Abstract: A single water ski and propulsion pole combination makes use of a buoyant hull of sufficient width to accommodate both feet of the user. Two buoyant poles are included, each adapted to be grasped at one end. On the opposite end of each pole is a propulsion plate and beneath the propulsion plate is a rigid end section. The deck of the hull is equipped with holes, one on each side of the hull, into which the rigid end sections of the poles may be thrust to store the poles in a fixed upright position when not in use for propulsion, leaving the deck clear and available for the user.

Abstract: An oar or paddle comprising a shaft having two parallel grooves of circular cross-section extending throughout its length, each groove pivotally supporting a blade. The grooves have a peripheral extent which permits the blades to pivot between a position in which they are parallel and a further position in which they project in opposite directions in a common plane. The blades are located axially of the grooves by retainers which are mounted in the grooves at opposite ends of the portion of the blades disposed within the groove.

Abstract: A wood kayak or canoe paddle having a rubber-like shock-absorbing abrasion-resistant flexible strong strip of urethane rubber adhered to the tip of each blade, and preferably extending also along the opposite edges of the blade, to strengthen the blade and reduce the likelihood of damage to the blade by rocks sand or other solid abrasive material during paddle use. Each paddle face is reinforced adjacent the rubber-like strip by a thin layer of carbon fibers lying parallel to the strip and each entire paddle face is covered with a thin layer of glass fabric embedded in a water resistant flexible coating. The paddle shaft is laminated of ash and sitka spruce with reinforcement by high tensile strength fibers at the lamination interfaces and added ash laminations adjacent the shaft extension in the paddle blade.

Abstract: A thrust device for manually advancing a water craft over a water surface includes a stick-like grip forming part of a stick carrying a thrust apparatus made of a flexible, substantially circular foil provided with radial stiffening members attached at equally spaced intervals along its circumference. A concentric stub-like tubular opening connects the foil to the stick near one end of the stick to be inserted in the water, and flexible tension members connecting the circumference of the foil to the one end of the stick define a maximum angle between the foil face and the stick when the one end of the stick is thrust into the water. Each tension member has one end attached to the edge of the circular foil and a second end. The second ends of all the tension members are led through a central hole in a cover slipped over the end of the stick and are joined into a junction larger than the hole in the cover.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pair of water oaring sticks to be used in conjunction with flotation skis to be secured to the feet of a user, in order to facilitate the movement of the latter over aqueous surfaces. Each stick comprises a fixed or telescopically-extendable pole, having a handle mounted at one end and a float member at the other end to which an inclined paddle is secured. The float member acts as a reaction member when pushing on the stick; it also prevents the sinking of the stick should the latter slip from the hand of the user. The bottom surface of each floating ski includes rounded ribs, extending downwardly rearwardly therefrom, to thereby constitute a backward movement counter-acting trap. Forward movement is made possible by pushing the poles against the water and by the sliding of the skis.

Abstract: A one-handed paddle having a blade portion, a hand-grip portion and an arm brace portion. The arm brace portion has a resilient member which releasably grips the forearm of a user to maintain the arm brace portion in contact with the forearm of the user during use of the paddle.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight paddle for manually propelling a water craft with increased stroke efficiency comprises a cupped-shaped blade formed of a foam injected plastic, the blade being angularly displaced from the shaft of the paddle, the shaft is hollow and formed of a lightweight metal such as aluminum or a foam injected plastic. The shaft which is of a hexagonal shape includes a T-shaped handle member. The shape and construction of the paddle enables the paddle to be made shorter than conventional paddles but enables the paddle to maintain and even increase stroke efficiency.

Abstract: A combined propulsion and support device for use by a swimmer when the device is in a first operating position, but with the device being quickly and easily transformed to a second position in which it is more compact and occupies a minimum of space when in storage or being transported. The device has a further operational advantage that the resilient pair of fins that form a part thereof are fully protected from damage when the device is in the second position.

Abstract: A plastic paddle of unitary construction defining a hand grip with a wrist engageable portion at one end, and a blade portion at the opposite end, which blade has a tapered cross sectional shape with flanges defined along its marginal edges to achieve maximum strength from a minimum material, and the paddle material itself being formed of plastic to a uniform thickness for economy in manufacture.