Abstract: Water walking skis and a method for boarding them, in which each ski has an elongated body with a bow end in the form of a monohull and a stern end in the form of a twin hull. The skis can be combined with a pair of poles for balance, and binding straps for binding the skis and poles together while boarding/reboarding. The deck of each ski typically has a recessed area for foot placement, and two parallel side extensions protrude downward from the deck. The side extensions, the deck, and an underside or bottom cover together form a tunnel within the ski, the tunnel having a screen-covered first opening for admitting water and a rear opening for expelling water. Traction gates are mounted within the tunnel and spaced apart therein for permitting water flow therethrough when the ski moves forward, while preventing water flow when moving in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Manually propelled water skis support a person skiing on water. The water ski includes a base having a binding on an upper surface and stationary propulsion structures with uniform height on the bottom surface. The propulsion structures include a rearward facing and vertical propulsion surface and a forward facing and sloped surface such that drag is greater when the water ski is moved rearwardly. The propulsion surface may be arcuate, V-shape, U-shaped, or other shaped in a horizontal plane and may also be circularly concave in a vertical plane. Buoyancy structures may be secured to the upper surface of the base forward and rearward of the binding. Water ski poles including elliptically- or cylindrically-shaped floats at the bottom ends may be used to provide a synergistic increase in waterskiing speed. Straps on the base near the binding may be used to secure the water ski poles to the base in order to form an outrigger.

Abstract: A user propelled flotation and transportation system, the system including first and second buoyant floats configured to be selectively attached and detached to a user's feet, each of the first and second floats including an elongate hull having a forward end and a rear end, a foot receiving portion provided on a top surface of the hull, a pair of fins extending downward along a length of the hull and arranged to be substantially parallel to form a channel along a bottom surface of the hull, and one or more flaps arranged between the fins and configured to pivot about a line between the fins that is proximate the bottom surface of the hull, wherein the one or more flaps are configured to be movable between a first position extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the hull, and a second position rotated back toward the rear end of the hull.

Abstract: Manually propelled water skis support a person skiing on water. The water ski includes a base having a binding on an upper surface and propulsion structures on the bottom surface. The propulsion structures include a rearward facing and vertical propulsion surface and a forward facing and sloped surface such that drag is greater when the water ski is moved rearwardly. The propulsion surface may be arcuate, V-shape, U-shaped, or other shaped in a horizontal plane and may also be concave in a vertical plane. Buoyancy structures may be secured to the upper surface of the base forward and rearward of the binding. Water ski poles including elliptical floats at the bottom ends may be used to provide a synergistic increase in waterskiing speed. Straps on the base near the binding may be used to secure the water ski poles to the base in order to form an outrigger.

Abstract: A tri-hull fishing kayak includes a platform, an elevated seat, a foot operated paddle, and a triple hull including two side pontoons and one forward central pontoon having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion, extending centrally from the platform, provides enhanced longitudinal stability. The two side pontoons are of a width and separation to provide enhanced lateral stability. The tri-hull fishing kayak reduces the need to frequently re-position the kayak when there is wind and/or current, thereby minimizing interruptions to fishing. The elevated seat is ergonomic for long-term sitting, and is high enough above the water to facilitate effective pitching and casting underhand, and to permit a steeper viewing angle into the water, thereby making sight fishing easier. The foot-operated paddle can be used to precisely steer the kayak, and therefore frees up the user's hands for fishing. Further, the platform enables fishing while standing.

Abstract: A watercraft includes left and right hull members that are held in spaced apart, parallel relation by a supporting frame structure. A pendulum propulsion assembly mounts to the frame structure, between the hull members, and includes left and right pendulum assemblies that are each movable in a forward and rear direction by the operator's arms and legs. Each pendulum assembly includes at least a forward pendulum member extending through an upper pivotal connection to a lower pivot element coupled to a horizontal pendulum plane. A paddle holder mounted below the pendulum plane supports an arrangement of spaced paddles. Operation of the left and right pendulum assemblies in the forward and reverse alternating action through a normal stride causes the paddles to propel the watercraft in a forward direction. Forward flexing of the paddles in the power stroke is limited by tethers connecting between the paddles and the paddle support.

