wanewman_at_uswest.net wrote: > > I always keep my paddle on a tether, but I do not tether the paddle float to the > boat. I prefer to just be extremely careful about attaching the float to the > paddle and I always carry a second float in case I lose the first. Another choice regarding a paddle float is to get one that is small enough to have on you. I currently carry a Gaia Ultralite which folds down to next to nothing and weigh just 6 ounces. It has just one airchamber with the other side consisting of mesh. This setup gives you good paddle contact with the water through the mesh side while providing ample flotation via the sole inflation chamber. The float has a fastex snap buckle and webbing which I run through my PFd arm hole and I tuck the actual paddle float out of the way between my PFD and me. The nice thing about this air chamber is that it really does inflate with just a few puffs. You have your choice of two different type of inflation valves when you buy, a bite down type and a pull out valve type. I have the latter type valve and find it very easy to pull the soft end with my teeth, inflate the chamber and then push the valve closed again without needing to use my hand at any point to open and close the valve. Flotation is enough for self-rescues provided you don't weigh 200 plus and aren't clumsy. It is a most interesting innovation. I have not tried a reentry and roll with it but it looks like it would be great for this since the paddle blade inside the mesh side can be sculled and swept well. Another plus: you can also paddle with this paddle float on one blade and experience only a bit of awkwardness. So in a jam, you can leave it on and paddle just a bit subpar but still have it there for continuing help as an outrigger. Oh, it also has a reflective strip on it, which couldn't hurt. Oh and yes, I use it to protect my paddle blades when in transit. I have no association with the company and paid for the two I have. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jan 26 2000 - 17:31:55 PST
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