Brilliant

 

Seems like a great idea for beginners. I actually wonder if it would work for more advance paddlers as well. Does it ever get in the way of paddling? Seems like it could limit vision as well.

 

Does it ever get in the way of paddling? Seems like it could limit vision as well.

Shaftfloat.com/q-a.html now addresses these questions.

My guess gonna make for a bunch of lazy paddlers then get someone killed for overconfidence

We encourage learning proper form with or without use of a Hi-N-Dry. We also encourage caution and provide advice concerning river progression to avoid cases of overconfidence clouding judgement. shaftfloat.com/river-progression.html

but if you went over with only one hand on it or, or loss your grip you couldnt pull your paddle under and roll.

We advice everyone to keep both hands on the paddle with or without a Hi-N-Dry and inverting a kayak with only one hand on the paddle is a bad idea for any kayaker. I've personally accidentally lost my grip and went over and then pulled the paddle under and rolled. The current plays a factor in this as it would with or without the Hi-N-Dry. The buoyancy is only 30ish lb and so pulling it under water to get both hands on it isn't a hurculean event. Until you have tried it, don't be so sure to say "you cannot this or will not be able to that"

If you or your dad doesn't have a solid roll without the paddle float and your running class IV, keep your health insurance up to date because someone is going to get hurt.

We recommend that no beginner attempt class 4 and that beginners see shaftfloat.com/river-progression.html for more info on selecting rivers. All mention of our class 4 accidental experience has been removed from the website to ensure nobody gets the idea that we condone a beginner running class 4 under any circumstances.

Appears that it doesn't just teach you how to roll, but how to expose your whole upper body while doing it.

In the video, I perform a back deck rodeo which is not a roll recommended for whitewater as it does expose one to rocks below the surface. We encourage use of proper form with or without the Hi-N-Dry. The Hi-N-Dry does not inherently encourage bad form. It can be used as a tool to help one learn proper form.

Hey can you modify your idea to make a counterbalanced oar float that goes between the oarlock and the oar handle? I'm assuming you have access to large diameter closed cell foam.

Custom orders are welcome. Shoot an email with what you have in mind.

Also might be helpful to develop a graduated shaft float so the paddler can be weened from the device and develop proper form. Just enough foam that you could get your head to the surface, but would need to keep your head down to right yourself.

We made a 6" diameter version as a prototype and it was insufficient in buoyancy for what we had in mind, however, it was exactly what you now describe and I'm willing to sell 6" diameter versions of the product. The 6" diam version has 17lb of buoyancy as opposed to the standard retail version with its 30lb of buoyancy.

However.....For that price, I'll buy my own foam and duct tape it to a paddle.

Price has been reduced substantially since you posted this.

 

This should get interesting...

 

Seems like a great idea for beginners. I actually wonder if it would work for more advance paddlers as well. Does it ever get in the way of paddling? Seems like it could limit vision as well.

My guess gonna make for a bunch of lazy paddlers then get someone killed for overconfidence

 

lots of plus's, but if you went over with only one hand on it or, or loss your grip you couldnt pull your paddle under and roll.

 

If you or your dad doesn't have a solid roll without the paddle float and your running class IV, keep your health insurance up to date because someone is going to get hurt.

 

Appears that it doesn't just teach you how to roll, but how to expose your whole upper body while doing it.

 

I am always stoked to see somebody come up with a new idea. It may or may not work. It might be dangerous, or annoying, or useless. Or it might change the way people kayak. I would be willing to try it just for shits and giggles.

Anybody who has ever invented anything usefull has first come up with a lot of ideas that don't work.

 

I like the outside-the-box thinking.

I'd shy away from a "Class IV" river, but there's a huge difference between that and a single Class IV rapid in the middle of an otherwise II-III run, especially if it isn't holey and has a good pool below it.

I do agree it could lead to some bad habits, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to make sure an inexperienced paddler is coached by an experienced paddler to make sure that good technique is emphasized.

If it gets more people on the rivers instead of home watching TV? Good for them.
Hey, it's a free country!

 

What comedy that all of you pansy-ass desk jockeys are dissing this guy's invention. The dude has his dad kayaking. See the smile on his face, that's what kayaking does. Your dad hasn't smiled like that since you left the house.

Say something productive or sit on your hands.

 

Hey can you modify your idea to make a counterbalanced oar float that goes between the oarlock and the oar handle? I'm assuming you have access to large diameter closed cell foam

Anybody whose had a counterbalanced oar sink would be appreciative

 

Cool concept. I can certainly see how this could really help folks with the roll maneuver.



Hollow swim noodles work awesome for applications like this with just a little customization.

 

Kinda cool. It opens up rivers for some hesitant people. Wonder how it works with sea kayaks...

Seems a little too high profile. Wind and waves would catch the surface too easily.

Also might be helpful to develop a graduated shaft float so the paddler can be weened from the device and develop proper form. Just enough foam that you could get your head to the surface, but would need to keep your head down to right yourself.

 

I feel like this would be nice for when I take friends who don't have a roll down non-dangerous class 2 and 3.

However.....For that price, I'll buy my own foam and duct tape it to a paddle.

I like the outside the box thinking. If I were you, I'd try to sell the invention to NRS or someone before they just steal the idea (pattent or not, a big company can take an invention and bury you with law suits if they really want). Plus, I'm not sure if it'll end up catching on unless backed by a big name brand.

