DIY - Kayak Tether

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Of the many risks we kayak fishers take out there, the one that haunts me the most is becoming separated from my craft after a rollover, with the wind pushing the kayak faster than I can swim.

Since I often fish alone, I tether myself to my Prowler with an ingenious device invented by Peter Florence, who is one of Taranaki’s most innovative kayak fishers. I have added a few minor modifications, but the principal concept is Peter’s.

It consists of: a 120mm length of 20mm-diameter plastic pipe; a 2.5m length of 2mm braided nylon cord; a small stainless steel karabiner; an equally small, stainless-steel, lockable oval ring; and a small foam plug.

Once assembled it is very compact, weighs next to nothing and costs about $10 to make. It is the cheapest life insurance you could ever buy.
• Cut the pipe, one end square and the other end on a 45-degree angle. Smooth the edges.
• Drill a hole into the slanting end to fit the cord.
• Burn both ends of the cord to stop fraying.
• Thread the cord through the hole and tie one end to it with a Uni Knot.
• Before closing the Uni Knot, attach the oval ring.
• Push all the cord through the pipe.
• Make a foam plug and push the cord through a small hole in the centre of the plug. Aim for a tight fit.
• At the other end of the cord, attach the karabiner with a Uni Knot.
• Operating
• Fold (not wind) the cord from the pipe end and shove the bundle into the pipe.
• Close the bottom end with the plug, leaving enough cord out to hook the karabiner on a saddle somewhere near the seat.
• Permanently attach the device to the PFD with the oval locking ring.
• Warning: Always detach the tether from your kayak before entering the surf zone!
Practice folding the cord and pushing the bundle into the pipe without twisting to ensure it runs out without jamming.

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