Love them or hate them, you simply can’t afford to ignore paddle floats. Paddle floats have come an integral part of kayaking and without them you will find it very hard to do a self-rescue in case your boat gets capsized in the middle of nowhere. Paddle boats makes it super easy to make a reentry into the boat if it gets upturned somehow. Majority of the paddle floats are made from foam like material and thus making them ideal for cold weather condition. Without paddle floats, you will have a hard time getting into the cockpit if your kayak somehow gets swamped. This is the reason why it is essential for all kayakers to have a proper understanding of paddle floats.
7 Best Paddle Floats
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
1. Wisemen Trading Paddle Float
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual air chambers for added safety | No packaging included |
| Quick-release buckle for secure paddle blade attachment | |
| Easy to inflate, deflate, and clean | |
| Compact for easy storage | |
| High visibility colors | |
| Made in the USA |
As an experienced kayaker, there’s nothing that boosts my confidence more than knowing my gear won’t let me down. Enter, the Wisemen Trading Paddle Float, a must-have for any open water adventurer. This paddle float is a life-saver, literally! Its high visibility colors make it easy to spot in any condition, and the dual air chambers inflate and deflate as swiftly as a river otter in pursuit of dinner. The quick-release buckle snugs up the paddle blade like a well-tailored wet suit, keeping it secure in even the choppier waters.
Now, let’s talk about its performance in action. The float was my lifeline when I was practicing my bracing stroke and snap rolling – it’s almost like having a seasoned paddler watching over you, ready to lend a hand when needed. I also appreciate its sleek, compact design that tucks easily into my kayak, always within arm’s reach for when I decide to dive into some self-rescue practice. The fact that it’s made in the USA is the cherry on top of this superb product. In a sea of paddle floats, the Wisemen Trading Paddle Float is a beacon of reliability.
2. Seattle Sports Dual-Chambered Paddle Float
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual chambered for maximum buoyancy | Partial submersion may cause loss of buoyancy |
| Reflective binding and safety tether for visibility & security | Might be challenging for overweight individuals |
| Facilitates emergency kayak re-entry | |
| Compact and easy to store | |
| Durable with a high visibility color |
Imagine skimming across the water’s surface, your kayak a mere extension of your body. Then, a sudden capsize! But worry not, the Seattle Sports Dual-Chambered Paddle Float is your trusty sidekick. Built as a vital self-rescue device, this paddle float offers a lifeline that can make all the difference in open waters. Its dual chambers offer extra-large buoyancy, acting like a pair of pumped up life-savers ready to assist you in the emergency kayak re-entry.
This device isn’t just about function – it’s got finesse too! Its reflective binding shines like a lighthouse beacon in the foggy morning, making it easily visible even during the duskier hours. And oh boy, the durability! Crafted from sturdy material, this paddle float can withstand the wild sea’s whims, and its vivid yellow hue doubles as a signal flag in distress situations. Yes, it does require a bit of strength to manoeuver, and the buoyancy might dip if you exert too much pressure. Still, it’s a reliable mate in your watery adventure. For any seasoned kayaker, the Seattle Sports Dual-Chambered Paddle Float is an essential gear addition that echoes the mantra – “safety first!”
3. Gearlab Rolling Float
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One-grip and two-grips methods for different roll types | Might not fit extra-wide paddle blades |
| Doubles as a self-rescue paddle float | |
| Compatible with both Greenland and Euro style paddles | |
| High-quality single valve system | |
| Compact, easily rollable design |
With the soft swish of waves beneath and the clear sky above, kayaking becomes a transcendental experience. But when a capsize situation occurs, Gearlab’s Rolling Float swiftly switches roles from your tranquil meditative assistant to a lifesaver. With its ingenious one-grip and two-grips methods, it offers an excellent platform to practice both Lay Back Rolls and Forward Finish Rolls, making it a versatile tool for mastering your kayak rolls.
More than a rolling tutor, this float also doubles as a self-rescue paddle float, fitting both Greenland and Euro style paddles like a glove. The quality of this float stands out from the crowd. It flaunts a sturdy single valve that inflates both chambers, bidding farewell to the fuss of multiple valves. Roll it up tightly when not in use; it obeys obediently and stays put, thanks to its built-in hook. While it might grumble a bit fitting those extra-wide paddle blades, it’s a minor hiccup in its otherwise impressive repertoire. In essence, the Gearlab Rolling Float is a nifty accessory, making your watery wanderings safer and your kayak roll practice smoother. It’s a testimony to Gearlab’s blend of innovative design and functional excellence. Happy kayaking!
4. Riverstones Paddle Float
Riverstones Paddle Float looks impressive and pulls no punches when it comes to its performance. It might pleasantly surprise with its decent performance. It makes it super easy for solo kayakers to make a reentry to the kayak. At the end of Riverstones Paddle Float is a buckle that help attaching the paddle float to the kayak. two air compartments are included in this paddle float that adds to its improved improvement.
The design of this paddle float makes a departure from the traditional design. The water can easily pass through this paddle float thanks to the inclusion of mesh screen. Unlike other paddle floats that displace water because of their curvature, Riverstones Paddle Float can grab the water firmly by utilizing its mesh screen and thus making it ideal for solo kayak rescuing.
No matter how big the blade of your paddle is, Riverstones Paddle Float can easily accommodate it. Riverstones Paddle Float also enjoy high visibility as it is made from highly reflective yellow nylon. Also the price of this paddle is not that much.
5. NRS Sea Kayak Paddle Float
NRS Sea Kayak Paddle Float has successfully carved out a niche for itself by offering superior performance and allowing kayakers to make a reentry to the capsized kayak without making a scene out of it. To increase the buoyancy of this paddle float, NRS has included dual air chambers.
NRS Sea Kayak Paddle is excellent for kayaking on open seas but that does not mean, you can’t use it on river. A clever new technology has been inducted into the paddle and that is – inclusion of mesh material at the bottom of the kayak. This makes it easier for paddlers to drain the water out from the Paddle float.
NRS Sea Kayak Paddle is just perfect for wet exit. Thanks to the extra-large cover area of NRS Sea Kayak Paddle, you don’t have to worry about blade size.
It is made from highly durable nylon outer shell that adds to its strength and superior performance. Induction of dual air chamber is certainly an added advantage. Its reflective tape certainly makes it super easy to locate this paddle float in low light condition. Word of caution – you are required to keep the air chamber valves closed otherwise water might sip in unnoticed.
Features
- Extremely Durable
- Larger in size
- Reflective tape
6. NRS Foam Paddle Float
NRS is unarguably an industry leader when it comes to paddle floats. They are known for maintaining quality in throughout the entire manufacturing process of Paddle floats. In case, you are looking for an alternative to traditional inflatable paddle floats, NRS Foam Paddle Float could be the best choice for you. Sporting an impressive 400-denier nylon outer shell, NRS Foam Paddle Floats is made from EPE foam that adds to its extreme durability. It can stand the test of time and it is known for resisting water.
Its orange shell adds to its visibility and a reflective 3M tape is used to further scale up its visibility. Unlike inflatable paddle floats, NRS Foam Paddle Float does not require any effort from the kayaker. It is ready to go and that means, it will save your precious time in case your boats get capsized and you have to make a fast reentry to the kayak.
Since NRS Foam Paddle Float is a bit small in size, you need to check the width and height of your paddle blade to ensure that it can be snuggled easily into the paddle float.
Features –
- 18 inches long and 8.5 inches in width
- Extremely durable
- Visible in low-light conditions
7. Harmony Blade Aid Paddle Float
Harmony Blade Aid Paddle Float is extremely easy to use. Its revolutionary auto-valve feature frees up the hands of the kayaks so that they can concentrate on more important things like – paddling or maneuvering the boat through choppy water. The best thing about Harmony Blade Aid Paddle Float is that it can be easily be inflated with just one hand. Deploying this inflatable paddle float does not take too much time as it has a unique auto-valve feature. Made from high quality fabrics that extends its lifespan significantly.
Features –
- Simple and easy to use
- Easily inflatable
- Auto-valve
Types of Paddle Floats
Paddle floats can be broadly categorized into two types based on the material used in the production process –
1. Inflatable Paddle Floats
The very best thing about inflatable paddle floats is that they don’t eat up much space. When deflated, these inflatable paddle floats can be squeezed into small compartments without making your kayak heavy. The blade of the paddle is placed between the two compartments of these inflatable paddle floats but you need to inflate the paddle first.
