JSpinner_at_aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 1/26/00 8:55:04 PM, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes: > > << 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. >> > > I've never seen this. Where did you get it? I have gotten some back channel requests for this as well. I did a heads up on this particular paddle float in my newsletter in mid-summer after using it awhile. I got mine from the New York Kaak Company, which will do mail order and has a nice catalog. http://www.nykayak.com or 1-800-KAYAK-99. I live so close that I just walk or ride a city bus down to his place (Randy Henriksen is the owner). One more thing about this particular paddle float in addition to other nice features I mentioned. Because of using a single chamber with just mesh on the other side, this paddle float tends to stay put on the water better than others I have used. I don't know how many of you have had the experience of a paddlefloat, well, floating around away from the desireable position of being absolutely perpendicular to the kayak; I think this happens because of the double chambers. The Gaia Ultralite doesn't do this, i.e. it stays put better on the water end of the paddlefloat rescue. I think it has to do with the paddle blade resting directly on the water since there is only mesh between it and the water. Incidentally, the air chamber is articulated in the sense that it is not just a flat item that rounds out when inflated. There is some shaping to the float portion and so it seems to grip better than other floats. Again I do want to add the caveat that this float does not have the monstrous floatability of the super large double chamber ones you find. But for a reasonably agile individual who does require enormous support as would a heavy person who was also a bit awkward, this float will do just fine. I have seen a clumsy 190-200 pounder use it okay in a bit of chop. The full name of the float is the Gaia Swell Ultralite and costs around $35. Gaia also makes a traditional double chamber paddlefloat (forget its name but it may be the Super Swell but don't quote me) which I have not seen but I suspect probably has some untraditional features as well. Gaia, BTW, makes some sensationally good dry bags that enter from the side (the length side rather than the top) and so gives you greater access to rummage for things. I also reviewed these in my newsletter at some point last year. They have an air bleeder valve to purge out trapped air and make them smaller. Other companies are doing this these days but the Gaia approach is nice. They cost a bit more than other dry bags but may be worth it if you are trying to get bulky items into small storage spaces. The bags also have compression straps that operate in conjunction with an over flap. And, so between the air bleeder valve and the compression straps cum over flap, you can get bulky things like synthetic sleeping bags and insulated clothing down to incredibly small sizes. Again, the NY Kayak Company sells them. I have no affiliation except that Randy is a friend and I have a soft spot for him since he sells 3 brands of folding kayaks (as well as hardshells). enjoy, ralph -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Thu Jan 27 2000 - 05:03:23 PST
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