Abstract: A paddle and a method for using the paddle are described. The method and system include providing a first resistance surface and at least a second resistance surface. The first resistance surface includes at least one aperture therein. The second resistance surface(s) are coupled with the first resistance surface in a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations has a plurality of resistances.

Abstract: An adjustable rigging system for a boat including a bracket adapted to connect to an outboard end portion of a stay mechanism for a boat, the bracket including a top hole and a bottom hole, wherein an axis is defined between a center of the top hole and a center of the bottom hole, a pin extending along the axis including two ends, each end removably connected to the bracket adjacent to one of the top and bottom holes, and wherein the location of at least one of the top and the bottom holes is adjustable to change a pitch of the axis and the pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible oar in which the spoon that contacts with the water has a hard edge made from a conventional material and a soft, resilient, flexible core which is stretched upon impact with the water, thereby increasing the pressure applied by the crew and improving the performance of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a system of easily interchangeable handles for oars used in the sport of crew.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a fisherman to utilize an oar or paddle while maintaining possession and control of a fishing pole rod and fishing reel. The oar or paddle is designed to be an integral member with or affixed to the fishing pole rod and fishing reel without altering the full movement and operation of the fishing pole rod and fishing reel.

Abstract: A watercraft (1) includes at least two oar handles (3a, 3b) which are designated to be actuated by a passenger of the watercraft in order to propel the same. A considerably expanded functionality is achieved in such a way that the oar handles (3a, 3b) are connected to a control unit which controls at least one power-actuated driving motor (6a, 6b; 7; 16a, 16b; 26a, 26b) of the watercraft depending on the actuation of the oar handles (3a, 3b).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a flotation device or watercraft propelled through the water using a lever powered propulsion system. The lever powered propulsion system includes human powered actuating levers operably connected to a reciprocating propulsion device. As a rider powers the levers up and down, that motion translates to the propulsion device, which cycles through a high drag propulsion phase and low drag recovery phase.

Abstract: A manually-operable reciprocating rowing system having a reversible oar for forward or reverse propulsion. The oar has a plurality of pivoting blades mounted in a housing and movable between open and closed positions with each stroke of the oar. In the open position, the blades are positioned to allow water passage through the housing, while in the closed position, the blades are positioned to obstruct water passage through the housing. Gates are provided for stopping the pivoting movement of the blade at the blade housing. A reversing mechanism selectively pivots the gates to allow the blades to pass from one side to an opposite side of the housing, thereby allowing propulsion in a reversed direction.

Abstract: A kayak paddle for increasing paddle stroke efficiency and for improving comfort in paddle handling has a pronounced bent blade to length design of the paddle blade, as compared with prior paddle blades. The paddle has two blades, one blade secured at its top end to each end of a paddle shaft with a longitudinal axis. The bottom end of each blade extends forward of and above the longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the chord line between the bottom end and top end of the blade intersects the longitudinal axis. The blade's length to radius of its arc is greater than 12 to 1. Through slots can be provided in the blades for stabilization and to minimize flutter. In addition, the paddle shaft is ergonomically shaped to fit the user's hand.

Abstract: The sculling oar handle cover is used to reduce friction between a sculling rower's fingers/hands and the existing sculling oar handle during rowing, thereby reducing the risk of blisters and other damage to the skin. The cover is affixed to the existing oar handle by sliding it over the handle and securing it with a Velcro fastener. Due to the required stoking method for sculling, the sculling oar handle cover virtually eliminates the friction caused by the continuous rotating of fingers/hands on sculling oar handles. Additionally, because the sculling oar handle cover must be wetted to function property, the slipping of fingers/hands on the oar handles is unlikely even with the release of body oils or the splashing of water on the oar handle covers.

