JK Wade - great video CYOTR

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

No not a fan of them on the vest but i get it if that’s what paddlers do

So do you still wear the cow tail ?7:49

@WadeHarrison

10 ай бұрын

No I do not and never have I had to borrow one to make this video and was just showing it

They have been invented by the Akc when somebody drowned on a bigwater run on a swim and they had gotten right up to him but they were unable to safe him so for lowwater runs with possibly trees I agree with you but I would consider it for very bigwater runs where person rescue from the shore is impossible.

@lorenzriegel7480

Жыл бұрын

Espescially with unconciousness

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

Totally could see a use on big water I personally will stick with my sling but could see a use for them on something without alot of strainers or tree limbs

I paddle with mine when I know swimmers are possible, I also have a webbing loop with 2 biners in my rear pouch. 100% on the no reason for it above class iii

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Agree and thanks for feedback

@CraigCrouse

3 жыл бұрын

I probably should have read the rest of the comments first, mine's redundant lol

I keep a D ring on my vest, with no strap, I have line for for that. I have a loop that goes over my should, if the tow boat become issue, I just let it slide off my shoulder.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

The sling is the way to go

@FeWolf

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison spot on, I just finished SWR L3 Saturday, was mentioned.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@FeWolf really was this discussed at all? Just curious

@FeWolf

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison was very discussed and example given, and demonstrated. Sling system is way to go. All that reaching around and back, and those not flexible, sling it.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@FeWolf nice thanks for ten feedback SRgross

Wade, You should do a video on how to tow a boat with a sling! Kind regards

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

I will have something on that hopefully next few months I have few video ideas on some things like that

@deluk55

2 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison thanks Wade, looking forward to that!

I use very short (like 20-30cm) cow tail for livebaiting. You see a buddy in a sticky hole, give a rope to someone on the shore, attach the bag end to your cow tail and paddle into the hole. Grab on to the swimmer or kayak and get pulled to the shore. Also always use screw gates and practice bulldozing kayaks.

@jamesshort6856

3 жыл бұрын

You could just clip straight into the rescue belt ring

@TheKaneli13

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesshort6856 True. I just really like to have a carabiner immediatly on me that I can attach to a throw bag. Much faster than getting a biner from my pocket.

@jamesshort6856

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheKaneli13 keep a biner on the bag?

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

I get where you coming from and disagree the risk of having that on your vest far outweighs the secs to get a clip. And thanks for the feedback that’s why I wanted to do this video to see what the reason paddlers that do run them I have talked to a lot of high level kayakers and safety instructors that I know and they all said no way they would run one of those on the outside the vest unless just doing some sort of instructional classes..

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Yup 👍 Exactly what I do James I have a clip on any throw bag I use I remove it before throwing it but if I grab a rope there’s always a clip right there..

My #1 use for this: to pull my kayak behind me when I'm sick of carrying it on my shoulder, which happens...after 10 seconds !

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

lol that’s what the sling is for 😎

@DiscosVideos

3 жыл бұрын

I think that's what I've always used it for when on anything harder then class III.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@DiscosVideos can see that

Take the playboater approach, if you don't bring safety gear you can't get snagged in it

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s not best idea to not have anything 😂

Glad your back , been missing ya

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks pops 😎

So let's point out the negitives to your system, it takes two hands. As you say we all don't have great flexibility and reaching the teather back to the back of your jacket where you can't see and clipping in an emergency could prove to be difficult, time consuming, or worst accidentally clip into a non releasable spot. Speaking in absolute is foolish at best, especially in a dynamic environment like the river. Tethers that are clipped in on the back ought to be ran as streamlined as possible, a clean streamlined teather adds negligable intrapmeant possibilities compared to all the other straps on the pfd. It also ought to be quickly accessible, yet not accidentally deployable, quick release is good or better just tuck it into a pocket. I have mine for the worst case scenario, a friend is face down in the water, in that case I'm willing to put myself at a much higher risk to make sure they get to come home.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

All noted buddy Thats why I'm open to hear any negatives and I know you been around and been on on a lot of rivers and I'm sure a lot of recuse so for sure take what you have to say with more weight than 99% of the non-paddling keyboard pounders out there. And on that I did state this is something I did and recommended it and if people want to still run whatever totally do their thing. I'm always going this route and staying with it, and I see what you're saying about not being able to reach back and clip into the ring or possibly clipping into the wrong thing. This is used more for portages and clipping into my own boat to jump out in Slippy or difficult spots or something quick to toss to someone in a pinch and also quick anchor I will only clip into a kayak or body if its flat water or slow-moving type stuff no way I'm risking pulling myself through rapids attached to someone or a kayak full of water. There are 1000 different variables for me to clip my body into anything but for the other stuff I have found it works for me and will always recommend it over a tow teather. Thanks for the input, Chris...

