Hey Ray, checking in to say thanks for this very useful explanation of the Z-drag system. In my preparation for a 4 day canoe trip with three friends I studied your instruction and practiced it in my garden. I also invested in quality materials (carabiners, pulley’s and throwropes). As most experienced paddler I felt the responsibility to make things as safe as possible… Turned out to be a good investment. As we paddled down the Allier river last week, one of us got trapped in a (partly) submerged tree in a riverbend. His canoe made water, turned an was swept away by the current, as was my friend. The canoe was jammed under a second tree in the current some 30 metres downriver. My friend landed in the same tree. After checking if he was safe and sound we tried to unpin the canoe. This was only possible with the use of the Z-drag (and a lot of adrenaline and a saw ;-)). I wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills, it really made all the difference.

Great video Ray, looking forward to the next one.

Always love listening to your wisdom in the little things!!! Thanks!!!

This is incredibly useful information. Thank you for the time and efforts. At the end of the day, nothing compares to real world experience. You sir are a precious source of knowledge. This was very clear, didactic and well filmed too.

Just revising for my canoe leader assessment - this and your other videos are very helpful. Thanks 🙂

Great stuff mate, looking forward to more.

Great point of reference Ray 👍🏻

Loved your latest video mate . Thanks for putting that out there , although you have just cost me a small fortune on buying new Beal jammys for Lizzie and I 🙂 Hope your all well 🙂

Total novice here I’ve been sponging up all the info out there! You have been a great source ray thank you very much

Another awesome video Ray!

Very useful, Ray! Thank you for sharing!

Very clear instructions!

At last, a man I understand and can talk about winching around a camp fire, I work in heavy vehicle recovery, this was music to my ears, looking for the next one, Chears Ray. Nige.

Great video Ray

Another great video , thanks for sharing

Great instructional video, thank you!

Really clear instruction, thank you Ray. You can now buy Carabiners with a built in micro pulley. Not as kind to the rope or as easy as a full pulley, but far kinder and more efficient than a plain crab for no extra weight or bulk. By the way to me the overhand tape knot you show is really weak, quick & easy to do, yes but an in-line overhand knot, where you tie the overhand in one tail only first, then weave the other tail back through it from the other direction is far stronger & kinder to the tape. Your filming is really clear, shows how well the French prussik works in self releasing on the pull & gripping on the hold. Excellent demo, thank you.

seriously, this man knows his stuff!!

Professionally explained Thank you !!

Dziękuję za Film👍 Super porady. Pozdrawiam👋

Good one Ray.

Great info, Ray. How easy does the over hand knots in the webbing anchor come undone, does it bind and you end up needing a spike to release it or does the webbing make it easier to untie?

Always liked trying these but thankfully only ever needed the 10 boy scout method. And best supporting actor goes to.........!

Great video, which pulleys would you recommend?

I have that same Life jacket.

Still think my billy boy is beautifully bonkers!

Great video. That wasn't a pursick knot that's klemist knot.

try staying off rocks