 

Interesting idea. I've taped foam onto the paddle blade to help my kids learn to roll (ie cheap paddle float). I've also taped foam onto the shaft to keep a paddle from sinking (Seven2) but I've never thought of using foam on the shaft as a roll aid.

Thanks for sharing.

 

Kinda cool. It opens up rivers for some hesitant people. Wonder how it works with sea kayaks...

Seems a little too high profile. Wind and waves would catch the surface too easily.

Also might be helpful to develop a graduated shaft float so the paddler can be weened from the device and develop proper form. Just enough foam that you could get your head to the surface, but would need to keep your head down to right yourself.

Just systematic hack off a chunk a week

 

Brilliant! This will be great for newbies.

Home made version is a foam roller, kerfed in half and hollowed out then strapped back on.

I feel the bootie beer will be replaced by the shame of having to wear this until the next member of your group swims and takes their turn.

 

I feel the bootie beer will be replaced by the shame of having to wear this until the next member of your group swims and takes their turn.

Why replace when you can make the poor bastard do both?

 

I have mixed feelings about this device.

On one hand, I can see it maybe helping some people. And, it is thinking outside the box.

On the other hand, I can easily see it becoming a false sense of security that could get a person into real danger if they start running real rapids thinking they have a roll so they are ready for the thrill of class 3 or above. And, as a long time ACA WW Kayak instructor, I think it could get a new person into habits that might be very hard to change when time comes to do away with the foamie.

Like most every thing involved in WW boating. It seems to me to be a personal decision. My bet tho is if a person with this type of device showed up to a group running class 4 or even 3 and asked to tag along ---- it would take a lot of convincing for the group to welcome that person to boat with them.

 

I see this device helping sea kayakers. When your sea kayaking it's good to know how to roll but not essential because there are techniques where you can self rescue without a roll. I'd be curious to give this device a try out on the ocean.
Just my personal opinion but I dont see an application on rivers where there's no substitution for a bomber roll and a wet exit is not really safe imo.

I have mixed feelings about this device.

On one hand, I can see it maybe helping some people. And, it is thinking outside the box.

On the other hand, I can easily see it becoming a false sense of security that could get a person into real danger if they start running real rapids thinking they have a roll so they are ready for the thrill of class 3 or above. And, as a long time ACA WW Kayak instructor, I think it could get a new person into habits that might be very hard to change when time comes to do away with the foamie.

Like most every thing involved in WW boating. It seems to me to be a personal decision. My bet tho is if a person with this type of device showed up to a group running class 4 or even 3 and asked to tag along ---- it would take a lot of convincing for the group to welcome that person to boat with them.

 

Ha Ha Ha. You folks are having a debate over who is or is not an "expert" sea kayaker. Is this a joke?

What is the "expert" sea kayaker checklist?

__ I can sit for long periods of time.
__ I can hold a paddle.
__ I can put the paddle in the water.
__ I can press the rudder peddle with my right foot to turn right.
__ I can press the rudder peddle with my left foot to turn left.
__ I can access my marine life reference book without dropping my paddle.
__ I can reseal my dry hatch.
__ I can see land and paddle that direction when I am tired.

 

Ha Ha Ha. You folks are having a debate over who is or is not an "expert" sea kayaker. Is this a joke?

What is the "expert" sea kayaker checklist?

__ I can sit for long periods of time.
__ I can hold a paddle.
__ I can put the paddle in the water.
__ I can press the rudder peddle with my right foot to turn right.
__ I can press the rudder peddle with my left foot to turn left.
__ I can access my marine life reference book without dropping my paddle.
__ I can reseal my dry hatch.
__ I can see land and paddle that direction when I am tired.

yeah, sea kayakers are all pussies!

:

THE HURRICANE RIDERS: SEA KAYAKING - YouTube

 

Mut, I don't think you watched the video. He was agreeing with you. Those guys did a couple seal launches and then surfed skook at what looks like 10 knots. I think we should all just get along and hate on sea kayakers like a family again.

 

:lol:

 

I'm lost... So what about the high and dry is that some sort of marijuana? I agree safety first

 

I noticed alot of people automatically assume this is a device you will want to take off asap... but what many will soon find is that you are a lot safer on rivers with it. It is great for shielding the face when under water and gets you into your set position and out of the water fast. My dad and I have zero intention of ever kayaking without one.

 

Not sure I can see this being a safety tool. I can see the buoyancy fighting against you in a hole ride. More buoyancy means more retention in hydraulics. period. I can also see this leading to shoulder dislocation with the added surface area catching current. The video shows how "safe" this will make holding a paddle because it is padded when it hits your face, so wear a full face if you are concerned about hits, this seems to be much more likely to pop back and hit you in the face just based on the above. I can also see this being more prone to being ripped out of your hands. I would rather miss a roll and still have a paddle in my hands.

 

I will guarantee you that I can set up and roll faster without one of these than you can with one. A failed brace gets you pretty close to set up.

I think the concensus here and on Boatertalk is that this might be a training aid but is no replacement for proper rolling technique.

 

I'm lost... So what about the high and dry is that some sort of marijuana? I agree safety first

That would make it all a whole lot more interesting.

 

I'm now offering 30 day trial for $1

 

i dont know what to think about it. it could be a good thing or a bad thing, i think it would teach people bad habbits if u cant roll on your own you need to get your ass back to the pool!