Knot or Not: Should you have a knot in the end of your throwbag?
Throw bag knots
The debate about whether or not to put a knot on the working end of the throwbag line has been going on for decades. The discussion is ultimately yours and so it helps to understand both sides of the debate.
Arguments for having a knot are that you can see and locate the working end of the rope easily. You already have a loop enabling a quick connection with a carabiner. The knot is there and prevents the rope from sliding out of your or your swimmers hands.
Arguments against it are that if a rope gets loose the knot can chalk between rocks and cause an entrapment or create a hazard to other river users.
Arguments for having a clean end are that it is far less likely to get hung up between rocks. It only takes a few seconds to tie a connection knot if you practice. People are less inclined to connect the loop to the buckle which can lead to a hazardous situation of the rope unintentionally deploys.
Arguments against having no knot are that the rope can pull through your hands or the hands of a swimmer who has decreased dexterity from cold wet hands.
Knowing the pros and cons of a knot or no knot gives the opportunity to choose the appropriate configuration for your situation. If you are responding to or running rivers with more rocks and less water having a clean end on your rope may be a better choice to prevent entanglement. If you run or respond to bigger volume rivers with less rocks, having a knot on the end so you don’t get the rope pulled out of your hands may be the more appropriate choice. And you can always change the configuration to match the river you are at that day.
What are your thoughts on having a knot in the end of your throw bag?