Abstract: A water riding apparatus is provided for moving along the surface of water in cross-country skier type fashion. The water riding apparatus includes a first pontoon having an elongate hull and a second pontoon having an elongate hull. The first and second elongate hulls are connected together for relative parallel longitudinal motion by a gliding mechanism affixed to inner sides of the first and second elongate hollow hulls. The first and second elongate hulls include foot well openings allowing the user to stand on the bottoms of the hulls at a location below the water line of the hulls. The water riding apparatus further includes a personal stabilizer system for supporting a user in a standing position. The first and second elongate hulls can be locked in a parallel, transversely aligned relationship to allow alternative use of the water riding apparatus in a sitting, kayak-type fashion.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a user-propelled device with no moving parts. The user places a single ski on each foot, the skis being independent from one-another. As the user strides the natural motion of his legs causes the skies to rise and fall with respect to the surface of the water. This rising and falling motion, and the resulting weight shift of the user, engages and disengages a plurality of paddles. Through this natural motion, the paddles are engaged when the foot is moving backward with respect to the user, and disengaged when moving forward with respect to the user. The result is forward motion with a natural gait, with automatic paddle engagement and disengagement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human powered water walker having a plurality of two-position flippers for effecting propulsion and steering of the water walker when the same is is actuated by human power. Each of the flippers is beveled at its front end and has at its rear end a downwardly beveled tab. The water walker may have two interlaced boyant ski trimarans to which the flippers are connected.

Abstract: A split stand up paddle board is configured to provide stability for a top-heavy load. The split stand up paddle board has a first hull attached to first hull inboard upper connection flap. A second hull is attached to second hull inboard upper connection flap. An upper string connects the first hull inboard upper connection flap to the second hull inboard upper connection flap. The upper string prevents the first hull from collapsing against the second hull when under the top-heavy load.

Abstract: A water walking apparatus having two inflatable pontoons, each with respective holes in their top surfaces for a footwell and for platform support sleeves. Footwell supports may be provided within the pontoons. A platform support may expand and contract when in use so as to accommodate variable spacing between the pontoons, a platform upon which a user may sit may be connected to the platform support by a neck received into a hole in the bottom of the platform. The platform may include a backrest member, and a strap that may serve as a ladder step when the backrest member is rotated rearwardly and down, into the water to allow a user to step on the continuous strap and climb up onto the platform.

Abstract: It is an object of the subject matter to disclose an aquatic apparatus comprising a fin connected to a bottom of the an aquatic device; a flap connected to the fin, wherein the flap is connected at a leading end of the flap to the fin by one or more connectors, wherein the connectors enable the flap to rotate according to water current; one or more cables connected to a trailing end of the flap, wherein each cable of the one or more cables connects the flap the fin; said one or more cables comprising a predetermined length to enable the flap to open and close.

Abstract: An apparatus for floatation and propulsion of a user on a body of water, with the user in a standing position, includes two pontoons, a mechanical connection of the pontoons and a propulsion system responsive to vertical articulation of the pontoons.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to a standup paddle board system including a multi-hull board and a steering mechanism which can be activated by a user and assist in maneuvering the standup paddle board system. In addition, one or more moveable rudders can extend from a bottom surface of the multi-hull board and can change position in response to activation of the steering mechanism. In at least some variations, activation of the steering mechanism, such as a steering arm or tiller, can effectuate simultaneous movement of two or more moveable rudders.

Abstract: A paddleboard (10) comprising a right board (12) slidingly connected to a left board (14). At least one interlocking sliding element is connected to the right board 12, and at least one interlocking sliding element is connected to the left board 14. Right board (12) and left board (14) are slidable longitudinally with respect to one another only within the plane of paddleboard (10), and parallel to the long axis of paddleboard (10). Utilizing a user's legs and feet to slide right board (12) and left board (14) longitudinally causes a propulsion system to propel paddleboard (10) over the water. A suitable propulsion system comprises pivoting paddles (16) or flaps (40) mounted under right board (12) and under left board (14).

