Towing Another Paddler: Contact, Short and Long Tows

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Towing is a core group-paddling skill. Whether a partner is exhausted, injured, seasick or has broken gear, a tow lets the group keep moving. It requires the right gear and practice.

When to tow

Tow when a paddler can't keep up, is injured, or conditions are pushing them toward hazards. Decide early rather than waiting.

Contact tow

For short distances, a contact tow has the towed paddler hold the rescuer's bow or deck lines while the rescuer paddles.

Short tow

A short tow line keeps boats close together for maneuvering in tight areas.

Long tow

A long tow uses a tow belt with a longer line for open water, preventing boats from colliding in waves.

Tow belt safety

Tow belts must have a quick-release buckle. Practice releasing under load. Carry a knife.

Communication

Agree on signals and keep checking on the towed paddler.

Tow belt setup

A tow belt sits around your waist, usually over your PFD, with a line stored in a pouch and a carabiner or clip at the end. It must have a quick-release buckle you can operate with one hand under load. Many tow lines include a float to keep the line on the surface and a shock-absorbing section to reduce jerking. Before a trip, check the line for wear and the release for function.

Hooking up a tow

1. Communicate the plan clearly with the towed paddler and group.
2. Paddle to the towed kayak's bow.
3. Clip the tow line to the bow toggle, deck lines or a secure point, never to the paddler.
4. Paddle forward to take up slack gradually, avoiding a sudden jerk.
5. Check that the towed paddler is stable and can keep their boat straight.

In-line and V tows

For long tows or heavy loads, two paddlers can tow together. In an in-line tow, one rescuer tows the other, who tows the towed boat. In a V tow, two rescuers attach to the same boat side by side, which shares the load and helps steering. These techniques need practice and good communication.

Rafted tows for unwell paddlers

If the towed paddler is seasick, injured or unstable, another paddler can raft up alongside, holding their boat for support while a third paddler tows the raft. It's slower but keeps the unwell paddler upright and supported.

Practice before you need it

Practice all tows in calm water, then in mild waves with an experienced group. Practice releasing the tow belt under load. Many clubs and outfitters teach towing in rescue courses.

Towing hazards

• Lines wrapping around paddlers, paddles or rudders.
• Collisions in following seas with short lines.
• Towing into surf or hazards without planning.
• Fatigue for the tower; switch towers regularly.

Communication signals

Agree on simple signals for stop, slow down and release before towing. In wind and waves, voices don't carry well, so hand and paddle signals and whistles help.

Towing a capsized or swamped paddler

If a paddler can't get back in their boat, first perform an assisted rescue if possible. If they're in the water and must be moved, the safest option is usually to have them hold onto the stern of a rescuer's kayak while being towed slowly to shore or calm water, or to raft them up and tow the raft. Never tie a line to a person. Keep talking to them and watch for cold-water symptoms.

Towing in wind and waves

Use a longer line in waves so the towed boat isn't pushed into the rescuer's stern. A shock-absorbing section reduces jerking. Adjust speed to conditions and head for sheltered water. Switch towers regularly to prevent fatigue.

Building a tow kit

A tow kit includes a tow belt with a quick-release, a short tow or contact tow strap, a knife, and a way to communicate. Many sea kayakers also carry a paddle float and pump for rescues. See tow lines and rescue gear.

Legal and group responsibilities

Group leaders should understand their responsibilities for group safety, carry appropriate gear and training, and know when to call for help.

A practice session plan

With a group in calm water, practice each tow type in turn. Start with contact tows over short distances, then clip in with short tows and practice maneuvering around a buoy. Move to long tows, practicing hooking up, taking up slack smoothly and releasing the belt under tension. Try an in-line tow and a V tow with three paddlers. Finally, practice a rafted tow with a paddler pretending to be seasick. Rotate roles so everyone tows and gets towed. Debrief after each drill: what worked, what tangled, and how communication went.

Our bottom line

Carry a quick-release tow belt, practice contact, short and long tows with your group, and decide early when a paddler needs help. Towing well keeps small problems from becoming emergencies.

After the tow

Once ashore, check on the towed paddler: warmth, hydration and any injuries. Debrief with the group about what worked and what to improve. Restow tow lines neatly so they're ready for next time.

Towing gear