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NRS Paddle Float
Price: $89.95 ( inc. GST )
| Price | $89.95 |
| Freight ( if required ) |
Christchurch shop pickup: $0.00 NZ - Main route ( Akl -> Dunedin ): $9.50 NZ - Other/Freight depot: $9.50 NZ - Rural / Other: $9.50 AU - Australia: $21.00 Other - please email us for a quote |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Item # | KANRPF |
Simply the best paddle float on the market. Slip the self-draining main pocket over your paddle blade, fasten the webbing leash to the shaft and inflate one of the dual air chambers. This creates a functional outrigger, adding stability to self-rescue situations. Note: You only need to inflate one of the air chambers while using the paddle float. The second chamber should be used as a backup if ever necessary.
An essential safety tool for sea kayak wet entries, the NRS paddle float is the best thought out and most durable unit on the market. Each chamber holds 8 litres of air, allowing for an incredibly stable platform, even with only one side inflated. The reflective stripes make you more visible exactly at the time you need it most. In an emergency, the paddle float can also be used to enhance your personal floatation with two webbing straps. View the larger product photo (link under the photo in the upper left) to see the webbing straps.
We have NRS paddle floats in our hire fleet for those who hire our sea kayaks or those who want to practice their self rescue skills in calm conditions to greatly increase the ease of successful re-entry in a true emergency situation. Students in our sea kayaking courses will have the opportunity to practice these skills.
NRS Paddle Float Instructions:
- Before kayaking, secure your paddle float in an easily accessible area such as in the deck rigging, or inside your deck bag. Make sure the float is properly secured so that crashing waves or heavy winds do not wash or blow it away.
- After capsizing, flip your boat over quickly (a quicker flip - especially from an end - means less water in your cockpit). Grab the float and attach it to one end of the paddle by sliding the blade into the slot and securing it with the drawstring. Only one of the two air chambers needs to be inflated to create an outrigger for re-entry (either the twist or hands-free valve can be used).
- Create an outrigger by placing your paddleshaft behind the rear cockpit coaming of your kayak, holding it tight with your hand. Place your other hand on the rear deck and prepare to lift yourself by getting horizontal in the water with your heels close to the waters surface. Please note that your body position will be just behind the cockpit of the kayak.
- Lift your torso onto the rear deck first, then work your feet onto the paddle shaft outrigger, hooking your ankles around the shaft. Slowly work your first foot into the cockpit, then the second. Twist your body around towards the paddle float and slide back into the cockpit, always keeping your balance toward the float so that you do not capsize again.
- Put your paddle in a stable situation (possibly under your stomach) so that you can drain the boat with a bilge pump and reattach your spraydeck. Remove the paddle float, deflate, and stow it away securely. If the water is choppy you can store the inflated paddle float under your deck rigging until safety is reached, then deflate.
* Please note that there are many schools of thought on paddle float re-entry. Although the above is one of the most popular methods, take the time to read various sources on the subject and find the system that works best for you! Also, do not wait for an emergency. Practice paddle float re-entry in a controlled situation and be better prepared when the real emergency comes!
We highly recommend that the best way to determine the optimal method of self rescue in deep water for you, is to take an introduction to sea kayaking course, and practice these skills under the supervision of a professional instructor who can take you through a variety of different methods and help you decide on the best one for you, your skills & flexibility, and your particular kayak.
