Tow Systems for Sea Kayaking

A brief list with pros and cons of towing systems for sea kayakers in 2026

A PFD mounted tow line and two different waist belt tow systems on the NWOC dock

As someone who has spent more than 20 years teaching sea kayaking and leading kayaking tours in Seattle, I've done more than my fair share of towing in all manner of conditions. I've also used many of the towing products available on the market today. Before we jump into the various options for tow systems and their specific pros and cons, here is what to consider when buying a tow system for sea kayaking.

How much towing will you be doing and under what conditions?

Illustration of a standard tow, in-line tow, and a rafted tow

If you are a recreational paddler who likely won't have to do much if any towing especially under dynamic conditions you don't need features like a shock absorber, or 50 feet of floating, low stretch line.

If you are a guide, instructor or paddle with a group like the Mountaineers (where towing is something that will be practiced often), it is worth it to have a tow system that will hold up to a lot of use. It should also work well in a variety of conditions--not just flat water. Tow systems used in moving water such as chop or current should have the ability to be released quickly and easily. A shock absorber will also make towing more pleasant when towing for long distances--especially if it's choppy. They greatly reduce the tugging felt by the person towing and make for a much smoother experience.

It's worth noting that some things can be added or changed on many tow systems. For example, a larger carabiner or a pull bead on quick release belts is easy to add. Bungee shock absorbers can also be added to many systems. However, this does take some time and adds cost.

Tow Systems not covered in this list

Omitted from this list are deck mounted tow systems and contact tows. Deck mounted towing systems (or tow lines that are attached directly to the kayak doing the towing) in my experience are very specific to the kayak they are attached to--there is no truly universal system on the market.

Contact tows are left off of this list for two reasons: first, they are only useful in very specific circumstances (which most recreational paddlers never encounter), and second even for experienced paddlers they can be more of a nuisance than a help.

North Water Rescue Nano Tow

A simple, bare bones waist belt tow system.

Pros

• Simplicity--hook the carabiner to what you want to tow and go

• Very compact

• Expandable pouch makes re-stuffing line easy

Cons

• Quick release on belt lacks a pull bead

• No shock absorber

• 30ft of line instead of the 50ft most other systems offer

NRS Pro Kayak Tow Line

A surprisingly full featured waist belt tow system especially for the money. Updated for 2026--now with a metal carabiner for added strength and durability.

Pros

• Bungee shock absorber makes towing in chop easier

• Mesh bottom of pouch is useful for drying

• Float by the tow hook is a nice feature

Cons

• Line quality is below that of other systems

• Pouch could be larger to make re-stuffing easier

  
  

North Water Rescue Micro Tow Line

An upgrade from the Nano. Still compact and easy to use.

Pros

• Comes set up with both a short and long tow

• Large pouch makes re-stuffing line easy while on the water

Cons

• No pull bead on quick release belt

• No shock absorber

Kokatat Slipstream Waist Belt Tow

The most compact waist belt system in this guide and offers the most features.

Pros

• Super compact and lightweight (smaller than a Gordito's burrito!)

• Dual length capable

Cons

• Re-setting the dual length rigging takes some getting used to and can be fiddly

• Pouch is not really a pouch and more of a roll--re-stuffing while on the water is easy but not as secure as other systems

• No shock absorber

North Water Sea Link PFD Tow System

The smallest (and shortest) of the tow systems on our list, this PFD mounted system is simple, robust, and always with you.

Pros

• Dual length capable

• The best built in shock absorber on the market

• Carabiner is large enough to clip to a paddle if needed

Cons

• Must be used with a type V Rescue PFD

• Pouch is very small so re-stuffing on the water is tricky

• 17ft total length can be a little short for big conditions

A blue heron on Ben Ure Island looking towards Deception Pass on a gray fall day

Conclusions

There is no one best towing system for sea kayakers--the best depends on your situation and preferences. Hopefully this list has helped differentiate between some of the options out there today. Still have questions? Stop by the shop if you're in Seattle, or give us a call. We're always happy to talk paddling.