By Jessica Egelnick
Buy Palm, Dagger and Ainsworth kayaking gear through Mobex. Mobex are a Manx children's charity specializing in outdoor activities for kids. All profits are ploughed straight back into Mobex.
Detailed wind, temperature, precipitation, visibility and tide reports for the Isle of Man all in one handy place.
The Guide pages provide brief descriptions of Manx paddles and are aimed at those planning paddling holidays to the Island.
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Recommended tow lines are independent from the buoyancy aid. This allows them to be easily removed and shared, as well as used for other things. It also allows for one tow line to be used even if 
the owner has different buoyancy aids.
A tow line must have a quick-release mechanism, by which the wearer can undo the entire line with a quick pull of a toggle or belt strap. This safety feature can save lives and is vital. Such quick release mechanisms are found on commercial tow line belts, as well as diving belts and a variety of other forms of belt. Be sure to get plastic or a type of metal that will withstand continued immersion in sea water.
The tow line should be at least 10m long for sea use. Ensure that it is made of rope or chord and not tape (photo left, tape tow line with no float), as the latter offers too much resistance when towing. It must be long enough that when towing someone through swell or surf, the boats can be kept far enough apart so as not to crash when riding different parts of different waves. A tow line can always be doubled up to make it shorter.
The line must be firmly attached around the belt, should be of floating line strong enough to take a jerking impact, and must have a strong clip or carabiner at the end. While most carabiners used are metal, it is important that the clip not rust or corrode. If plastic is used, it must be strong enough.
Some people use floats at the end of the line (photo right), as the last 50cm of the line will otherwise sink slightly when the line is thrown. However, floats can also cause the line to become caught or tangled, and their use is a matter of personal preference.
The line should have a bag or pouch in which it can be stowed, as left on the deck it can become tangled.
Many lines also have a length of shock cord at the tower’s end, to help absorb some of the impact shock when towing through surf of swell. This can make a big difference in comfort and can reduce injury to the person towing.
Commercial sea kayaking tow lines can be in short supply and many people opt to make their own, with little or no loss of quality.
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