Abstract: My invention is a handy oar or paddle, which is used by hand. The invention is used to help the boat move forward on the water while we are sitting in the boat. The invention's goal is to move forward faster with the boat using the oars or paddles, while not using extra force rowing the boat, and not changing anything on the boat. I can achieve this with the oar or paddle by not only rowing with the oar or paddle, but by pushing myself forwards. On the bottom of the blade, there is a slanted wing put up. On the bottom of the blade, above the wing, there is an opening. This is my invention. When we are moving forward with the boat, the wing on the bottom of the blade is higher on the side of the blade, which is facing the back of the boat. The wing is put up on the bottom of the blade slanted. This makes it possible when rowing the oar or paddle that the water control wing controls, pushes the oar or paddle in the water. This gives an upward force to the blade.

Abstract: A kayak paddle for increasing paddle stroke efficiency and for improving comfort in paddle handling has a pronounced bent blade to length design of the paddle blade, as compared with prior paddle blades. The paddle has two blades, one blade secured at its top end to each end of a paddle shaft with a longitudinal axis. The bottom end of each blade extends forward of and above the longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the chord line between the bottom end and top end of the blade intersects the longitudinal axis. The blade's length to radius of its arc is greater than 12 to 1. Through slots can be provided in the blades for stabilization and to minimize flutter. In addition, the paddle shaft is ergonomically shaped to fit the user's hand.

Abstract: An oar system is provided that keeps the blade of the oar at approximately 90 degrees to the centerline or keel of a boat throughout the normal power producing stroke. This reduces the lost effort that is expended when operating oars whose blades are fixed to the oar shaft. A series of cables and pivotal attachment points holds the oar blade at the approximate 90-degree angle to the boat keel.

Abstract: A rowing or sculling oar handle in which when the handle is orientated for a stroke it has an axial cross-sectional shape with a greater horizontal extent than vertical extent, and in which an underside of the axial cross-sectional shape is provided with an abutment.

Abstract: A watercraft paddle may include a shaft having first and second ends and at least one grip position therebetween for a user's hand. The paddle may further include a blade carried by the first end of the shaft, and at least one drip barrier positioned between the at least one grip position and the blade. The at least one drip barrier may include a base surrounding the shaft, and a concave sidewall portion extending vertically from the base toward the blade and curved laterally inward toward the shaft to define a water collection reservoir with the base for collecting water drippage from the blade along the shaft. The concave sidewall portion may have an arclength spanning greater than ninety degrees.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for adjusting and axially coupling first and second shafts about a feathering axis, comprising a collar having an end face having a plurality of axial notches, an insert having an extended portion and at least one radial pin and a cam ring circumscribing the collar. The collar is securable to a free end of a first. The insert is securable in a free end of a second shaft such that the extended portion extends axially from the second shaft and are receivable in the free end of the first shaft such that the pins engage upon the notches so as to axially couple the first and second shafts. The cam ring includes a plurality of radial flange segments and is rotatable to engage the pins so as to retain the pins in engagement with the notches.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

Abstract: A buoyant safety paddle (11) for a kayak, a canoe or other small boat facilitates kayak deep-water self-rescue reentries and facilitates the movement of small boats over aqueous surfaces. Such buoyant paddle displaces significant volume while minimizing weight eliminating the need for post-capsize attached flotation. Each such buoyant paddle's volume is predetermined and distributed to retain paddling efficiency. Each such buoyant paddle has a handle (19) which extends from one blade (12) or between two blades, and is water tight, with a continuous strong rigid skin (41) and low density core (42). This construction provides a buoyant, minimal weight, stiff, high strength paddle which is economical to manufacture.

Abstract: A water craft or canoe paddle device is provided for one-arm use. The paddle device enables a user to produce power strokes similar to strokes that are achieved with a traditional canoe paddle used by an individual using two unimpaired arms and two unimpaired hands. In one embodiment, one end of the paddle device for one-arm use is fastened to the upper torso, or shoulder area of the user. In a second embodiment, one end of the paddle device for one-arm use is fastened to the biceps area of the user. The design of the paddle shaft enables a user with one unimpaired arm to grasp the shaft of the paddle with their one unimpaired hand in substantially a perpendicular configuration to the shaft of the paddle. The power is achieved because the canoe paddle device for one-arm use design enables the large muscle groups of the shoulder, torso, back, and abdominal muscles to be utilized during each stroke of the paddle.