Abstract: Equipment for a human subject's use in an upright position for transportation on the water's surface. The equipment includes: two buoyant skis (20) one attached to each foot by foot stretchers; two retractable fins (22) one towards the heel of each ski for stability on the water and sustainability in shallow water by recession; one buoyant double bladed paddle (26); three quick release leashes: one (25) running from each ankle to each ankle leash cleat (40), and one on the paddle pole to the wrist (27). Said equipment is useable in all bodies of water and is designed to ride rapids and currents and to transition between and to travel on the surface of still or slow moving water by using leg movements taking turns with each float while paddling. This equipment calls on the human subject's strength to maneuver in all water conditions with two finned floats, a paddle and related leashes.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed comprising a pair of longitudinally connected pontoons suitable for supporting a user on the surface of a body of water. A slip-joint comprising a pair of concentric cylinders, one attached to each pontoon, provides desired lateral fixation between the pontoons while allowing relative longitudinal movement. Floating outriggers are provided to enhance the stability of the watercraft, and a set of hand rails helps the user balance on and operate the device. Paddle elements can be provided on the bottom surface of each pontoon to allow the user to operate the watercraft by using a striding motion similar to that used when cross-country skiing. The watercraft may have a rudder to help steer the craft, and it may also have a removable seat. A sail option is also provided. The pieces of the watercraft are removably connected to allow quick and easy assembly and disassembly, for transport to and from the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of floatation and transportation on water comprises a pair of buoyant wing-shaped floats and foot wells in the floats designed to be under the center of buoyancy of each float. Accessories may be attached to one or more floats. Additional novel features and aspects of the invention are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A personal water transport assembly for allowing a user to walk and move easily upon water. The personal water transport assembly includes a floatation assembly including one or more elongate hollow floatation members having top, side, and bottom walls, and also having a foot-receiving slot being centrally-disposed in the top wall for receiving a user's foot; and also includes an assembly of moving the one or more elongate hollow floatation members upon water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skis that allows a human subject to walk by sliding of the legs back and forth in a motion similar to cross-country snow skis. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises: (a) two skis having a foot-support for the subject to secure a foot on the upper surface of each ski; (b) flaps secured to the bottom of each ski which allow the skis to frictionally interact with the water such that when the subject pushes back on one of the skis, the subject is propelled forward across the water; and (c) a frame connecting the two skis to each other that allows the skis to slide back and forth with respect to one another in a first direction (x) that is parallel to the length of the skis, and also maintains the skis at a constant distance apart from each other in the (y) direction, and at the same depth in the water in the (z) direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of floatation and transportation on water comprises a pair of buoyant wing-shaped floats and foot wells in the floats designed to be under the center of buoyancy of each float. The apparatus may further comprise a tether attached to each float at the user's ankle height. Accessories may be attached to one or more floats. The invention further provides a number of propulsion mechanisms, one of which comprises a support structure, a buoyant flap articulated to the support member by an articulation having an axis of rotation that is both within 45 degrees of horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, said flap being movable substantially in rotation about said axis, said rotation being in a semicylindrical space behind said axis, said space being away from said direction of travel. Additional novel features of the apparatus and propulsion mechanism are discussed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skis that allows a human subject to walk by sliding of the legs back and forth in a motion similar to cross-country snow skis. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises: (a) two skis having a foot-support for the subject to secure a foot on the upper surface of each ski; (b) flaps secured to the bottom of each ski which allow the skis to frictionally interact with the water such that when the subject pushes back on one of the skis, the subject is propelled forward across the water; and (c) a frame connecting the two skis to each other that allows the skis to slide back and forth with respect to one another in a first direction (x) that is parallel to the length of the skis, and also maintains the skis at a constant distance apart from each other in the (y) direction, and at the same depth in the water in the (z) direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of floatation and transportation on water comprises a pair of buoyant wing-shaped floats and foot wells in the floats designed to be under the center of buoyancy of each float. The apparatus may further comprise a tether attached to each float at the user's ankle height. Accessories may be attached to one or more floats. The invention further provides a number of propulsion mechanisms, one of which comprises a support structure, a buoyant flap articulated to the support member by an articulation having an axis of rotation that is both within 45 degrees of horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, said flap being movable substantially in rotation about said axis, said rotation being in a semicylindrical space behind said axis, said space being away from said direction of travel. Additional novel features of the apparatus and propulsion mechanism are discussed herein.

