kelp anchor

I recently purchased a tandem malibu pro 2 and need to purchase a couple kelp anchors.  I was wondering what size is recommended.  topkayaker has bungees 2' stretch to 3', 4 stretch to 6,' and 4' stretch to 7'.  Also when anchoring to kelp, i assume you wrap the bungee around muliptle kelp strands and then do you latch the bungee back to itself or tie off to the kayak.  Do you need more than one anchor to the kelp?  Does it matter if you attach the kelp anchor to the bow or the stern or side of the kayak?  Any suggests are appreciated.   

I have a 6' bungee with a carabiner on either end.  The big end gets clipped to a kelp strand that's big enough so it won't break.

When I'm in a hurry and moving a lot (or just lazy), my kelp anchor consists of tossing 3-4 strands over the pedals of my Mirage drive, or under a knee.  Does the trick just fine. 

When I'm in a hurry and moving a lot, my kelp anchor consists of tossing 3-4 strands over the pedals of my Mirage drive, or under a knee. 

Same. Having all that salad on deck is kind of messy though, but i'll take disposable salald over having yet another piece of line, lash, loop, or gear on the deck.

sometimes, I'll just loop some kelp over my paddle clip and lock it in.  Not really the safest thing, as the boat can pitch significantly during a larger swell.  But I stay mindful of it and have never dumped

I've used the bungee and 'biner then went to a 6' piece of rope with a brass swivel snap and now am on the "brush gripper". It is only galvanized tho so wash and rust spray is imperative. It is very quick to use. Here is a link:
http://www.psfish.net/product.sc?productId=580&sourceCode=froogle

John

 I make a 6ft or so float line with a foot or so of parachute cord with a trigger snap on the end.
                           

 You make a wrap or two around the kelp bulb and you're good to go. Make sure you use a quick release bronze or stainless clip. FYI farm/livestock supply usually have them.
 This is a popular style if you would rather just buy one.
http://www.neptonicsystems.com/kelp%20clip.htm

If your looking for a kelp anchor I would use one or two of these with some shock cord. I know they hold pretty well ,I have used them clamped to an abalone float tube in some bad seas and me hanging on.They held their ground without coming off. The nice thing with this style clamp is that if there is an emergency they come off really quick.

I know most dive shops sell them or if your in the Sac or Stocton area I know Dolphin sells them. There are two sizes as well Small and Large

http://www.dolphinscuba.com/Kelp_Clip_Stainless_Large_p/ac_16596.htm

http://www.dolphinscuba.com/Kelp_Clip_Stainless_Small_p/ac_16595.htm

When I'm in a hurry and moving a lot, my kelp anchor consists of tossing 3-4 strands over the pedals of my Mirage drive, or under a knee. 

Same. Having all that salad on deck is kind of messy though, but i'll take disposable salald over having yet another piece of line, lash, loop, or gear on the deck.

sometimes, I'll just loop some kelp over my paddle clip and lock it in.  Not really the safest thing, as the boat can pitch significantly during a larger swell.  But I stay mindful of it and have never dumped

Gotta agree w/ Yak and Usagi. Less is more. I'll usually pull my mirage drive (and stow it well) and pull some kelp through the opening and tie it off on something or just sit on it. As a cool cook from the bay used to say "Very simple very easy."

Z

I love the thrill of finding out about a piece of equipment that can greatly simplify a task that i often struggle with. Tying off to the kelp is always my biggest struggle when i am diving from my yak. Bull kelp is wet and slippery. That clamp thing that jhfish posted is looking pretty sweet about now.       thanks guys for the thread      jack

here's what I use.....oh...and it also doubles as a fish gripper...imagine that (just add a carabiner or a trigger snap on the black loop - to attach to your kayak while the "gripper" locks itself to the kelp)

pros:
- it's super cheap
- it's plastic and it will never rust or sink
- very visible (the orange one of course) if you ever do a yard sale on the beach

http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=183

I ditto Mooch's response.  the lipgripper works well.

jim

Ditto here too!  Had added the carabiner to keep it on the paddle leash for easy use, and then thought, hey! I can just clip into the kelp!  HOWEVER, when I didn't have it clipped, and I dropped it overboard, that lil carabiner was enough to have it sink.  Luckily it landed on some kelp, and my telescoping net was able to retrieve it!  I love multi use items  

that lil carabiner was enough to have it sink.

Don't use the the steel ones...use the cheap aluminum ones (the small key chain type)

I love those plastic lip grippers for lipping but they dont usually clamp wide enough to get around the fat bull kelp. i just got the other metal ones in the mail and they look good. they have a wider mouth with teeth that look like they will grab good. i'll post after i try them out.