Abstract: A kayak paddle safety lighting system incorporated into a kayak paddle that may serve as a set of illumination or running lights more effective than current deck mounted running lights. The lighting system includes an operational switch located in the handle of the paddle, LEDs located in the paddles are preferably illuminated by activation of the switch and an included battery. In its preferred embodiment, the system includes a microcontroller which is programmed with a plurality of different operational lighting modes including steady dim and bright, intermittent flashing and distress signals as flashing the S.O.S. code. In a further preferred embodiment the components in the system are wireless, with the electrical communication being by means of an rf signal.

Abstract: Precision aligning fastener for releasably joining two halves of a manufactured article. The precision aligning fastener has a male body that threads into a female body. The threads on the male and female threads, bodies are provided in an interrupted-thread pattern, allowing the male body to be completely inserted into the female body before twisting and engaging the threads. A stop means is provided, to assist in aligning and to prevent overtightening of the fastener. The fastener is particularly well-suited to releasably join long, slender articles that must be precisely aligned to function properly, such as a hunter's longbow, billiard cues, furniture, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paddle for a water vehicle that is powered by a power tool. The paddle is suitable for use alone for manual movement of a water vehicle but can be attached to a power tool for mechanical movement across water.

Abstract: A comfort hand grip for a shaft comprises a tubular member formed of a closed cell resilient polymer material core; and a water resistant coating on each side of the core. The comfort grip is sized so as to be slightly stretched when positioned on a shaft, and includes an indexing mark for proper orientation of the paddle. The resilient polymer core may be formed of a rubber, and the coating of an ultraviolet resistant flexible material such as nylon. The hand grip may be formed from a die cut generally rectangular piece of material which is formed into the tubular structure by at least one of, for example, stitching which joins the opposite sides to one another; a lace through openings in joining portions of the material along the sides; a zipper having a side along each of the joining portions; and a set of hook and loop closures on opposite ones of the joining portions.

Abstract: An anisotropic bending element which contains at least the following layers: I. a reinforcing layer I, which contains a fibrous reinforcing component I with a tensile modulus of elasticity of from 1,800 to 20,000 N/mm2, and II. an elastomeric layer II with a tensile modulus of elasticity of from 2 to 1,300 N/mm2; the component I of the reinforcing layer or layers I and the total amount of elastomer of the layer or layers II having in relation to one another a weight ratio of 1:99 to 40:60 and, in the case of bending about an axis running parallel to the reinforcing layer I, the ratio of the rigidity of the complete bending element in the case of a positive direction of rotation in relation to the rigidity in the case of a negative direction of rotation being 1:1.2 or more. The bending element can be used, for example, as an insert part for sports shoes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oar, which has a supplementary blade pivotally connected to one end of the blade adjacent to the shaft thereof to increase the area of the water expelling surface, enhancing the rowing efficiency.

Abstract: A paddle for a kayak, a canoe or other small boat has a shaft with a handle portion which extends from one end of a blade and a tongue portion formed by cutting away a section of the sidewall of the shaft to provide a chamber which extends along a surface of the blade. A filler member extending longitudinally within the chamber is adhered to the tongue portion of the shaft and also to the surface of the blade. This provides a light weight, high strength paddle construction which is economical to manufacture as the blade need not be formed with a bulky molded socket for enabling attachment of a shaft.

Abstract: The present invention detects the squaring and feathering of an oar during rowing. The time interval between two consecutive feathers is measured, and it is used to calculate the stroke rating. It is mounted to an oar close to the grip of the oar. An enclosure houses a display, a sensor, a microcontroller, a power source and a clock which is a component of the microcontroller. The stroke rating is displayed on a display. A strap is attached to the enclosure. The strap fastens the enclosure to the oar. The direction of the rotation of the oar from the squared position to the feathered position is shown by the arrow. Because of its small size, the device does not hinder rowing while remaining in plain view of the rower, and because it does not use any external or rigidly mounted sensors it can easily be transported and used on various equipment.