This could be an issue for those paddlers who tend to panic when their boats get capsized. They need to stay calm in such events and try to inflate the paddle floats first before trying to reenter the kayak. Vinyl and Nylon are two popular materials that are widely used for making inflatable paddle kayaks. Nylon is an inexpensive option but it gets worn out easily. This is the reason why it makes sense to opt for Vinyl as it makes the paddle floats extremely expensive.
2. Foam Paddle Floats
The biggest advantage of using Foam Paddle Floats is that they are ready to use. No need to inflate them. All you have to do is to take them out from the compartment and there you go, they are instantly useable. These Foam Paddle Floats can be used for assisted emptying as well. But the problem with these Foam Paddle Floats is that they don’t offer much buoyancy. Moreover, they eat up more space of the tiny compartments.
Where to Keep Paddle Floats
Paddle Floats should be kept in a convenient and easily accessible area of the kayak. You would definitely not like the idea of searching for hours in cold water when your boat is upside-down on water. Tuck it into the back of the seat if you want to have easy access to paddle floats in time of need. Also, you need to practice a lot with the paddle floats otherwise you will end up finding yourself fumbling while trying to make a reentry to the kayak.
Sizes
Always keep in mind the size of your paddle while purchasing a paddle float. Make sure that the paddle float can cover the entire width of the paddle blades otherwise, it will just be a disaster. However, by default all paddle floats are supposed to accommodate paddle blades but it would be a smart move if you can check the dimension beforehand. There should be some sort of mechanism to secure the paddle float to the paddle blades. Most paddle floats tend to have clasps that enable the paddles floats to secure the throat of the paddle.
Why You Need Paddle Floats in The First Place
In the exhilarating journey of kayaking, choosing the right paddle float is like picking your perfect paddling partner. It’s more than a whimsical choice based on color or initial appeal. It involves the sharp eye of an eagle spotting its prey, the intuitive understanding of a seasoned angler, and the careful consideration of a skilled navigator charting unknown waters.
01. Float Design
When looking at the design of paddle floats, the distinction between dual-chambered floats and single-chambered ones is as stark as the difference between a well-lit lantern and a flickering candle on a windy night. Dual-chambered floats are like the trustworthy swiss army knives of paddle floats. Just as a second blade can come in handy when the first one dulls, having an additional chamber provides a backup if one chamber deflates or succumbs to a puncture. This kind of reliability could make the difference between an anxious struggle and a smooth self-rescue.
02. Ease of Use
On the wild, unpredictable waters, time ticks away like a hare darting across the field, and every second counts, especially during a capsize. Just as a skilled kayaker synchronizes with the rhythm of the waves, your paddle float should attach to your paddle with similar efficiency and speed. Evaluate the attachment mechanism of the float – those with quick-release buckles or easy-to-handle straps will prove their worth when you’re racing against time.
03. Material and Durability
Just as a seafarer’s vessel must endure the wrath of the storm, your paddle float must withstand the sun’s relentless rays, the corrosive touch of saltwater, and the rough flirtations of the sea. Seek out paddle floats crafted from hardy, UV-resistant materials. Solid construction is paramount – your float should be as rugged as a mountain goat navigating rocky terrain, capable of resisting tears and punctures.
04. Visibility
In the vast expanse of water, visibility is as important as a lighthouse on a foggy night. Your paddle float should boast a vibrant, easily seen color, making you stand out like a flamboyantly feathered flamingo in a flock of grey pigeons. High visibility is not just for the sake of aesthetics; it’s a critical safety feature. If rescue services are scanning the area, a brightly colored float can catch their attention quicker than a drop of ink spreads in water.
In this dance with the waves, your paddle float is more than just an accessory; it’s an extension of you, a piece of safety equipment that’s as vital as your life jacket. As you mull over these features, you’re not just choosing a product; you’re laying the foundation for countless safe and thrilling kayaking adventures. Remember, the best decisions are born from knowledge, intuition, and mindful deliberation.
