RoguePaddler

[MarkAlldridge]

Hello. I am thinking that I need to have some rope with me whenever I go paddling. Does anyone have any guidance as to what type of rope/length I should go for?

I've been doing some research on the web and there are many sites covering the myriad of towing techniques, attaching cleats etc, but first off I just would like to know what type of rope to buy!

Many thanks,
-Mark.

[editor]

Mark,

For kayaks, given their light weight, almost any modern synthetic line is adequate in the 1/8" to 1/4" diameter. I'd look for a nice braided line instead of the twisted strand. The braided polyester ropes are strong and handle nicely. Avoid the stiff slippery kind of twisted line that is often sold in hardware stores, as it won't hold knots well. A braided line handles much better, and will allow you to secure it easily with knots.

If you have a West Marine near you, I really like their Sta-Set braided lines. Our West Marine has several rolls of nice stuff on the back wall of their store... I think the 5/16" diameter rope has a pull load in excess of 400 lbs., so it would do the trick nicely for anything from anchoring to utility line, etc. If you look through their catalog, it's probably listed under cordage or in the sailing section. The line has a mostly white sheath with colored flecks woven through it--usually red, blue, or green. I use it on our sailboat and it holds up great, handles great, ties great.... good stuff.
_________________
Paddle smarter, not harder.

[editor]

One more thing about utility line: If you have enough line on hand, I've found that it's good to carry this assortment:

1) about six or eight pieces of cordage, 1 foot long each, 1/8" diameter.
These pieces work very well for lashing things to the kayak deck, stringing a bag from a tree to keep its contents off the ground, etc. Pack all of them in a small Ziploc sandwich bag to keep all the pieces of the same size together.

2) about six or eight pieces of cordage, 2 to 3 feet long each, 1/8" diameter. These pieces are for the same as the previous ones, but the extra length makes them usable in a few other situations, such as tying down the corners of a flapping tent. Pack all of them in another small Ziploc sandwich bag to keep all the pieces of the same size together. If you know how to tie a reliable hitch like the Ashley knot (you should), you can also join them end-to-end to make a larger rope, in a pinch.

3) one continuous length of 5/16" diameter cordage, 20 feet long.
This makes an excellent anchoring rope to tie off to shore, or you can string it up for a makeshift clothesline for drying clothes, etc. It can also be cut up into smaller pieces if necessary; though I've never had to do so, since I also carry the shorter pieces described above.

4) ---optional--- one continuous length of 1/4" diameter cordage, 50 feet long. I've always carried this along, tucked way up in the bow of my kayak, just in case I need it as a makeshift tow line. The 20' line is too short to use as a tow line safely, if conditions are choppy. 50' is also a much better length if planning to set a drift anchor from your kayak, as I've done a few times. And, of course, you could cut this up into smaller chunks if needed, though unlikely.
_________________
Paddle smarter, not harder.

[MarkAlldridge]

Thanks for this information Wes. I will have a look around some of my local shops and see what they have. I will let you know what I get!

-Mark.