Abstract: A rowing surf board includes a board having two through holes defined through the board and tow oars are respectively pivotably engaged with the through holes. Each oar has a blade portion which is pivotably connected to a distal end beneath the board such that the blade portion is pivoted to reduce a contact area against water when the blade portion is moved forward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupler for rotationally and/or axially securing two shafts together while permitting rapid angular adjustment between the shafts. The coupler includes a first component mountable to a first section of the paddle and a second component mountable to a second section of the paddle. The first component includes a receptacle, and the second component includes a protrusion operable to extend into the receptacle to position the first component relative to the second component and to prevent the first component from turning relative to the second component. To turn and reposition one of the components relative to the other component, the second component is axially movable relative to the first component. The coupler may also include a retainer to prevent the first component from inadvertently being repositioned relative to the second component.

Abstract: A rowing apparatus is provided for connection to a vessel and includes an oar direction-of-motion reversal assembly, fulcrum stabilizing means connected to the oar direction-of-motion reversal assembly, and vessel-to-oar-apparatus connection means connected to the fulcrum stabilizing means for connecting the apparatus to the vessel. Preferably, the oar direction-of-motion reversal assembly includes an oar handle portion, an oar blade portion, and a casement assembly for supporting the oar handle portion and the oar blade portion. A pair of oar direction-of-motion reversal assemblies are provided which provide a pair of oar handle portions and a pair of oar blade portions. The apparatus provides that a rower faces in the direction that the vessel is propelled when the rower pulls on the oar handle portions.

Abstract: A kayak paddle having at least one paddle blade is made by laying a first resin impregnated fiber preforms in a lower half of a split mold. The split mold has a bifurcated channel for producing a bifurcated rib in a back face of the paddle blade. One end of a paddle shaft is inserted into a cylindrical recess in the lower mold half, and a bifurcated foam core in inserted in the lower mold half over the bifurcated channel. A second resin-impregnated fiber preform is laid over the first fiber preform, and an upper half of the split mold is closed over the lower mold half from one end in clam-shell fashion. Heat and pressure are applied to press the molds together to create thereby a fluid wall of liquid resin which advances through the fiber preforms as the mold closes, driving air out of the fabric preforms as the resin advances through the fiber preforms, and curing the resin to produce a solid fiber-reinforced resin matrix paddle blade bonded to the paddle shaft.

Abstract: A kayak paddle includes a safety mirror that is mounted on a central portion of the shaft relative to the paddle blades, whereby the user may manually position the paddle to view the area behind the user without repositioning the kayak. The safety mirror includes a frame having front and rear surfaces, and a reflective body mounted on the frame front surface. The rear surface of the mirror frame is connected with the central shaft portion by a connecting device, such as a clamping device including a pair of resilient arms, a Velcro strap arrangement, a layer of adhesive, or a screw-operated pipe clamp.

Abstract: The structure of a fin shaped soft paddle comprised mainly of: a loom being a hard stick for exerting force; a fulcrum provided on one end of the loom for pivotally connecting to a fixed oarlock socket of the boat; and a fin shaped soft paddle blade made of elastic material with an end connected with the fulcrum. When in rowing to move the boat forwardly, by having the difference of softness and elasticity on various areas and the bendability of the paddle blade, the resistance of the water flow and the vector offsetting the forwarding force are reduced to the minimum, so that a user can move forward the boat with a most economic mode and with simplest and most force saving motions.

Abstract: A kayak paddle includes a safety mirror that is mounted on a central portion of the shaft relative to the paddle blades, whereby the user may manually position the paddle to view the area behind the user without repositioning the kayak. The safety mirror includes a frame having front and rear surfaces, and a reflective body mounted on the frame front surface. The rear surface of the mirror frame is connected with the central shaft portion by a connecting device, such as a clamping device including a pair of resilient arms, a Velcro strap arrangement, a layer of adhesive, or a screw-operated pipe clamp.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device includes an elongate member, a forearm support secured to the elongate member, a grip secured to the elongate member, and a paddle secured to the grip. The grip is positioned such that a person may place their forearm in the forearm support and reach and hold onto the grip. While wearing the aquatic propulsion device, the person may perform power and/or return strokes using their forearm and hand, such that the forearm support, the elongate member, and the paddle move in tandem with the forearm and hand. The aquatic propulsion device is characterized by a center of water displacement that extends beyond the hand, away from the forearm.

