NRS Sea Kayak Paddle Float

NRS Sea kayak buoyancy aid for paddles - your safety on the water

The NRS Sea Kayak Paddle Float provides unrivalled self-rescue support and is an essential safety accessory for any paddler. This compact and user-friendly paddle float acts as an outrigger to stabilise your kayak in an unassisted re-entry situation. The large main bag easily slips over a paddle blade and attaches securely to the shaft with 2.5cm webbing and a barrel-lock cord.

Features of the NRS Sea kayak buoyancy compensator

• Dual-chamber design: Two air chambers with easy-to-use twist valves provide an additional safety chamber.
• Robust construction: Durable nylon outer shell with 5cm wide grip loop webbing.
• Visibility: Reflective straps for added visibility in low light conditions.
• Ease of use: The large main compartment glides effortlessly over the paddle blade and is securely fastened to the shaft.
• Volume: Each chamber displaces 7 litres, 14 litres in total.

Application notes

Before kayaking, you should stow the NRS paddle float safely in an easily accessible place, such as in the deck rigging or in your deck bag. After capsizing, you can quickly turn your boat around, grab the float and attach it to one end of the paddle. Only one of the two air chambers needs to be inflated to create a stable outrigger for re-entry. Position the paddle shaft behind the cockpit edge of your kayak, hold it firmly with one hand and lift yourself horizontally out of the water onto the deck.

The NRS Sea kayak buoyancy compensator not only offers you safety, but also reliability and easy handling, so that you can concentrate on the essentials - paddling and enjoying nature.

Product Instructions

1. Before kayaking, secure your NRS 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.
2. After capsizing, flip your boat over quickly (a quicker flip means less water in your cockpit). Grab the float, and attach it to one end of the paddle by sliding the blade into the float and securing it with the drawstring and quick-release buckle. Inflate either air chamber on the paddle float. Only one of the two air chambers needs to be inflated to create an outrigger for re-entry.
3. 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 water surface. Please note that your body position will be just behind the cockpit of the kayak.
4. 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.
5. 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 sprayskirt. 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 you reach safety, then deflate.

Notes:

In an emergency, you can put your arms through the webbing straps on each end of the float to provide extra floatation.

There are many schools of thought on paddle float reentry. 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!