Re: [Paddlewise] Paddlefloats and re-entries

> Date:          Tue, 05 May 1998 10:50:33 -0400
> From:          Bill Leonhardt <leonhardt_at_bnldag.ags.bnl.gov>
> Subject:       Re: [Paddlewise] Paddlefloats and re-entries
> To:            paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net

> At 09:17 AM 5/5/98 -0700, you wrote:
> >Jack_Martin_at_jtif.webfld.navy.mil wrote:
> >> 
> ><SNIPPED>
> >>      Second, how many of us routinely leak-check inflatable paddlefloats?
> >>      Blow them up to a firm point, wash them down in a soapy water
> >>      solution, and look for bubbles or loss of pressure in a few minutes?
> >>      With normal wear and tear, these things will develop small leaks which
> >>      become bigger leaks.  Yes, most are dual-chambered, but will one
> >>      chamber "float your boat", and are both chambers sound?  Just a
> >>      thought.  My checks have frequently resulted in finding air leaks ---
> >>      try yours!
> >
> >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.
> 
> Bill Leonhardt
> 
> 
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> I had exactly the same reaction last summer. The foam block paddle 
float is a great idea...doesn't require inflating, can't leak...but I 
was too cheap to shell out 40 bucks for a piece of foam.
   Brad Crain
**********************************************************************
Bradford R. Crain                             E-mail: brad_at_mth.pdx.edu
Dept. of Mathematics                          Phone: (503) 725-3127
Portland State Univ.                          FAX:   (503) 725-3661  
P.O. Box 751
Portland, Or. 97207
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