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

Rex,

I don't use foam, but it need not be faster than inflatable.  Why this 
simple idea had to be explained to an engineer like me, I can't say, but ...

You can store your inflatable paddlefloat partially or fully inflated, so 
it is ready to use in an instant.

It was recommended to me that it be stored one breath short of full, for 
flexibility.  You could of course make a very inexpensive rigid float from 
a cheap pink swimming pool kickboard ($5) or from closed-cell foam (about 
$12 from Kayak Outfitters.com).  My inflatable has about 17 litres 
capacity, or in English measurements about 5/8 cubic foot.  The equivalent 
is a pretty big chunk of rigid foam to have on your deck (12" x 15" x 6").

-jerry.

At 02:20 AM 6/22/2001 -0700, Rex Roberton wrote:
>Is anyone using a foam paddle float instead of an inflatable paddle float?
>Did you make your own or did you buy it?  Where could I buy one?  I looked
>at several on-line stores and did not find any.
>
>I remember several years ago someone in Alaska saying they used them up
>there because the self rescue is faster, no inflation needed and no valve to
>mess with.  Something about really cold water and quick lose of dexterity of
>the hands and fingers.
>
>Rex
>
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