Among all surface water sports, kayaking is one of the safest activities and involves low risk element. However, even in kayaking there can be emergencies when paddlers need to be rescued from difficult situations. A tow line is extremely handy and a must in every kayaking kit.

Kayak Tow Line Tips

A tow line is a rope that is used for pulling a kayak in case a kayaker is exhausted or injured or is unable to paddle. In such conditions, a tow line can be tied to one end of the kayak that is in trouble while the other end is tied to the rescue team’s kayak. With this tow line the kayak can be pulled to safety easily.

There are some basic points to remember while using a tow line. They are as follows:

1. While tying the tow line, it is always a good idea to tie the line to the stern handle of the tower and to the bow handle of the towee.

2. Even a simple rope can be used as a tow line, especially for sit on top kayaks.

3. It is recommended that a kayaker is prepared with the tow line. For this, the kayaker can just tie the rope to the stern handle and leave the rope in a gunwale strap along the cockpit. The rope should be within the reach of the paddler from his position in the cockpit. Thus, during an emergency, the kayaker just needs to unclip the rope from the strap and tie it around the bow handle of the towee.

4. While making a rig, kayakers must use floating rope like polypropylene and the heaviest shock cord available. Also, it is necessary to have floats alongside the metal clips.

5. It is important to keep the tow lines handy as they are used not only to tow other kayaks but also docking, tying the kayak on the beach, multiple kayak anchoring and for using with a sea anchor.

6. The most widely used tow lines, especially be professional kayakers are the belt mounted version wherein the tow lines are released quickly. Usually these belts are attached to the PFDs and can be used for sit in as well as sit on top kayaks.

7. It is very important to practice towing regularly as kayakers must be used to handling the rescue gear and well versed with the towing techniques.

8. Also rescuers must refrain from tossing the tow line and instead paddle up to the towee and clip the line to the bow.

When are Tow Lines Used?

Tow lines are used often when paddlers suffer from injuries during kayaking or are too exhausted to be able to paddle up to the shore. Also, this can be very useful while kayaking with kids. Children can get tired after paddling continuously and would lose steam in the middle of the river or ocean.

In such cases, parents can just secure their child’s kayak to their kayak with the tow line. This would allow the kid to enjoy a ride on the water without getting exhausted.

Thus, a tow line is a multi purpose kayaking gear and an important element in every kayaking kit.