Re: [Paddlewise] Paddlefloats

In a message dated 98-06-09 06:58:22 EDT, mhh_at_aretha.jax.org writes:

<< 
        I have been trying to improvise a more durable paddlefloat which 
 would also be easy to use. My current favorite is two of the inflatible, 
 rubber sailboat bumpers (about 12"-14" long) tied together at each end 
 with thick bungee through the molded eyelets with a short length of line 
 and snap hook to secure the paddleshaft once the blade is inserted 
 between the bumpers. This arrangement is also useful for a variety of 
 other useful things and can easily be carried under the rear deck lines. >>

Sounds like an extremely useful, multi-purpose item, Mark, especially useful
in games of bailing-sponge football if Greg Welker is involved!  The rubber
bumpers could come in real handy in their own right!  

A local option to your device is a "Ron Casterline" paddlefloat --- a block of
closed cell foam, about 12 by 18 inches, inserted into a nylon mesh bag
(measure the foam to fit into the bag tightly) with a slice cut into the end
of the block at the open end of the bag where the paddle blade is inserted .
The cord from the bag can wrap around the paddle shaft and clip into itself to
add some durability to the whole thing.  Makes a good paddlefloat as well as
an (unofficial!) flotation device.  But it's not as practical as your system
if you have to paddle a lot with Welker!

Joq
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