Why Hydrophobic Webbing Is Ideal for Whitewater Rafting
Our cam straps come highly recommended by whitewater rafting enthusiasts. We could list plenty of reasons for this, but our proprietary polypropylene webbing material is the most significant difference. If you understand the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic, you know why RollerCam offers the best cam straps for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and more.
Many people confuse hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances. Even without knowing the scientific principles, simple observation tells you that they are not the same. A hydrophobic material causes water to bead up and run off.
Your Windshield Is Hydrophobic
The windshield on your car is treated with a coating designed to make it hydrophobic. That makes sense. The last thing you want is to drive through a raging storm with a sheet of water impeding your visibility. The applied coating causes the rain to bead up when it hits the windshield. Then it simply runs off. Your windshield wipers accelerate the process by channeling water away.
Your car's finish is equally hydrophobic. Water beads up on the hood and runs off. You would notice the same behavior if you were working with a hydrophobic webbing strap. Beads are the key.
No Beads, No Absorption
A hydrophilic material does not repel water. It doesn't cause water to bead up and run off. A hydrophilic surface doesn't absorb water either. Water will stay on the surface of the strap, making it challenging to grab and gain traction.
Because our cam straps are hydrophobic, they do not hold water. They will not get any heavier during a whitewater rafting trip. You don't have to worry about water content aiding and abetting mold growth.
They Remain Tactile
Rollercam® being hydrophobic is ideal because they remain tactile even when wet. You can maintain a firm grip on the strap material even when you and your boat are surrounded by water. You will never lose your grip on a strap that would otherwise be too slippery to hold on to.
In a sport as rough as whitewater rafting, you need to be able to maintain your grip when necessary. If your tie-down straps are not hydrophobic, a few minutes in the water could mean a loss of grip for the entire time you and your boat are wet.
A Tight Strap, Too
One last thing to consider is the grip of the cam buckle on the strap. If a strap is slippery to the touch, there is always the chance that it could slip through the buckle under load. But by choosing hydrophobic high-tenacity polypropylene, we reduce that risk. Pull our straps tight, lock them down, and don't worry about the water. Your straps are not going to slip.
Whitewater rafting requires equipment on which you can depend. When it comes to cam straps for kayaking, it's hard to beat Rollercam. Our straps rely on quality materials and innovative engineering to always keep things safe and immovable. There is a reason our straps come highly recommended by whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Be sure to heed their advice when choosing your own cam straps.
