Paddle floats any good?

How useful is a paddle float for a self rescue? I just got my kayak last year, and just love it, but found it impossible to get back in on my own in deep water. (Don't bother me with the sponsons, Safer21, you're in my kill file, you brought that on yourself.)

I have one for my sea kayak. The first time I tried it (as a test) I had very little problem getting back in. With more practice, it gets even easier. It takes up very little room and I keep it attached to the bungee cords on the front of the kayak.

No question, they'll save your life!

They are critical piece of equipment!!!

With a little practice and development of some technique they can be a very usefull tool. You can even dump a good chunk of water out of your Kayak as you turn it right sideup.

Add a stirrup and you've given yourself yet another technique for getting back in to your Kayak.

Not the most comfortable, they can be used as an air pillow.

Practice Practice Practice. If at no other time at least at the start of each season. Practice makes perfect.

Take some basic rescue lessons. They will help a lot.