Re: [Paddlewise] Paddlefloats and re-entries

Bill Leonhardt wrote:

> >I don't understand why people in hardshells don't use a rigid paddle
> >float rather than the inflatable kind.  The inflatable kind makes sense
> >for someone in a folding kayak in which the rigid type of paddle float
> >takes up roam in the kayak carrying bags.  But if you have a boat that
> >can't fold, why have a folding paddle float?
> >
> >They have several advantages.  1)  No air leaks.  And, 2) no wasted
> >breath in blowing them up in scary conditions.  It is amazing how being
> >scared makes you a bit short of breath especially as water is gushing up
> >close to your mouth and nose and you feel the shock of cold water
> >against your lungs.
> >
> >I have often thought of getting one for any boat I am leaving assembled
> >for long periods.  They make good seats too on rocky beaches.
> >
> >ralph diaz
> >--
> 
> Dear Ralph, et.al.,
> 
> I have been thinking along similar lines.  I thought that the foam block
> would be best when paddling in colder water since (theoretically) you could
> save the time in the water it takes for inflation.  Perhaps saving the
> inflatible float for days you wouldn't mind a longer swim.
> 
> One of the things that has kept me away from the foam block though was
> cost.  $40 seems like a lot of money for a piece of foam with a cover.  I'm
> sure there will be folks who say that $40 isn't too much to save your life,
> however I feel that when safety gear is more affordable, more of it will be
> acquired and brought along.
> 
> Perhaps I'm being a wee bit too fiscally conservative.  What do others
> think?  I'd like to think I'm open to change.

The last I looked, inflatable paddle floats were costing around $25-30. 
So $40 is not out of line.  You could also manufacture your own out of
foam blocks and duct tape but I think your costs for good blocks of
sufficient size would run around $15-20.  So the $40 still looks pretty
decent for something nicely set up for you and, I assume, tested.  It it
doesn't work in a practice run, then return it.

ralph
> 
> Bill Leonhardt
> 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
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"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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