Paddle Floats

[Alex McGruer]

Here is a contested point.
What do you think of paddle floats?
Useful, life safety necessity: Waste of space, dangerous psychological
crutch giving the illusion of safety?
I hope a couple of people will get into this because it is truly worth
a public debate.
Alex

[Peter Armitage]

I strongly advocate the use of the paddle float, and I practice self-
rescues with my float every year. It doesn't take up much room on my
deck as I use an inflatable one. We all know that the first line of
defence against capsize is a good brace followed by the kayak roll.
However, should capsize be unavoidable, one needs a repertoire of
rescue techniques be they assisted or self rescues. Due to
circumstances (e.g. wave height, wind direction and velocity, distance
from fellow paddlers, etc.) one may not be successful with one type of
rescue (e.g. re-entry and roll), therefore, having the option of using
the paddle float could be a life-saver.

Better safe than sorry!

On a somewhat unrelated note, I learned to roll with a paddle float,
following a recommendation in Sea Kayaker Magazine. I've also helped
other folks learn to roll by using a paddle float. Using the float
helps one orient oneself under water and get a better understanding of
where to place the paddle blade, i.e. as close to the surface of the
water as possible. I can't understand why the paddle float is not used
by Paddle Canada instructors in teaching rolling in this province.

That's my 10 cents worth. Peter Armitage

[b***@hotmail.com]

Interesting topic Alex. In my mind, I think you should have as many
backups and plan B,C,D, etc in the event of a capsize... and the
paddlefloat represents a plan B to get back in your kayak. Keeping
that in mind, there are times to use it and times not to. If you
paddle with a group, its less necessary, as assisted rescues would
probably be the best option to re-enter. But in a group, you may get
separated and capsize and need to re-enter solo BUT, that usually
means its really rough conditions, and paddlefloat re-entry is not the
easiest thing to do in those types of conditions. I wouldn't attempt
to use one is a surfing capsize for example. I would never rely
entirely on my roll...as I may hurt my shoulder, hit my head, etc. and
trying to scramble back in my kayak after that might be difficult,
especially in shitty conditions.

If you paddle solo, then yeah, i think its worth the deck space, as
you'd want as many backups as possible. But group paddling I think it
becomes less important. If you have an inflatable float, you can just
wrap it around your pump and it doesn't take up much space anyway.

Thats just my opinion, and I'm still relatively new to this sport.

I'd like to hear more about it from others as well.

Work sucks......but fridays are good.

[Gerry Power]

Post by Alex McGruer
Here is a contested point.
What do you think of paddle floats?
Useful, life safety necessity: Waste of space, dangerous psychological
crutch giving the illusion of safety?
I hope a couple of people will get into this because it is truly worth
a public debate.
Alex

Alex:

I find it useful at the pool. The reason I say this is that I
haven't had to do a wet exit out on the water. I practise it at the
pool in case I need it out on the water. If you don't practise with
it, you won't know the quick efficient way to use it when the time
comes for real that you have to use it. It is nice to say , " I have a
good roll ", I do . I am very confident in my roll that I also
practise at the pool every week. I live by the rule that if you don't
use it you will lose it. You don't know when that time will come when
you are on the water and in a split second a funny wave will knock you
over even though I consider my braces very good also. " YOU HAVE TO
COVER ALL THE ANGLES ".

Consider the worse case senario. Even though you don't paddle
alone, some of us do even though it is not reccommended. You fall
behind the group because you are checking something out that caught
your eye. You are close to shore (cliffs) and a wave rebounds off the
cliff and catches you unaware. You are over before you realize it.
Here is the big crunch. When you got knocked over so quickly, you
didn't get time to take the good breath. You only got time for a quick
snap breath as you are entering the water, but you got water too. Now
you start to cough. Try coughing under water, it doesn't go well. Can
you roll while you are coughing ???? Maybe???? You may have no choice
but to wet exit. Your fellow paddler looks back but he doesn't see you
because there is a rock between you and him/her. The paddler thinks
that you are up ahead with the other paddlers.

Now you are in the water. I hope that you remembered to hold on
to your paddle if you hadn't tethered it. ---- and hold on to your
boat too WHILE YOU ARE COUGHING VIOLENTLY. It will take you a little
while to cough the water out of your lungs as you sit in that cold
water. Now that you have beat yourself out coughing and holding your
boat in the churning water because of the rebounding waves how are you
getting back into your boat ? Think fast as the water is cold. Can you
do the pool trick, climb on top of your boat and go from rear to
cockpit ? I have trouble doing it in the pool let alone doing it in
really moving water. Can you do a reentry and roll ? That isn't easy
in a pool unless it is well practised. I have seen some very good
paddlers doing it at the pool. Geez!!!!! It is getting cold!!!!. I
can't understand why the group hasn't come back for me yet. ( They are
spread out and don't realize that you are in the water. They think
that you are somewhere in the group. They are enjoying the beauty.)

Oh YES !! My paddlefloat!! Best outrigger there is for a " lone
" kayak ( if you know how to use it ). This is NOT, I STRESS NOT the
time to figure out how to use it. The water is too cold; it will take
too long. If you have the air type like I have it will take time to
blow it up. Miine only takes a few breaths on each side, it is a big
bag and gives a great float( use that time to think your way through
the steps that you practised in the pool and brought it to just a few
efficient steps. " Hey, as much as the boat is getting kicked around
it is pretty stable because of the outrigger that the paddlefloat and
paddle make . I am so glad that I had practised this at the pool and
made it so efficient. It didn't take long to get back in the boat ".

" Now where is my top map so I can figure out how to get home.
Got to paddle to warm up. Don't want Mr. Hyperthermia to visit. Geez,
did we chose a lead and sweep before we left ? Oh ya, I'm the sweep. "


Gerry Power.
I hope it brings on some debate

[paddlehands]

Post by Alex McGruer
Here is a contested point.
What do you think of paddle floats?
Useful, life safety necessity: Waste of space, dangerous psychological
crutch giving the illusion of safety?
I hope a couple of people will get into this because it is truly worth
a public debate.
Alex

Excellent topic Alex. The Paddle Float. Well it does take up space if
you use the North Water ones. The inflatable ones certainly take up
less space . I personally use the North Water one and I will admit
that it looks a bit geeky and may take away from the esthetics of the
the nice shiny glass boat, but it is ready to go. THis means that the
time I have is used for simply putting it on the paddle blade and
inserting the other paddle in deck bungees behind cockpit. In cold
waters like we have here in NL I find that the less fumbling I have to
do in my set up is the more time I have to get in the boat. The
outrigger style self rescue is is time tested whether you use
inflatable or foam but it should be I think what works best for you.
Make sure that you try it to ensure you can use whatever sysem you
rely on.

At work I do H-Pylori bacteria tests on patients in which I am
required to collect their breath after they have held it for 10 secs,
you would think that after ten seconds you got a lot of wind to blow
out but let me tell you that these little mylar ballons are about the
size of a saucer and it is amazing at the difficulties encountered in
patients trying to fill it in one breath. No elements, no water, no
pressure, no cold, with me holding the ballon. I am not sure of the
reliability I would have on my abilities when stress, hypothermia,
confusion, coughing, water in my mouth, sealing valve etc. would be
with an inflatable. The foam float however, shove it on put the other
blade in bungees then get in boat. They are even curved now to fit the
back deck of some curved deck kayaks. They also are able to be slipped
on from both ends as I have one paddle float with only one sleeve. In
warmer watres I may be happy with the inflatable however. More time to
fumble around with set up. I also feel that the foam paddle float
would be good for people of all ages because some people may have
various airways diseases that may limit their ability to push any
substantial volume of air out, especially when under duress in a self
rescue situation when the nerves are all fired up.

I just hope that everyon's roll works when they need it. I know you
all have been practising it?


Roc'n-roll, paddle often.

Stan

[TonyLee]

Post by paddlehands

Post by Alex McGruer
Here is a contested point.
What do you think of paddle floats?
Useful, life safety necessity: Waste of space, dangerous psychological
crutch giving the illusion of safety?
I hope a couple of people will get into this because it is truly worth
a public debate.
Alex

Excellent topic Alex. The Paddle Float. Well it does take up space if
you use the North Water ones. The inflatable ones certainly take up
less space .  I personally use the North Water one and I will admit
that it looks a bit geeky and may take away from the esthetics of the
the nice shiny glass boat, but it is ready to go. THis means that the
time I have is used for simply putting it on the paddle blade and
inserting the other paddle in deck bungees behind cockpit. In cold
waters like we have here in NL I find that the less fumbling I have to
do in my set up is the more time I have to get in the boat. The
outrigger style self rescue is is time tested whether you use
inflatable or foam but it should be I think what works best for you.
Make sure that you try it to ensure you can use whatever sysem you
rely on.
At work I do H-Pylori bacteria tests on patients in which I am
required to collect their breath after they have held it for 10 secs,
you would think that after ten seconds you got a lot of wind to blow
out but let me tell you that these little mylar ballons are about the
size of a saucer and it is amazing at the difficulties encountered in
patients trying to fill it in one breath. No elements, no water, no
pressure,  no cold,  with me holding the ballon. I am not sure of the
reliability I would have on my abilities when stress, hypothermia,
confusion, coughing, water in my mouth, sealing valve etc. would be
with an inflatable. The foam float however, shove it on put the other
blade in bungees then get in boat. They are even curved now to fit the
back deck of some curved deck kayaks. They also are able to be slipped
on from both ends as I have one paddle float with only one sleeve.  In
warmer watres I may be happy with the inflatable however. More time to
fumble around with set up. I also feel that the foam paddle float
would be good for people of all ages because some people may have
various airways diseases that may limit their ability to push any
substantial volume of air out, especially when under duress in a self
rescue situation when the nerves are all fired up.
I just hope that everyon's roll works when they need it. I know you
all have been practising it?
Roc'n-roll, paddle often.
Stan

I do use a paddle float, an inflatable one. It slips under my deck
lines quite nicely and protects my deck from scratches. Other then
that I personally think its quite useless. When paddling alone and yes
I do paddle alone even though I know I should not I take the hard foam
one. I found when paddling in the winter that the inflatable paddle
float nozzle freezes up and it becomes useless other then the nice
protection from scratches under my deck lines. I must add that when I
paddle alone it is always prefect conditions or I will not go. The
reason for this is obvious in that I am less likely to end up in
trouble in calm weather. I know from past practice that attempting to
enter your kayak using a paddle float in rough or even slightly windy
conditions can be virtually impossible. Calm water and my roll fails,
reentry roll fails, scramble fails well maybe a re-entry paddle float
roll will work. I guess what I am slowly attempting to say is simply
that I do think a paddle float is a good thing to have when paddling
by yourself in perfect flat calm conditions. I would also suggest that
if you are planning on using one I would have the hard foam ones as
the inflatables do not always work. The hard foam ones do make great
seats.......... In a group I think the only real use for me would be
protection from scratches. If I am in a group and everyone leaves me
while I am in trouble its probably better I drown as a life in prison
for killing them all later is alot worse then drowning ,well thats my
feeling after seeing the inside of the HMP!!!!

[m***@mail.gov.nf.ca]

It's important to have a method of solo self-rescue that works for
you. Before I had a "solid" roll, I used to practice a paddle float
re-entry and carry a paddle float with me. Since I've become confident
about my roll (and re-entry & roll), I've stopped carrying a paddle
float. If my roll was less relaible, I would still carry a paddle
float.

However, there is an argument for carrying an inflatable paddle float
even when you don't intend to do a paddle float re-entry. Doing a re-
entry & roll in rough conditions can be difficult. With an inflated
paddle float on the end of your paddle, you're pretty well guaranteed
to be successful rolling up in a re-entry & roll. When you've rolled
up, the cockpit has a lot of water in it; you can then jam the paddle
under the deck lines and the paddle float will act as an outrigger to
provide some stability while you're getting the spray deck back on and
pumping out the cockpit.

[Kuviasuktok]

I'll add the following comments, as a reltaively new paddler, to those
already posted. These are of course my opinions and may differ
from more experienced paddlers.

1. Being able to do a paddle float rescue (PFR) as a newbie is
essential and a good confidence builder.
2. Newer paddlers out in a group may not be able to do assisted
rescues and a PFR may be the only option (if practiced) to get back in
the boat.
3. A PFR may be the only option if 2 newer paddlers (if unable to re-
enter and roll etc.) end up in the water simultaneously.
4. A PFR may be the only option if you suffer a shoulder injury
trying to roll back up. Subsequent ability to paddle back to put in
questionable.
5. A paddle float would be useful to use as an outrigger for
stability if equipment repairs have to be made en route and in
confused seas.
6. Its like insurance - you may never need it but its nice to have in
the event you do.
7. Would a blow-up paddle float provide any boyancy (fixed over the
bow or stern) if your front or rear watertight compartment were
punctured and unable to repair. This may be a stretch?

Alex, it would be interesting to do a summary of all these comments
once all possibilities have been tapped out.

Tony :-)

[p***@gmail.com]

Post by Kuviasuktok
Alex, it would be interesting to do a summary of all these comments
once all possibilities have been tapped out.
Tony :-)

I am watching this with great interest.
I am going to leave my take on all this untill everyone interested has
their say.
All responses have been valuable, measured and quite thoughtfull.

I may try to summerize at the end but I doubt it will be needed.
The effort that is going into this indicates a very sound grasp of the
subject.

[r***@nl.rogers.com]

Post by p***@gmail.com

Post by Kuviasuktok
Alex, it would be interesting to do a summary of all these comments
once all possibilities have been tapped out.
Tony :-)

I am watching this with great interest.
I am going to leave my take on all this untill everyone interested has
their say.
All responses have been valuable, measured and quite thoughtfull.
I may try to summerize at the end but I doubt it will be needed.
The effort that is going into this indicates a very sound grasp of the
subject.

Several good comments above.

My experience:

1. Paddle floats do not work very well as intended, especially in any
realistic conditions (don't rely on them).
2. Paddle floats work just fine on a paddle to execute a re-entry roll
even if your roll is marginal (practice is always needed however). And
then after rolling up, as mentioned above, it can be used as an
outrigger while you are pumping out etc.
3. A paddle float works well as an 'avataq', an pre-inflated device
used by the first kayakers. With any buoyant device, such as a paddle
float, rolling up with your hands is surprisingly easy and is a good
exercise for anyone regardless of your skill level. Balance bracing
is also easy with an avatag device. You will learn a lot about the
interplay of your body motions and boat dynamics by playing/
experimenting with this and your other rolls will benefit from it.
4. I prefer sponsons to a paddle float. Sponsons normally attach to
your boat and are inflated when needed. That could be after a capsize
where, after flipping the boat right-side-up, the sponsons give the
boat plenty of stability to enable you to climb aboard, and then you
have a very stable platform to pump your boat out and get yourself
together in order to carry on paddling. You can even paddle with the
sponsons in place. That can be really handy if your balance is
compromised by sickness or fear, etc. It also puts you in a stronger
position for assisting others in certain circumstances. Sponsons of
course do not have to be attached to your boat, in which case they
work the same as a paddle float on the end of a paddle to perform a re-
entry roll or to perform an avataq roll using your hand(s).
Incidentally, a kayak can still be paddle-rolled even with sponsons
attached.
5. The issue of inflatable devices freezing up in winter is an
important consideration that has already been pointed out. I don't
paddle much in winter and if I did I would probably use a non-
inflatable float or spare pfd etc.
6. In my opinion its always good news to have some form of buoyant
device handy when you need it.

[DAVEMAC]

Oh boy, gear talk, everyone love's gear talk.

This is an interesting topic but if you want to improve your chances
of survival I would think that relying on gear rather than skill is a
slippery slope, it encourages paddlers without the proper skill set to
get 'in over their heads' so to speak, in the belief that if all else
fails, having enough gear will save them.

Paddlers who wish to paddle away from the group or on their own should
have above average paddling skills including very good bracing and a
reliable roll, period.

In addition to Tony's comment on the foam paddle float making a good
seat, the inflatable one's look like they would make good pillows

See you at the pool, working on that bombproof paddle only roll.

Dave Mac

[n***@nf.sympatico.ca]

Hi all,
Excellent discussion on paddle floats.

I agree with most of the previous points. I often carry a paddle float
but probably not for the usual reasons. I might use it for a re-entry
and roll, if conditions were bad and I was getting cold. It would be
awfully handy to have the paddle float in place for stability when
pumping out the cockpit, once I rolled up.

But the main reason I carry a paddle float is for added stability in
towing, especially if I am out paddling with only one other person
(often the case on overnight trips with a partner). If someone gets
injured (for example, a dislocated shoulder) or seasick then they need
added stability if they are towed. A paddle float (or even better, two
paddle floats) would make the tow a lot safer. I've thought of many
additional uses for an inflatable paddle float, such as an emergency
plug (on the inside) for a holed kayak compartment, inflatable splint,
etc.

I figure an inflatable paddle float takes up almost no room, so it
makes sense to take it along if it might come in handy as an important
safety tool. Since it has many possible uses, I think it is worth it.

Neil

[Squidink]

The Paddle Float: The perfect seat on pebbly beaches.

It is the only thing I use it for. And I must admit I wonder why I
bother carrying it. Other rescues are more likely, and reliable, in
rough conditions which is probably why you need a rescue. I got a hard
foam float because I suffer from Raynaud's and in blowing up an
inflatable I'd probably lose dexterity. Then again, if I'm in the
water I realize I'd probably lose it with a hard foam float, so I'm
considering an inflatable (because something that is almost useless
but might be useful, once, deserves some, but possibly less, space on
my deck).

[b***@hotmail.com]

The inflatable makes a good pillow too.

[Peter Armitage]

Nothing has been said in the above discussion that would dissuade me
from carrying an inflatable paddle float on my deck. I practice with
it in rough water and have little trouble re-entering my boat with it.
I also practice re-entry and roll with it. It's all about having a
repertoire of rescue options. If one option fails, move to the other
one. Everyone should obviously do what works best for them, but I
strongly recommend practicing a range of rescue options - both
assisted and self. The paddle float is but one option, an insurance
policy of sorts. It's as simple as that.
Good discussion - I agree. Thanks to Alex for initiating it.
Peter Armitage

[TonyLee]

Post by Peter Armitage
Nothing has been said in the above discussion that would dissuade me
from carrying an inflatable paddle float on my deck. I practice with
it in rough water and have little trouble re-entering my boat with it.
I also practice re-entry and roll with it. It's all about having a
repertoire of rescue options. If one option fails, move to the other
one. Everyone should obviously do what works best for them, but I
strongly recommend practicing a range of rescue options - both
assisted and self. The paddle float is but one option, an insurance
policy of sorts.  It's as simple as that.
Good discussion - I agree. Thanks to Alex for initiating it.
Peter Armitage

I agree totally Peter. Taking a paddle float with you will certainly
not hurt. I practice doing self rescues with a paddle float every
summer and sometimes winter if I make it to the pool. I have tried
using it in rough water and had little luck getting in my kayak with
it. I usually get tired after a few tries and then do a re-entry roll.
I have not found a condition so far that would keep from doing a re-
entry roll it even works in surf. I just think all should remember
that a paddle float is generally considered a self rescue tool and if
you are going to paddle alone do not depend on this form of rescue.
Its a great back up but you will need a lot more options then simply a
paddle float rescue. I guess I am a little worried that people will
feel good about a paddle float rescue practiced in a calm pond or pool
and then feel good about paddling out of Flatrock alone. If I am out
alone in my kayak and I end up resorting to a paddle float rescue
chances are all else has failed and I really am in a nasty situation,
likely because I have injured an arm or shoulder. Anyway if you are
paddling why not take a paddle float!!

[Kuviasuktok]

Excellent discussion and good summary except I wouldn't consider a
paddle float rescue high on my list. My point was that, in my
opinion, a paddle float rescue is essential for a new paddler if you
don't know how to roll or do assisted re-entries. When I first began
to paddle, the material I read seemed to put a lot of emphasis on the
paddle float as a means of self-rescue. Looking back on that now, I
realize I was a newbie and anxious to soak up as much know-how as
possible. Now, several years later I realize that if I need a rescue,
while paddling in a group, my paddle float probably wouldn't come off
my deck. At the time I learned the paddle float rescue it did give me
added confidence, just as it did when I did my first rolls. The
paddle float rescue should not so much be at the apex of self-rescue
techniques but at the apex of the self-rescue learning curve.

Tony R :-)

[p***@gmail.com]

 Now, several years later I realize that if I need a rescue,

Post by Kuviasuktok
while paddling in a group, my paddle float probably wouldn't come off
my deck.  At the time I learned the paddle float rescue it did give me
added confidence, just as it did when I did my first rolls.    > Tony R :-)

Tony I think you have it in a nut shell. Peter Armatage has put some
effort into this as well.
My Inflatable float works well and it is no problem except for added
time in the water.
My solid float is hardly worth bringing along, at least for its
intended purpose. With little weight it sinks. It only gives I would
guess 15 Lbs boyancy. The inflatable likely packs 60 OR 80 lbs.
The solid float can be used like the air bladder to do a hand roll.
I normally carry a Paddle float.