Abstract: A comfort hand grip for a shaft comprises a tubular member formed of a closed cell resilient polymer material core; and a water resistant coating on each side of the core. The comfort grip is sized so as to be slightly stretched when positioned on a shaft. The resilient polymer core may be formed of a rubber, and the coating of an ultraviolet resistant flexible material such as nylon. The hand grip may be formed from a die cut generally rectangular piece of material which is formed into the tubular structure by at least one of, for example, stitching which joins the opposite sides to one another; a lace through openings in joining portions of the material along the sides; a zipper having a side along each of the joining portions; and a set of hook and loop closures on opposite ones of the joining portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupler for rotationally and/or axially securing two shafts together while permitting rapid angular adjustment between the shafts. The coupler includes a first component mountable to a first section of the paddle and a second component mountable to a second section of the paddle. The first component includes a receptacle, and the second component includes a protrusion operable to extend into the receptacle to position the first component relative to the second component and to prevent the first component from turning relative to the second component. To turn and reposition one of the components relative to the other component, the second component is axially movable relative to the first component. The coupler may also include a retainer to prevent the first component from inadvertently being repositioned relative to the second component.

Abstract: A fixing structure of a paddle has an outer tube, an inner tube and a tightening means. The tightening means is formed by a positioning ring and an engaging portion. One end portion of the positioning ring is protruded with an eccentric buckle, and one end of the buckle is protruded with an elastomer. An interior of the engaging portion has an eccentric embedding hole and an inner edge of the embedding hole is formed with a stepped edge for resisting against a buckle piece of the positioning ring. The annular side of the position ring is formed with irregular buckling textures; the buckling textures are a plurality of small particles so that the position ring substantially resists against an inner side of the outer tub; thereby, the outer tube tightly resists against the positioning ring.

Abstract: The invention includes processes and products made by the processes. The processes include making a two-part mold having semi-cylindrical openings for the paddle shaft so that the paddle blade may be molded and co-cured directly on the paddle shaft. The mold surfaces correspond to the ultimate outer mold line of the paddle, and also are designed to express liquid resin from the centerline of the paddle outward toward its edges as the mold closes or to fuse and consolidate thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene on glass fiber. The mold closing and heating schedule is designed to partially cure the resin so that it flows outward through the reinforcing fiber at a controlled rate, preventing resin starvation of the fiber reinforcement and ensuring complete expulsion of any air bubbles in the reinforcing fiber. The mold is opened and the paddle is removed from the mold for trimming by a high speed CNC router to produce a paddle that conforms exactly to the desired peripheral shape.

Abstract: An adjustable fixing structure of a paddle for adjusting a length of the paddle has an outer tube, an inner tube and a tightening device. The tightening device is formed by a positioning ring at the outer tube and an engaging portion at the inner tube. The positioning ring is protruded with an eccentric buckle, and the buckle is protruded with an elastomer. The eccentric buckle of the positioning ring is inserted into a through hole of the engaging portion. The elastomer of the positioning ring is exactly inserted into an eccentric embedded hole in the through hole. Thereby, when the engaging portion rotates, the engaging portion will separate from a center of the positioning ring gradually due to eccentricity. As a result, the engaging portion will apply a force to the positioning ring; and thus, the outer tube and inner tube are tightly coupled with one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ergonomic kayak paddle. The paddle has a shaft with a longitudinal axis and with a first end and second end. The shaft is adjustable between a first length and a second length. At least one grip is on the shaft at a point intermediate between the first and second ends of the shaft. The grip is contoured to a user's hand, but does not provide profiles for the user's fingers. The grip may be angled outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the shaft at an angle ranging from about 10° to about 30°. An adjuster positioned within the grip allows the angle of the grip to the handle to be adjusted.

Abstract: A paddle arrangement for use in a canoe or kayak, having an elongated curvilinear central handle portion having a first end and a second end. An elongated blade is arranged on the first and on the second end of the curvilinear central handle to define the paddle of a “gull wing” configuration for efficient entry of the blades into water during a paddling exercise.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate personal flotation device includes a hand-held tool. In one embodiment, a hand-held tool head assembly has a mounting cup with a cylindrical wall and a flat cup base. The cup is fitted over an end portion of a flexible, cylindrical, noodle-type flotation device. In an alternative embodiment, a squeeze-ball bladder pumping device in located within an end portion of an elongate personal flotation devise formed of resilient deformable material such that, when the end portion is squeezed, a stream of fluid is expelled through an orifice in a surface of the end portion. In another embodiment, the end portion is of a paddle tool shape and may be used to propel a flotation device user through the water in which the device is afloat.

Abstract: Hand interfaces (11), (111), (188), (201a), (201b), (202a), (202b), (204), (211), (311), (411), (511), (611), (711), (811), and (911), which improve the performance of many items including: racquets for tennis and other sports; rotary hand tools such as screwdrivers; hockey sticks; and kayak oars. Relative rotation between one of the hand interfaces and a corresponding implement is selectively stopped, and torque is selectively transmitted between the hand interface and the implement, when a user squeezes the implement's handle. The hand interface can be rotated in either direction on the implement, and relative movement stopped at an infinite number of positions. The hand interface amplifies the opposing effects of either a firm grasp or a relaxed grasp.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device includes an elongate member secured to a forearm support and a paddle. The paddle and elongate member include a grip positioned such that a person may place their forearm in the forearm support and reach and hold onto the grip. While wearing the aquatic propulsion device, the person may perform power and/or return strokes using their forearm and hand, such that the forearm support, the elongate member, and the paddle move in tandem with the forearm and hand. The aquatic propulsion device is characterized by a center of water displacement that extends beyond the hand, away from the forearm. Additionally, a leading edge of the paddle is substantially inline with the hand and forearm.

Abstract: A breakdown oar for manually propelling a watercraft manufactured of at least two sections that may be easily joined or separated and the fastener set between the two parts. The sectional nature of the oar allows disassembly or breakdown for transportation or stowage of the oar in a space shorter than the overall length of the oar. The sections may be made of aluminum to reduce weight and provide an overall stronger oar. The reduced weight oar is easier to use following the easy assembly.

Abstract: A paddle for use with a kayak, canoe or similar watercraft is provided with a rotatable hand grip in the form of a sleeve, the sleeve being rotatable about a shaft of the paddle The rotatable hand grip is provided with a retaining means to retain the sleeve in a pre-determined location along the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A kayak paddle with improved performance features is provided. The kayak paddle includes a smaller diameter shaft than that generally used. This allows the placement of grips on the shaft. The rips have one or more finger and thumb indentations such that the kayaker can position his hand easily and securely on the kayak paddle. The grips may be rotated around the shaft in order to position them at a location which is comfortable to the user. Also provided are paddle blades which may be rotated around the shaft such that they can be positioned in the most beneficial location for the user and the particular activity. Also disclosed are structures on the blades, including ribs and compartments, which direct water flow across the blade to reduce cavitation.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and a method of its use in an aquatic environment. The device includes a manually grippable handle secured to a shaft that has integrally secured thereto adjacent the handle a hydrodynamically adjustable paddle that may be manually physically altered to provide a variable resistance to a user that grips the handle and wings the golf swing training device through water that compresses the aquatic environment.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an aquatic propulsion device is provided comprising a harness to be worn on the body of a person, at least a first elongate member, and at least a first paddle. The first elongate member has first and second opposed ends and a first grip. The first end is pivotally securable to the harness. The first paddle is secured to the second end of the first elongate member. The first grip is positioned so that a person, when wearing the harness, can reach and hold onto the grip with a first hand and move the first grip so that the first elongate member and the first paddle pivot relative to the harness.