Activity Title: Towing Seminar
Date of Activity:12/10/2016
Narrative: ”I would like to present a towing class at Vancouver Lake on Dec 10th.
The emphasis would be on a variety of towing methods & options as well as when to tow & when not to tow. it would be presented as level 2 due to the complexity of tow systems & configurations that people & kayaks will get into that may not be in the skill set of level 1 paddlers.
Some of these tows would be considered dangerous, but essential, in conditions. The presentation would give ideas of how to mitigate that risk while attending to the needs of an incapacitated or endangered paddler.
Required equipment beyond the usual would be helmet & knife (tow belt optional)
Topics would be:
Contact tows
Toggle/perimeter line short tows
including how to quick release the system if possible.
Swimmer tows
toggle drag
back deck carry
shove the boat out to safety & swim
Towing safety & risk management/mitigation How to release a tow rope. What tools may be useful to release a tow.
Tow rope tows
short tow
long tow
Rafted tows
anchored tow
surf landing tow
This will require some swimming which will be done towards to end of the session. Please bring warm clothes to change into as well as a warm sugary beverage such as hot chocolate or cider in a thermos.
Instructors.... I would like a 1 to 4 ratio instructor to participants, so please consider signing up to assist. " Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of Activity: Class
Put in: Vancouver Lake Park
Take out: Vancouver Lake Park
Route Alternative: Rain/shine
Required Equipment: Helmet, Towline
Minimum Immersion Wear: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Ryc Williamson
Assistant Organizer: TBA
Has Organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has Organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer’s first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Ryc
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Temperature: 50
Estimated Water Time: 3.5 hours
Tide times and heights: negligible
Current information: negligible
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7 - 12 knots (14 mph) - wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1’ waves, no breaking waves
Sea State: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Level 2 due to complexity of towing & unusual configurations of kayaks may require good bracing skills & level headed non panic mode in novel conditions. Required equipment includes HELMET AND KNIFE OR SHEARS. Arrangements may be made to borrow a tow belt.
Location: Vancouver Lake Regional Park, Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA
