NRS Foam Paddle Float

I've used and inflatable paddle float for a while and its pretty good. If you're doing deep water re-entry or balance brace practice it does a fair job. Its limitation is a substantial pocket for your paddle blade that fills with water adding weight to your paddle if your doing multiple evolutions. This isn't an issue with a foam paddle float. Being foam it doesn't take on water so stays the same weight no matter how long you train for. Having the blade sleeve on one side means you just turn the float around depending on how much support you need. And the float just wide enough for your paddle blade secured with a simple strap.It's only slightly bulkier than an inflatable float but i've found it quicker to use, a better fit on the paddle blade and far less fuss than an inflatable float.

Brilliant float (as long as you have space to stow it)

Good product, good price.Used for training so far - good buoyancy but not so much that you {I, 78kg} can't roll with the float on.

There are many different brands and styles of paddle floats. When I purchased mine (my very first paddle float), it was a toss-up between this one or an inflatable one. My decision was swayed to this one by the fact that I like to kayak later into the cold season. If I happen to tip over during the colder months, the last thing I want to do is hang out in the cold water while I blow up an inflatable paddle float. Once I received the "NRS", I found the many other benefits of this float. Of course it serves its intended purpose and easily helps all 200 pounds of me re-enter my kayak. It fits the paddle snuggly without wiggle or sway. I also use it as back support for long paddles, by wedging it "tall-ways" between my backrest and edge of my cockpit. You can't imagine the huge difference this makes in lessening back fatigue after 4-7 straight hours in a kayak. It sometimes serves as a "camping seat" when I'm out of the boat, as well as a kneeling pad when needed. Although I have not had to use it for signaling, I'm sure it would be 100 times more visible than my black paddle, especially in lower light situations, and at night due to reflective strips. The foam is dense and firm. It could be used as a camp pillow if you prefer a very firm type of pillow. Mine gets a lot of HARD use, which I don't think it was actually intended for, but it still works great. If or when the time comes to purchase a new one, I'll buy another one of these. This is actually the 2nd one I have purchased. The first was mine, this one is for my girlfriend, because she was jealous of the back support.

I just took this float with me to a safety and rescue class in the bay (open water). I was the only one with the foam unit, everyone else have those blow-up floats. Before we got in the water, the instructor commented to the group to avoid the foam paddle floats, saying they're bulky and take up deck space which could hinder rescues, etc, and that they're good for seat cushions on the beach. They didn't know the float was mine, nor did I admit to it.At the exercise, I rolled myself & kayak over on the water.... I put my paddle into the float pocket, buckle it up and did my first self-rescue with the paddle & float. Before long, I was in the boat bilging the water out while others were still in treading water, some still in middle of blowing up their floats.So, the float works great, it's quick and easy to secure to the paddle and attempt the self-rescue. And per my instructors, they also make great seat cushions. :) The float is bulky (compared to the inflatable ones) at 16x8x3", but i can self rescue very quickly. And as a safety equipment, I like that.

I bought this as a float to practice self-rescue with and to use in cold water-weather since I figure that once in the water I'd rather use time to get back in the boat, not blowing up an inflatable. The trade-off, of course, its the foam float is bulky on the deck of my Chatham. It's really quick to use and the flotation is better than I expected (I am 5'10, 185lbs).This float is well made and for the price a bargain. And, I do use an inflatable in warmer weather-water, and as a backup in case I need double floats.

I have not tried this paddle float yet and hope I don't have to. I don't have to use it to see its made very well and secures nicely to my paddle. Best quality paddle float I've seen. It is thick but fits in the rear hatch of my Perception Sport Conduit 13. I have no doubt that this paddle float will perform nicely if I ever need it. I have not seen any indication that this would in any way be considered a pfd, however I personally would not hesitate to fling this thing to someone in the event of an emergency.

Got it today and went to the lake to practice self rescues. Worked like a charm. Easy to get the float on and off. Easily kept my 200 pounds from flipping. Not bad for a 66 y.o. with artificial hips and a bad back.