: Don, I have made several foam floats and own 2 commercial ones. Any foam that
: floats will work but be aware that none of these offer the bouyancy of a
: blow up model. I use my solid foam Northwater 3x8x18" ethafoam model
: for cold water paddling but it takes up a lot of realestate on my deck.
: The ones I made are covered with Sunbrella and are smaller. I used them on
: my paddle for roll practice. I sill like the blow up model for warm water
: paddling because its easy to stow and has the most bouyancy.

: The Northwater has a paddle pocket, a strap to go around the paddle shaft
: with quick release buckle and the sides are mesh for rapid water drain. I
: paid $35 for it and doubt I could make one as nice for a much less.

: Good luck,

: Larry C.

I have made several foam ones also, nylon bags, net bags. However the best, easiest, cheapest and safest is two pieces of foam just a bit bigger than my larger paddle blades. Hollow them a bit to allow for blade curvature and tape them together first with duct tape to hold them together then over that with strapping tape for strength and so the blade edge does not cut thru the tape.

A small wrap of velcro or a strap with some kind of easy connect so it can't slide of the blade and you're done. They don't come off the blades in real life because of the tight fit after you jam your blade between the two pieces.

They go on in seconds, simply push your paddle blade between the two pieces. they are firm and flat and don't wiggle so you can paddle with them almost as well as your regular blade. (Inflatable floats don't paddle! Bagged foam doesn't paddle very easily.)

When conditions get dicey, the beauty is to put it on BEFORE you go over, paddle to safety with a bombproof brace ready at all times because of the floatation on your paddle.

Mine cost me about $2-3.00 and take about 5-10 minutes to make.

Randy