North Water

Posted by Greg on March 18, 2008

I use the following items graciously provided by North Water:

SEA TEC TOW LINE
This is an excellent tow system. I use it for instruction, while leading or participating in trips, and for expeditions. In Iceland I often used the line to secure the kayaks so that they wouldn’t be stolen by an unusually high tide if the kayak could not be pulled sufficiently high from the shore. I have also used mine as a clothesline on more than one occasion. If you do use your line for other uses, try to keep the line clean. Dirt, grit and sunlight will shorten the life of any line.

TURTLE BACK DECK BAG
This bag makes a convenient “glove compartment” for storing small, frequently used items. Although it is not waterproof (nor designed to be) it is good for storing suncreen, my monocular, snacks and other odds and ends. As the name suggests, the bag is streamlined to shed waves and it features a very a secure attachment system. My bag easily survived the fierce dumpers along the south coast of Iceland, as well as the dumpers at Cape Canaveral, where I frequently paddle and train. Although my bagged VHF radio will not fit into the bag, I often place my GPS in the Turtle Back when launching and then retrieve it after punching through the surf.

UNDER-DECK BAG
Very convenient (non-water proof) storage in the wasted space under the deck. Very useful on expeditions to organize and hold gear close at hand. Bags will hold water if the cockpit is flooded which may soak gear, you may wish to add extra drain holes to your bag.

INTERIOR MOUNTED COCKPIT BAGS
Like the Under-deck bag, these non-waterproof bags give you ample storage options and are great for long trips. I keep long items, such as my parachute flares and my daily thermos bottle in one. Bags will hold water if flooded, you may wish to add extra drain holes to your bags.

North Water Gearlist for my Newfoundland circumnavigation:

• Sea Tec Tow line
• Turtle Back Deck Bag
• Under-Deck Bag
• Interior Mounted Cockpit Bags (2)
• Sea Tec Bungy Paddle Leash (modified with longer velcro for the thicker paddle-shaft of a Greenland paddle)