Kayak Capsize Recovery System

Abstract

A kayak capsize recovery system. It includes a paddle with a blade on each end; a paddle float for releasable connection to one end of the paddle; a pouch connected to the kayak to receive the other end of the paddle; and a strap with inner and outer ends for releasable connection to kayak and paddle float. The pouch and said strap connect to opposite sides of the kayak cockpit. The length of strap and depth of pouch enable the system to stabilize a capsize orientation of kayak.

1 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A kayak capsize recovery system for a kayak having a cockpit and deck, said system including:
 a paddle including a paddle shaft with a paddle blade at each end thereof;   a paddle float for releasable placement on one of said blades;   a pouch for releasable placement on the other of said blades;   a first strap for connection to said float and to said pouch to releasably hold said float and said pouch in place on their respective blades; said first strap, at a portion thereof adjacent to said pouch, adapted for releasable connection to a first connection point on said kayak deck at one side of said cockpit;   a second strap for operative connection to said float and for releasable connection to a second connection point on said kayak deck at the opposite side of said cockpit from said first connection point;   said paddle, paddle float, pouch, and first and second straps, all together forming an outrigger to stabilize a semicapsize orientation of said kayak to facilitate kayaker reentry thereinto.   
     
     
         7 . A kayak capsize recovery system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein said first strap is length-adjustable, thereby to secure said paddle float and said pouch to said paddle. 
     
     
         8 . A kayak capsize recovery system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein said first strap is elastic to stretch over said paddle float and said pouch, thereby to secure said paddle float and said pouch to said paddle. 
     
     
         9 . A kayak capsize recovery system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein strap connections at said first and second connection points are quick-releasable in response to thrust, lengthwise of said kayak, against said paddle shaft by a kayaker in said cockpit. 
     
     
         10 . A kayak capsize recovery system for a kayak having a cockpit and deck, said system including:
 a paddle including a paddle shaft with a paddle blade at each end thereof;   a paddle float for releasable placement on one of said blades;   an apparatus pouch for releasable placement on the other of said blades;   strapping including a main strap connected to said paddle float and to said apparatus pouch, and a branch strap extending from an intermediate point of said main strap;   said main strap, at a portion thereof adjacent to said apparatus pouch, adapted for releasable connection to a first connection point on said kayak deck at one side of said cockpit;   said branch strap adapted for releasable connection to a second connection point on said kayak deck at the opposite side of said cockpit from said first connection point;   said paddle, paddle float, pouch, and strapping, all together forming an outrigger to stabilize a semicapsize orientation of said kayak to facilitate kayaker reentry thereinto;   said paddle float including an inflatable air bag, said paddle float in a deflated condition thereof being packable with said strapping into said apparatus pouch.   
     
     
         11 . A kayak capsize recovery system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said first strap is length-adjustable, thereby to secure said paddle float and said pouch to said paddle. 
     
     
         12 . A kayak capsize recovery system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said first strap is elastic to stretch over said paddle float and said pouch, thereby to secure said paddle float and said pouch to said paddle. 
     
     
         13 . A kayak capsize recovery system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein strap connections at said first and second connection points are quick-releasable in response to thrust, lengthwise of said kayak, against said paddle shaft by a kayaker in said cockpit. 
     
     
         14 . A kayak capsize recovery system for a kayak having a cockpit and deck, said system including:
 a paddle including a paddle shaft with a paddle blade at each end thereof;   a paddle float for releasable placement on one of said blades;   a pouch for releasable placement on the other of said blades;   strapping to secure said paddle float and said pouch to said paddle to form a temporary outrigger for said kayak; and   first and second securing straps to releasably secure said paddle shaft to respectively first and second connection points on opposite sides of said kayak deck.