Raft Perimeter Line – Yes or No? Posted On: April 5, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips, Safety services Tagged In: New Mexico rafting, raft New Mexico, Rafting taos Where Do You Stand? Perimeter line use (aka chicken strap) has been a controversial topic since the early days of rafting. The above image of a New Wave raft at the put-in of our Racecourse section. A Few Considerations Some raft guides are adamant about not having a line around their raft. They’re concern of rope entrapment overrules it’s utility. So the question remains, is that one danger significant enough and outweigh the value of a perimeter line? It allows people to hold onto it for security in rapids. If in the water the swimmer can stay connected to the boat. It can help assist people when re-entering a raft. Provides a grab point from anywhere in the boat. The line can be used in conjunction with a z-drag rescue. Carrying the raft is much easier when using the line. It can be used as a self equalizing system. Now for the down side: There is always the possibility of rope entrapment. It can become caught on branches, logs or rocks. So where do you stand? Are you an avid user? Are you adamantly against? Take a look at Rafting Magazine’s article Advantages of Perimeter Line. Thanks for stopping in.
Water Safety for “Midnight Texas” Posted On: March 29, 2016 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Safety services Tagged In: safety service New Wave Provides Water Safety for “Midnight Texas” Movie Shoot. The movie, a NBC pilot, is described as Twin Peaks meets True Blood in Midnight, Texas. In other words a remote town where your neighbor could be a vampire, a witch, a werewolf, or even an angel. Mystery, horror and romance combine to both enthrall and frighten any outsiders who decide to venture into this unusual place. The New Wave staff that provided water safety services were Britt Runyon and Mike Boren. Britt was behind the camera, documenting our safety assurance activities. The location was on the banks of the Rio Grande a few miles north of Albuquerque. One of the on-land scenes we were present for at sunrise. Read More…