Agree with what you say, cows tails can certainly lead to problems. I also use a sling, but I don’t even attach it to the tail. I literally hold the end of the sling in my hand (against the paddle shaft) as I paddle. I found it surprisingly effective It means I have an instant quick release - let go.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I have done that same thing or made a loop and throw it over the shoulder thanks for the feedback David

Got it, like it, agree, could have been three minutes, put the red bull down :)

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

😂 I don’t drink that garbage but do love me some good quality coffee and yes I’m naturally a fast talker with slight adhd take it or leave it but thanks for watching 🥰

I've seen some things man!!! I've educated someone today and I think he thought I was being a dick but I hope it got through to him... ten min later carabiner and cow tail was dangling off the back of his pfd... I should have paddled over and cut it off..

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

So you seen it come loose after you talked to him?

@dirtyrivercrap2795

2 жыл бұрын

After his buddy got back in and I seen him at the bottom of rapid and he realized him self that it was dragging... 😓

Wade, great vid! Pass the belt through the metal slider just once, if you do a double pass through the slider the belt can get stuck under tension!

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

dude I have a video coming on how to thread the metal tri glide that is another mistake I have witnessed paddlers doing. If you noticed I did do mine that way and motioned it briefly in this video thanks for the feedback

@ChrisBaerWhereIs

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely not! The system is built to go through both. If you need to use your harness for a lower or other recipe and it's only threw one it can fail. This is some serious rumor Mill bad advice.

Agree and disagree. Except for small creek runs, I've almost always had a tow tether on my PFD for the past 20 or 30 years. It's ALWAYS attached to the releasable ring in back, and a releasable clip in front. I have jettisoned the tow tether and its cargo multiple times. But here in Colorado, especially at high water, there frequently is NO flat water, darn few eddies, and everything is going downhill in a big hurry. Bulldogging a boat to shore isn't a serious option, although you might get lucky and the boat might lodge on a rock or log against shore. Even with a tow tether clipped to a boat, I've often only been able to get near enough to shore to grab a shrub and hold on until someone comes along to deal with the boat. I could not have done those rescues trying to paddle while holding on to webbing - now way you could hold on to the webbing, paddle, and shrub (three things) with your two hands. I also use webbing - it's great for all the things you identify in your video, but without a previously attached tow tether, some of those mile-long boat rescues would likely have been 'lost boat' adventures. Bottom line for me: a tether is a potentially dangerous tool that MUST be properly attached, AND you need to practice releasing it, but where I usually (not always) boat the benefits outweigh the costs. I might add that I've been involved in many rescues (100? 200?) rescues, and I've swiftwater training. I consider rescue vests and associated equipment as 'advanced' and dangerous, and not for untrained or less skilled users.

@WadeHarrison

Жыл бұрын

Well you know how to attach them and use them so agreed someone with your knowledge and skills these things would be great value and this is older video now I think if I redo it would stress more on the fact of using these the right way but me personally I will never have one on my vest thanks for the feedback stay safe out there buddy

I use it for teaching in class 2/2+

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Perfect

I threw mine in the trash after it come unraveled in bouncer on the north fork of the payette.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

this guy knows what's👆👆👆 up

Could have been a 2 minute video.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

lol agreed I get long winded at Times I try to cover the basic of what I'm saying in the first few mins than it becomes redundant after that.. thanks for the feedback Dan..

@danrobertson8769

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison unfair of me to say as i still appreciated the video. Thanks for the reply, respect :p

It's like the knife on the outside of the vest. People are more worried about an image than their/other's actual safety. Instead of spending money on gear you will have to find reason to implement, just spend the time to actually be better on the water and impress someone with skill instead of kit.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

Dude so true and I have a video coming on that topic lol great minds think alike 🤔

@philbyerm

3 жыл бұрын

@@WadeHarrison would love to see one on the knives. Keep mine on the front because of the mount and quick access but happy to hear if there’s a problem with that.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@philbyerm video is coming on that one buddy probably tomorrow sometime it’s uploaded already..

As constructive criticism, that was useful info (thanks) but man that was painful to watch. "Don't use these things" - but here's how to use them! Repeating the same contradictory points over and over again. Probably 1 minute of real content overall. A demonstration of how to use them (but don't use them!) in the water would have been a good addition.

@WadeHarrison

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely appreciate the feedback some of my earlier videos I agree are just painful to watch I feel I have got better at editing and planning out more on what to say this is just turn on camera and wing it 😂

They're not a half-bad close quarters dog leash. (real dog)

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

That’s actually good idea

Get to the point man.

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching

@andrewnau433

3 жыл бұрын

Get a haircut dude

@WadeHarrison

3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewnau433 lol Monday