Types of Sling Assists

(updated 8/2/2003)

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The sling is simply a loop of rope which is used to form a step which is used to assist in climbing back onto the boat. An adjustable sling is formed by looping the rope and tying each end to the loop with a Fisherman's Knot. This makes both ends of the rope slideable along the loop, lengthening and shortening it as needed.

Floating rope is not preferred because in order to step into it, it needs to be under water or you might find yourself end over teakettle, so to speak. A short piece of plastic tubing over part of the sling may help keep it open for the foot, but makes it less easily carried. Typically, a sling is wrapped around you waist when not in use so as to be readily available when you are out of the boat.

Several methods to use the slings:

Loop the sling around the coaming like a skirt. Another boater will have to brace the empty boat to balance it, unless you use a paddle float.

  By using a second boat, the tendency to roll the empty boat over by pulling the sling is minimized. However, the sling will tend to tip the rescuer’s boat, which requires careful bracing against the empty boat.

 Lay a paddle between two boats and use it to assist in climbing up between the boats. A sling from the center helps the swimmer climb into the boat. The boats tend to drift apart.

By moving the sling to the end of the paddle, the swimmer can use the weight of the paddler on the sling to stabilize the boat while the rescuer holds the un-weighted end down.

  Place the paddle beneath both boats, and run the sling up between the boats, over the top of the empty boat, and use it to climb into the boat. This is very stable.

 Placing a Paddle Float on the paddle will stabilize the boat, allowing you to climb into it. The swimmer can hook their foot on the shaft towards the float to lift themselves onto the deck. By dropping a sling from the shaft near the boat, you can step up easier to the hull. Keep low!

With a canoe, the slings may be tied to a thwart and be immediately available. The Canoe’s side may be a bit higher than the kayak, so it might have a tendency to tip towards the pull of the sling, and the sling may tilt the kayak as well toward the swimmer.