Ok I'm new but what/how is a rescue stirrup and how is it used.

The rescue slings we use are made of tubular webbing and can be used in multiple configurations for a recueing boat to not only provide stability but with the sling provide a step to make re-entry easier. Ours are set up so they can also be used as carry slings to carry a fully loaded kayak from the water when paddling in a group.

I've seen slings rigged in several ways - our slings are a continuous loop of 1" tubualar webbing sized to fit around the rescueing kayak's cockpit coaming, lead across the deck of the boat being rescued and extend deep enough into the water to easily get a foot into for a boost up.


Michael

My rescue sling is probably a bit longer than the one used around the coaming, I have only used it as a self rescue device by placing it on the end of the paddle that is secured under the deck rigging and running it under the kayak and up and over the extended paddle float end. The loop that hangs down from the end becomes a stirrup for your foot. When you put your weight on the sling the paddle float provides the boyancy and stability needed to easily reenter the kayak for self rescue. Any type of salt water resistant rope or webbing tied in a loop will work fine. I used climbing rope (kerinmantle?) because of the thick round stretch materal. You can purchase this at any EMS or REI store in any lenght desired very inexpensively. Start with about a 10 foot lenght and keep making the end knot smaller until you find the length that works best for your leg lenght and hull width.

Thanks for the replies.

skidog wouldn't your method work just as well if you just dropped the rope directly down from the extended float supported end rather then around from the short end. I understand that some of the weight is being placed on the offside of the kayak but is it enough to justify the extra effort. Either way I like your way as a self rescue option.

Cheers

Bill

If you put the sling around the cockpit, you won't be adding all of that extra strain to your paddle shaft.

If you break your paddle, you could be up that proverbial estuary without the proper method of locomotion.

I truly like your proverb at the bottom of the page.

"There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots"

And I like your response. One day soon I'll set mine up and check out the options

Cheers

Bill

insert a 6-8" section of garden hose into the tubular webbing before you knot it. This will give you a "rung" so to speak. I find it easier to get my foot into when I practice(I have never had to rely on it for re-entry)