I can recall years back being on the Dead River swimming/wading out to pull a pinned canoe off a ledge. We got out to the middle of Class 4 ledge drop and managed to tie a hitch around the canoe to pull it off. Folks got in position and pulled. Only to watch the slip knot slide off the canoe. I had tied a slip knot and not a timber hitch. Course we was in the middle of a heinous ledge drop swimming under water attaching the rope to the canoe….note to self and lesson to self. practice knots and hitches before being in the middle of a class 4 ledge drop. Lucky it all worked out and we got the canoe ashore. Retied a timber hitch proper.

Folks ask all the time about what knots and hitches are used in kayaking. Personal preferences guide ones choice. However there are some basic fundamental knots and hitches that one should know and practice. Get very comfortable with knots and hitches.

These knots and hitches are basic knots and hitches used in kayaking, they are me personal favorites. They are however used on a frequent basis when out kayaking. Practice, practice, practice, practice before kayaking…