To: >internet:paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Ralph wrote: >> I don't understand why people in hardshells don't use a rigid paddle float rather than the inflatable kind. ... No air leaks ... no wasted breath in blowing them up ... Bill wrote: >> 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. I use both folding and hardshell kayaks. In order to be big enough to have sufficient flotation, a foam block adds a lot of unnecessary windage to your deck. Also, it seems to me to be a lot of extra bulk to pack around all the time. I use a paddle float that has two independent air chambers. The paddle pocket inbetween is a handy place to stow the leash I always use with the paddle float -- just piled up in there so it pulls out freely and quickly. The leash is out of the way where it can't get snagged or entangled. With both chambers inflated the paddle is pinched in so tight you can't pull it out. In case one chamber fails, there is a strap with a snap that can be looped around the paddle shaft at the base of the blade (since the fit would be looser). The pocket is deep, which I find reassuring. Inflation does not take very long, perhaps because the tubes are short and fairly large diameter. I inflate one chamber, insert the paddle, then inflate the second. The water is cold here (this is Alaska), but the extra few seconds taken compared to a foam float aren't, in my opinion, critical. We have been using these in our rental fleet for years and have sold hundreds -- no failures in the rental fleet, and no returns or complaints from customers. -- Larry Edwards Baidarka Boats *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue May 05 1998 - 14:31:33 PDT
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