Abstract: A flexible, no through hole, loop handle is disclosed for a watercraft. The customary loop handle through hole is completely closed by a particular, sturdy, flexible, stretchy, mesh, or other puncture resistant, water suited and water permeable fabric. The handle grip portion is a fabric tube enclosing a squeezable foam segment that enables a user to obtain a complete finger overlapped with thumb wrapped grip on the handle. The closed through hole eliminates the risk of a user's hand or other limb segment being intentionally or inadvertently extended through the handle. The mesh fabric is sufficiently flexible to allow a full finger wrapped grip around the fabric tube of the handle such that no aspect of user grip is compromised by virtue of the mesh fabric.

Abstract: A saddle for an aquatic board is disclosed. The saddle is equipped with a strap or straps and/or edge wise clamps, or other suitably firm fastener, to engage and maintain position on the aquatic board positioned beneath the saddle. A user can then stand on the board and squeeze the saddle between their knees and ankles and maintain an enhanced balance on the board or, if fatigued, can sit or kneel alongside or on the saddle and paddle/ride from a seated or kneeling position. The saddle may be inflatable or solid and may include an inner void for storage for personal effects or equipment. The saddle may further include a speaker, cup holder, handles, or other optional features.

Abstract: A saddle for an aquatic board is disclosed. The saddle is equipped with a strap or straps and/or edge wise clamps, or other suitably firm fastener, to engage and maintain position on the aquatic board positioned beneath the saddle. A user can then stand on the board and squeeze the saddle between their knees and ankles and maintain an enhanced balance on the board or, if fatigued, can sit or kneel alongside or on the saddle and paddle/ride from a seated or kneeling position. The saddle may be inflatable or solid and may include an inner void for storage for personal effects or equipment. The saddle may further include a speaker, cup holder, handles, or other optional features.

Abstract: A skateboard having laterally disposed wheels along a diagonal board is disclosed. The board has a generally hour-glass shape, but may include extra clearance for either left or right foot mounting, and pushing off. The board may be equipped with a center handle for gripping in use and for carrying. The wheel trucks may include multiple trucks mounted at each end and offset one from the other at that location. The board may also include a stability and/or steering handle at one end, and caster type wheel trucks for added versatility. Owing to the lateral disposition of foot pads and wheels, a rapid natural gait dismount is made possible.

Abstract: A Visual Awareness Safety Accessory (VASA) is disclosed for use by a person engaged in watersport/water-based activity. The device may be worn by itself or in combination with a personal flotation device (PFD). The VASA includes a user worn deployable highly visible flag element which is lifted via an attached float when a wearer enters the water. The float raises the flag element well above a user's head whereupon the user can be more easily seen by others using the same waterway. The higher visibility more easily enables location identification of the wearer for rescue, retrieval, and/or collision avoidance.

Abstract: A multifunction engagement apparatus for use with a water recreation device may include a foot pad and a multifunction strap. The multifunction strap may be positioned to overlie the substantially flat foot pad, and may be moveable between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed position. In the uncollapsed position, the multifunction strap may present a generally arcuate foot opening between the strap and the top surface of the foot pad. In the collapsed position, the multifunction strap may present a substantially flat contact cushion atop the foot pad. The multifunction strap may have elastic properties that allow for selective positioning of the multifunction engagement member for use by a towed rider as the rider transitions between prone, kneeling, and/or standing positions atop a water recreation device.

Abstract: A tow rope system for use with a water recreation device may include a first drawbar member positioned to overlie a second drawbar member and oriented to be inverted with respect to the second drawbar member. Each of the first and second drawbar members may include a grip connected to opposing lateral supports. A coupling member may be connected to a portion of each of the opposing lateral supports, resulting in the first and second drawbar members extending outwardly from the coupling member in an angled configuration. The grip of each drawbar member may present both a gripping surface for a water recreation device rider and a mechanical engagement surface for a tow hook on a water recreation device. The dual-drawbar configuration may facilitate both passive and active towing of a water recreation device rider, and also both traditional and ergonomic gripping by a rider.

Abstract: A tow rope system for use with a water recreation device may include a first drawbar member positioned to overlie a second drawbar member and oriented to be inverted with respect to the second drawbar member. Each of the first and second drawbar members may include a grip connected to opposing lateral supports. A coupling member may be connected to a portion of each of the opposing lateral supports, resulting in the first and second drawbar members extending outwardly from the coupling member in an angled configuration. The grip of each drawbar member may present both a gripping surface for a water recreation device rider and a mechanical engagement surface for a tow hook on a water recreation device. The dual-drawbar configuration may facilitate both passive and active towing of a water recreation device rider, and also both traditional and ergonomic gripping by a rider.

Abstract: A multifunction engagement apparatus for use with a water recreation device may include a foot pad and a multifunction strap. The multifunction strap may be positioned to overlie the substantially flat foot pad, and may be moveable between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed position. In the uncollapsed position, the multifunction strap may present a generally arcuate foot opening between the strap and the top surface of the foot pad. In the collapsed position, the multifunction strap may present a substantially flat contact cushion atop the foot pad. The multifunction strap may have elastic properties that allow for selective positioning of the multifunction engagement member for use by a towed rider as the rider transitions between prone, kneeling, and/or standing positions atop a water recreation device.

Abstract: A water recreation device and method of use is contemplated having advantages such as improved stability, maneuverability and ease of use. Embodiments of the contemplated water recreation device include a riding board, handles and a tow hook assembly that are configured to allow a rider to more easily transition to a standing forward-facing position while riding the device. The contemplated device may also include foot bindings or foot grips for added ride stability. The device may alternately include rails disposed on the bottom surface of the riding board. Such rails are adapted to channel water toward the rear bottom section of the riding board to cause the device to achieve an approximately planar orientation relative to the surface of a body of water. This planar orientation provides positioning and stability that further improves the ease of transitioning to a standing position.