Cow Tails (Tow Tethers) ????

[AR-Nimrod]

Pros/Cons? How long does it need to be? Pretty sure I'm gonna get one but, which one? What to look for? I've even read about homemade ones. Leaning toward the NRS 53" since my XP10 is a big boat. Your input appreciated.

Background
Took the Marcel/Walter led SWR Class back in Aug.
Picked up a Kokatat Ronin Pro rescue PFD at Rendezvous.

[sig]

I have the Stohlquist version for my Stolhquist Descent PFD and had no problems towing boats at Rec School while paddling my XP10.

[Shep]

I prefer a short one for two reasons. First, every time I have tried to two a boat full of water with a tether, I have ended up swimming too. My boat-towing technique now is to have a sperate rope attached to the boat that I have to actively hold in my hand or under my knee (but I paddle an open boat). Keeping the tether short helps me avoid the temptation to use it in a way that has never worked well for me before.

Second, when I have a long tether, I cannot control the carabiner-end of it. What I mean is that, when it is let out, I can't reach it. If I need to do something with it, my only option is to pull my quick-release and lose it. With the shorter tether, I have the possibility of reaching behind me to manipulate it.

I sold my Astral Webtoe and ended up with the short NRS one.

Hope this helps,
Shep

[SteveGabbard]

What Paul said and 53" is a lot of tether to have draping between the ring and carabiner attachment point when not in use. I have used the shorter NRS one but really don't like having it draped around my side as a possible snag hazard.

The one I am using now is a 36" tether made by Tim Jones. However, I use a green jacket and it stuffs into the rear side pocket on it. I'm not sure where you could store the extra on a Decent since I am not familiar with it.

Should you decide to go the webbing tether route contact Tim and he can make it any length as well as save you some $$$. Regardless of which way you go if the one you buy comes with a nonlocking biner replace it with a locking one.

Good seeing you at rendezvous.

Steve

[AR-Nimrod]

Steve,

I had already decided that I would replace the supplied non-locking biner with a locking model. Y'all really made that point clear at SWR. That was one of the top take-away's I have from that weekend regarding equipment. The NRS one has a bungee in the middle of the tube webbing that shortens it up. Below are the specs.

Short Tether 33: 19" (Stretches to 33")
Long Tether 53: 33" (Stretches to 53")
Add 6" to Length for Carabiner and O-ring

The Ronin Pro has a side pocket to store the extra length in.

It was good to visit with you again at Vous. I think about half our class; staff and students were in attendance.