Re: [Paddlewise] Foam paddle floats, who makes them? Did you make your own?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joy E. Hecht" <jhecht_at_erols.com>
To: "'Paddlewise'" <Paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 7:41 AM
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Foam paddle floats, who makes them? Did you make
your own?


> I got mine at REI.  Haven't ever used it, but I replaced my inflatable one
when it started leaking - another argument against inflatables.

As a generalization, the solid foam ones have somewhat less buoyancy than
the inflatable ones.  But not all inflatable ones are the same.  Some are
small and I suspect the biggest of the solids would have the same amount of
buoyancy as one of these if not more.

As Joy mentions solids do have a lot going for them such as the leak
problem.  Also, in cold water when short of breath, inflating a float can be
difficult.  And it takes time.

Downside of a solid?  Bulk, an issue for a folding kayaker who really
prefers that every thing compact down in size.  Windage, it is a higher
profile than an inflatable paddle float, not a lot but some.

As for brands, types.  They are all pretty standard.  But earlier this year,
I did see one that seemed to have some features that stood out.  But now I
forget what these were!  I think it had some versatility in where you place
the blade and reflective tape and possibly an extra pocket to hold something
like flares.

With any paddle float, do check the inflatable ones for leaks every so often
and also the solids.  Foam does break down over time because of exposure to
the sun and the elements, jiust like a PFD loses its buoyancy over time (5
years?).  The nylon covering on both paddle floats and PFDs also suffer UV
and exposure breakdown over time.

ralph diaz

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