The Sea Float: A boarding platform and ladder

December 1995 - January 1996

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Tim Ingram

Sponsons or not, some people also use a paddle float/sling because they need extra help getting back into kayaks. The wilder the water, the less feasible this idea becomes, even with sponsons. In steep waves, an attached paddle float device will catch the wind, at which point the float becomes a lever, and can capsize the boat. Paddle float self-rescues must also be the number one method of breaking a paddle, through improper technique.

The SEA FLOAT is a boarding platform/ladder for self-assisted rescue. It is designed to travel clipped to the rear deck, preferably inflated. In the event of a capsize, the pre-inflated SEA FLOAT attaches to the side of the kayak at the cockpit, and in 5 seconds, you have a mini-boarding platform, complete with ladder rungs and 4-5x the flotation of a paddle float. Use it as an accessory to minimize re-entry difficulties after attaching sponsons (as mentioned in Tim Dyer's article) without incurring the risks of using a paddle float. Then, once back in the cockpit, unclip the forward SEA FLOAT buckle to set it floating out of the way behind you, secured by the rear buckle, while you paddle to safety.

Tim Ingram manufactures Sea Floats, Sponsons and other kayak safety equipment. Contact Georgian Bay Kayak Ltd, 231 Gordon Drive, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada L9M 1Y2 for information.