Combo throw-rope / bow-line

Author: josh

Category: Equipment, rigging & preparation

Created on Saturday, 06 November 2010 12:54

Written by Josh

One important safety item that has been missing from my kayak fishing safety kit up until now is a throw-rope, which can be used to throw out to capsized companions in emergency situations. I figured that as part of preparations for Fraser Island expedition '10, now would be a good time to make one. After having numerous reminders of just how handy a bow-line can be for such an excursion (on pretty much every kayak camping trip I've been on) it made sense for me to aim towards making a throw-rope that would double nicely as a bow line as well. 

Aiming for a length of around 10 metres (which is relatively short for a typical throw rope) I made up the full length using 8mm soft braided rope and two lengths (2 mtrs long) of equally thick but brighter, softer dual core rope on each end, connected with uni knots. Both rope types are relatively tangle free and knot well, but the yellow ends are softer to hold and less likely to create rope burn on skin (this is the same rope used on AI furling lines). The yellow also makes the business ends of the ropes easier to see in the water.

I've made a loop at each end, connecting a stainless steel clip to both end and a cork float to the throwing end. The loops provide a suitably large emergency grab hold. Obviously the cork is there to make sure the rescue end of the rope floats, as well as providing a bit of extra weight to help with throwing it out. The stainless clips on both ends allows for fast and simple attaching. 

Once built, I then sprayed the entire rope down with McNetts silicone spray, partly to reduce friction and reduce potential for tangles, but more so to help keep the rope buoyant in use. Without question, this rope will get far more use as a bow line, for which it will be perfectly suited. But I'll also be using it to assist in loading and unloading my kayak safely onto the roof of the car, though I'll cover that in an another article.