Using Drift Socks

I believe we have a consensus that anchoring from the bow is generally the best policy.  One then faces into the wind and/or current and can see debris approaching.

Using the same logic is it also best to deploy a drift sock from the bow?  And, how long of a line should one use on a drift sock?

try this online resource: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?mode=article&objectID=31182&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1

there's several others online that are even better. such as this one;

http://www.charkbait.com/cs/csd_sea_anchors.htm

pretty much the same principles apply, just our boats are smaller.

 

I'm weird in that I anchor from the stern but attach driftsock to bow.

Use enough line that the sock is in the water.  I also lie to use a short section of bungie to smooth out the bumps.

-Allen

I'm weird in that I anchor from the stern but attach driftsock to bow.

Use enough line that the sock is in the water.  I also lie to use a short section of bungie to smooth out the bumps.

-Allen

Thats not weird, especially if your using a drift sock and an anchor at the same time. In fact, that'd be the only way to use them at the same time. (not something I think I'd do on the yak though).
 Also I don't think I'd use a drift sock where debris coming down on me would be an issue. I use drift socks to slow me when the wind is pushing me faster than the water (and that's generally in open water as opposed to a river). They are fairly useless for current other than helping to position you at anchor. Again, that's something I would not use. Too much stuff in the way if you had to pop off quickly.

And Allen, you don't have to lie about using bungees. They are a good thing!

I'm weird in that I anchor from the stern but attach driftsock to bow.

-Allen

I anchor from the stern also.  I like to face my tackle.

And, how long of a line should one use on a drift sock?

  Mine is on a short leash (maybe 10' at most) but longer is smoother and bungee really helps. I really tend to use my anchor trolley with the chute to adjust it anywhere that's comfortable from stem to stern on either side. The shorter rode makes it easier (quicker) to deflate (I paddle over and grab the back of it).  Again, that works because I use it in open water and decent conditions.

  In any more challenging conditions, using it anywhere other than a few points off the bow or stern is probably just stupid (momma said not to use that word so,,,) not a good idea.

 That said, I'm planning to go out to the beach tomorrow and drag a 20'-30' long rope with a crab pot float on the end through the surf on landing. (insert standard mythbusters disclaimer and warning here) The idea is to see if it can help keep me from broaching.
 
  Hopefully I'll end up with something to post in the safety section and not in my forum.   Give me the helmet, just don't call me spiderman.

Thanks for the links, the suggestions, and the bungee idea. 

I anchor from the stern also.  I like to face my tackle.

I take this to mean you fish facing the stern? 

nd decent conditions.

  In

 That said, I'm planning to go out to the beach tomorrow and drag a 20'-30' long rope with a crab pot float on the end through the surf on landing. (insert standard mythbusters disclaimer and warning here) The idea is to see if it can help keep me from broaching.
 
 Hopefully I'll end up with something to post in the safety section and not in my forum.  Give me the helmet, just don't call me spiderman.

It is my understanding that for a drogue to work properly the rope needs to be under water, creating drag in the opposite direction, I think your crab pot float would negate this, as it would keep the rope on top the water where it would be pushed around by the swell.  I would double your rope length (hopefully of the sinking variety and of decent diameter), and then tie a about a 10ft loop, or a series of large knots in the drag end for additional drag. Helmets on

Thanks for the links, the suggestions, and the bungee idea. 

I anchor from the stern also.  I like to face my tackle.

I take this to mean you fish facing the stern? 

Thanks for the links, the suggestions, and the bungee idea. 

I anchor from the stern also.  I like to face my tackle.

I take this to mean you fish facing the stern? 

I'm pretty sure they fish downstream so by anchoring off the stern he would be fishing off the bow. Just a guess

Thanks for the links, the suggestions, and the bungee idea. 

I anchor from the stern also.  I like to face my tackle.

I take this to mean you fish facing the stern? 

Nope.  I anchor from the stern which let's me face downstream (toward the bow).

I've been bumped by logs and such without ever feeling the need to release my anchor.  If I were to get rolled by debris, the fact that I'm dressed for immersion will hopefully mitigate most potential for injury.

It is my understanding that for a drogue to work properly the rope needs to be under water, creating drag in the opposite direction, I think your crab pot float would negate this, as it would keep the rope on top the water where it would be pushed around by the swell.  I would double your rope length (hopefully of the sinking variety and of decent diameter), and then tie a about a 10ft loop, or a series of large knots in the drag end for additional drag. Helmets on

 Your right about drogues needing to be subsurface. I'm counting on the crab float and rope providing enough drag under hard acceleration by the wave to help keep me perpendicular to the face, but not so much that I can't pull it along while paddling.

  Knots or bows (like a kite tail) sound good. But big loops and 60' of line trailing behind me sounds kinda cumbersome and a lot of stuff to potentially get tangled in.

 The thing that gives me the most pause with this scheme is getting stuck in the impact zone. The shorter lines may not be effective, but it's all I'm willing to risk with this experiment. I'll post a report either way.

 Again, I'm putting out the disclaimer "don't try this at home". I'm going to do this in +90^o air, +80^o water, 3' waves, and telling the lifeguard who's watching me what I'm doing. Pacific City this ain't.

How about dragging a 2 liter bottle filled half full with water, half with air?  Or any combination of the two elements?   It would float yet have a level of sink to it, tow fine yet give resistance. 

ok totally off the cuff here, but why not try a 2, 3, or 5 gallon bucket or pail with 1 inch holes drilled all over it including the bottom... on maybe a 20 foot line..

crap, maybe there's already somethign out there Wali, we just dont kno it.

uhhhhhh, guys?? you might wanna hold up on the experiement and read these first:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,6765.0.html

and

http://www.seriesdrogue.com/coastguardreport/

i web searched for 'surf drogues", these two popped up repeatedly in the 1st 3 pages..

also, check sea-anchors.com...i missed the article due to a browser malfunction but it made the repeat hit list too.....

uhhhhhh, guys?? you might wanna hold up on the experiement and read these first:

I read most of those a while back and have come to the same concussion conclusion.
Give me the helmet,,,,

Insayn's half full 2l bottle sounds like a good idea (either that or its a stick to wave in front of me to get the cobwebs). Actually, Chapman's suggested using a board, but Chapman's is not written with SOT kayaks in mind.