[p***@gmail.com]

This is pretty much as I thought.
I carry one (usually) but it is way behind the tow rope, spare paddle
and pump for things to take.
I have found the Paddle Float (PF) re-entry difficult and with the
solid float almost impossible. It is handy used to balance a straddle
entry.
I carry a PF on the rear deck sometimes and it can be used to do a
roll should I loose my paddle: It even looks good in the pool. I stuff
an inflatable next to the seat and that is where it stays for the
season. It takes up no useable space. Peter about has it there, It
can't hurt.
I carry one but using it for its intended purpose is not to likely.
Before I go PF re-entry I will try and fail a roll; then a re-entry
roll, a scramble and straddle entry, then a paddle float re-entry
roll. Once that all failed I would be trying a PF re-entry. Brian has
it with have a plan B,C,D ... Malcolm has the skills et that a PF is
well down the list of rescues and likely is only going to get washed
off his deck anyway. That has happened to me.
Dave Mac would suggest we not rely on gear
Tony R has it a little further up his list of reliable self rescues,
Kind of like me and a PFD. LOL!
Gerry's Outrigger program is handy if you have to pump.
This all assumes we are silly enough to be paddling alone in the first
place because Cecilia and Sandy can both plant me back in the boat.
As mentioned the PF makes a good seat, pillow and support keeping
expensive Kevlar boats off the scratchy rocks. Tony has that number.
Here is another; It can be used to improvise a hatch cover (Inflatable
ones)
It is another tool that can help; but I suspect it comes after
judgment and a whole load of other skills.
I will still carry one.
Stan came up with an interesting twist in favour of a solid float.
While I doubt someone with serious lung issues would venture onto the
ocean, if you take on a little water breath may be in short supply so
a solid float may be a good idea.
Robert Gagnon's Sponsons is a much maligned but excellent option. He
also goes into PF assisted rolls and re-entry rolls.
Robert G and I will agree the solid PF is not the ideal tool for a PF
re-entry.
Summery. A very useful tool but don't count on it for a PF re-entry
according to the books we have all read..
Alex

[paddlehands]

Post by p***@gmail.com
This is pretty much as I thought.
I carry one (usually) but it is way behind the tow rope, spare paddle
and pump for things to take.
I have found the Paddle Float (PF) re-entry difficult and with the
solid float almost impossible. It is handy used to balance a straddle
entry.
I carry a PF on the rear deck sometimes and it can be used to do a
roll should I loose my paddle: It even looks good in the pool. I stuff
an inflatable next to the seat and that is where it stays for the
season. It takes up no useable space. Peter about has it there, It
can't hurt.
I carry one but using it for its intended purpose is not to likely.
Before I go PF re-entry I will try and fail a roll; then a re-entry
roll, a scramble and straddle entry, then a paddle float re-entry
roll. Once that all failed I would be trying a PF re-entry. Brian has
it with have a plan B,C,D ... Malcolm has the skills et that a PF is
well down the list of rescues and likely is only going to get washed
off his deck anyway. That has happened to me.
Dave Mac would suggest we not rely on gear
Tony R has it a little further up his list of reliable self rescues,
Kind of like me and a PFD. LOL!
Gerry's Outrigger program is handy if you have to pump.
This all assumes we are silly enough to be paddling alone in the first
place because Cecilia and Sandy can both plant me back in the boat.
As mentioned the PF makes a good seat, pillow and support keeping
expensive Kevlar boats off the scratchy rocks. Tony has that number.
Here is another; It can be used to improvise a hatch cover (Inflatable
ones)
It is another tool that can help; but I suspect it comes after
judgment and a whole load of other skills.
I will still carry one.
Stan came up with an interesting twist in favour of a solid float.
While I doubt someone with serious lung issues would venture onto the
ocean, if you take on a little water breath may be in short supply so
a solid float may be a good idea.
Robert Gagnon's Sponsons is a much maligned but excellent option. He
also goes into PF assisted rolls and re-entry rolls.
Robert G and I will agree the solid PF is not the ideal tool for a PF
re-entry.
Summery. A very useful tool but don't count on it for a PF re-entry
according to the books we have all read..
Alex

Alex this was an awesome topic and it was good to see so many people
respond. There is an article in Sea Kayaker magazine by Nigel Foster
of NF kayaks bearing the same name, who wrote an article on paddle
floats with interesting insights as well. Of note was an interesting
inflatable PF re-entry combination. This article is worth a look.
Link: http:// www.seakayakermag.com/1997/feb97/foster1.htm


Stan