> -----Original Message----- > From: Robert C. Cline [mailto:rccline_at_swbell.net] > Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 11:09 AM > > I am presently using Eddyline paddlefloats. They use a > velcro strip that > secures the paddle float to the paddle shaft near the blade. > The velcro has > often come loose during self-rescue practice. There needs to > be a better > way. Robert, So that Matt doesn't have to beat his own drum I'll do it for him. (and I'm sure that there's no way he'd ever give a discount on a Mariner kayak for doing this<g>) Take a look at a Mariner paddlefloat - Matt designed these and they just flat out work! That's high praise coming from me in case you can't hear it. They have a dual chamber with dual inflation tubes and a shock cord tether with a clip. With only one of the two chambers inflated there's enough flotation for me to do a paddlefloat self rescue. It would take something akin to a broken shaft for this paddle float to come off the paddle accidentally. Good design and good execution in production (IMO). As soon as my bank account recovers from buying a house I'll be ordering another one - to carry as the "backup backup". Dave Seng Juneau, Alaska *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Not a back band, but the seat of my Seaward Ascente' (still for sale) doubles as a serviceable paddle float. It's a closed cell piece of foam inside a Cordura cover that clips into a fastex buckle to keep it in the cockpit. To use as a paddlefloat simply unclip, slide the paddle blade into a pocket on the cover and attach the strap/clip around the shaft. The problem that I have had is that it's purty darn difficult in the kind of conditions that would cause a capsize to self rescue, attach the skirt, pump out (all while leaning on the paddle/float) and then somehow stop leaning on the paddle/float, undo the skirt and slide the seat back into place without capsizing again. (honestly I only did this once!<g>) Not a BIG deal, but still a problem. Makes for a cold bum and a sloppy fit. I view the Seaward seat as a secondary backup and always have the inflatable paddle float with me. Dave Seng Juneau, Alaska > -----Original Message----- > From: Gabriel L Romeu [mailto:romeug_at_erols.com] > Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 3:18 PM > Out of curiosity, has any body ever designed a paddle float > system that > doubles as a backband? Seems that it would have to clip in and out > easily, but would be further beneficical of not having a > backband in the > way while re-entering. > -- *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I agree with David's answer to Gabriel Romeu. Having a backband double that can double as a paddle float is difficult to operate in the real world. Paddlefloat rescues are already awkward enough. To add the step of trying to re-attach the backband is likely to lead to another capsize. Maybe a hat that would double as a paddlefloat would be a better idea as it is easier to put back in place. :-) David Seng wrote: > > > The problem that I have had is that it's purty darn difficult in the kind of > conditions that would cause a capsize to self rescue, attach the skirt, pump > out (all while leaning on the paddle/float) and then somehow stop leaning on > the paddle/float, undo the skirt and slide the seat back into place without > capsizing again. (honestly I only did this once!<g>) Not a BIG deal, but > still a problem. Makes for a cold bum and a sloppy fit. I view the Seaward > seat as a secondary backup and always have the inflatable paddle float with > me. > > Dave Seng > Juneau, Alaska > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Gabriel L Romeu [mailto:romeug_at_erols.com] > > Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 3:18 PM > > > Out of curiosity, has any body ever designed a paddle float > > system that > > doubles as a backband? Seems that it would have to clip in and out > > easily, but would be further beneficical of not having a > > backband in the > > way while re-entering. > > -- > > *************************************************************************** > 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/ > *************************************************************************** -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ ***************************************************************************
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