Riverstones Paddle Float

Easy to use to get back in canoe or kayak

This did exactly what I wanted.Relative to complaints about the mesh on the float, simply ensure the mesh ends up on the front face of your paddle. The pillow should push into the backside of your paddle as you take a stroke, thereby reducing/preventing stress on the mesh.I first used the float to lock in my onside roll and then used it to figure out my offside. Since those successes, I’ve lent it to many a paddler to help with theirs. And, otherwise, I use it as an extra float bag in one half of my RPM MAX kayak’s stern.I plan to bring it with me to pool practice this winter.

Just what I needed to help me nail down my whitewater kayak roll. Using this float is much easier than balancing the paddle on a pool edge or dock while learning the mechanics of the roll. Then, as my technique improved, I was able to gradually reduce the air in the bag for less and less support until I could strip the bag off and roll with ease.

I have used these while sea-kayaking for several months now, to facilitate mid-water re-entries.They are easy to inflate and deflate. Very robust: no signs of wear so far. And more than adequate flotation, at least for my weight (160 lb).

I had a previous paddle float that both valves both failed on the second inflation. Luckily it was during calm water practice and not off shore in waves. DO NOT buy Attwood paddle floats as their valves are defective.I like the way the paddle blade is in an outside mesh pouch instead of between the two inflated sections. This design allows the paddle to be somewhat functional in case you need to turn into a wave prior to removing the float. Which way the blade is facing in the pouch really has little bearing if you are using a quality paddle with a dihedral design which gives almost equal power and control to both faces. I saw reviews where some were using this to learn rolls and this would be the only paddle float I know of that would work for this. I have never tried it for rolling. When I taught white water kayaking rolling classes I never used any type of float or accessory. I guess it could be useful in some cases, but you have to flip to the roll up side which could incur very bad habits and possibly bad form. As long as you wean off the float ASAP and practice full rotation and paddle reorientation it could be a initial learning tool to "get the feel" when upside down for those struggling the with "upside down, face under water" orientation. Both valves work well (two separate bladders) and are the standard type used for flotation air bags for years. They open and close securely with a simple twist. The buckle is standard type and good quality. The material used for the bladders seems to be high quality and stitching looks good. I am well pleased with this paddle float and recommend it. Never skimp on a safety device and always practice using it BEFORE you need it. Don't store it where you cannot easily access it quickly.

Quality made product which it should be considering use for emergency reentry into kayak. This paddle Float is made of thick vinyl good strong seams also I like the in/out twist air valve which is very easy to inflate if capsized.

This paddle float has two air compartments with separate fill hoses and a buckle at the end to keep the float attached to the paddle. Your paddle should be inserted into the mesh screen with the power side of the blade facing towards the mesh. Start with the float fully inflated, then as you start to be able to roll the kayak, start deflating the bag a little at a time. As you do this, you'll uncover little problems little problems with your form and you can correct those until the bag is nearly deflated, then it's time to take it off and try it on your own. Took me 3 sessions using this paddle float to get rolling. This is an excellent way to learn to roll a kayak.I like this particular paddle float due to the mesh screen which allows water to pass through and also the dual air compartments which give you more flexibility the amount of inflation. The mesh screen allows the paddle to still grab the water, where others that don't have this feature the water tends to be pushed away (displaced) by the curvature of the float.

Does the job and does it well! Obviously used it for self rescue and it provides the necessary support to get back in after a wet exit. I’m hoping it will last for a while and not cone apart a few uses. Only had it for 2 months and used 6-8 times. Even if it doesn’t last, at this price it won’t break the bank to get another.