Abstract: A device for allowing a user to move across a body of water. This device comprises at least one ski wherein the ski contains a foot strap, sandal, or similar type device allowing the user to attach his or her feet to the ski. This ski contains a self-propelling element in the form of a fin, rotationally coupled to the ski or a frame having louvered blades rotationally coupled to the frame. As the user moves the ski forward, the fin folds up, or the blades open, allowing the ski to easily slide forward. AS the user moves the ski back, the fin rotates down, or the blades close, to catch the water and hold the ski in place allowing the user to propel himself across the water. This device may also contain a rudder, and a rudder control allowing the user to steer these skis in the water.

Abstract: A water walker for walking or skiing over the water. Each walker consists of multiple inflatable tubes attached to one another and with an opening in the middle for inserting the foot. The foot rests on a foot plate supported by a tubular structural support system running horizontally the length of the walker. Propulsion is accomplished by a plurality of pockets made of a flexible membrane joined to the underside of the walker and used either independently or in conjunction with water ski poles or sails. Tabs with grommets or other means are provided at the front, middle and rear for tethering the pair of water walkers together to create a raft. A removable fin may be positioned beneath the foot or at the rear, depending on whether the walkers are used with a sail, as water walkers or as water skiis. The entire apparatus is lightweight and may be transported in a special backpack.

Abstract: In a surfboard assembly, the combination comprises a longitudinally forwardly elongated structure including flotation means, and having opposite ends; and means carried by the structures to support one foot of a surfer or to be manually operated by the other foot of the surfer to propel the surfboard assembly forwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism capable of making variation in radial angle, in particular, to a mechanism wherein variations in the angle of rotation of a particular component would result in the variations in radial angle of another component. By such arrangement, the acting area of the mechanism can be radially extended or retracted. The mechanism comprises primarily a swing bar, an extendable bar, a push bar, a rotatable bar, a connecting bar, a support bar, and a plurality of fulcrums. In the mechanism, the swing bar and rotatable bar are provided with a fixed fulcrum each such that these bars can only swing about the fixed fulcrums. The remaining components are coupled to each other by means of movable pivots, so that the swing bar may change its angle of rotation to extend the extendable bar radially. If the extendable bar is replaced by an extendable plate, an expended area extending in the radial direction will result.

Abstract: A pair of buoyant skis are used by a person over a body of water for forward motion thereover by reciprocating motion of the skis in alternate fashion. Each ski is a mirror image of the other and includes an elongated, box-like hull, inwardly lined with buoyant material and defining a water-tight body which is generally right-triangular in cross-section and defines a top deck, a port wall transverse to the top deck and an upwardly inclined starboard wall joining the bottom edge of the port wall with the starboard edge of the top deck. A foot well is formed within the hull body intermediate the bow and stern. The two walls of the hull progressively converge from the stern to the bow. The port wall is straight throughout its length while the starboard wall is longitudinally straight except for a curved bow section which joins both walls. The bottom edge of the port wall forms a longitudinally extending straight keel and additional longitudinal keels protrude from the starboard wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal flotation devices. The personal flotation devices are typically utilized in pairs with one or more poles for recreational or emergency rescue usage.

Abstract: Equipment for movement upon the surface of water comprised of two stiff buoyant skis to support the user. Thrust is provided by one or more fins affixed to the bottom of the skis, the fins being affixed by an articulated joint so as to provide more resistance in one direction than in the other. The means for receiving the users feet are formed of two portions, the rear portion being demountably adjustable, the front portion being connected to the ski by a mechanical joint.

Abstract: A combination catamaran boat and cross water ski system includes left and right hulls, a bridging deck, and a steering system. Each hull includes a rudder in its keel portion and a rudder plate on its top, connected by a rudder shaft for pivotal movement. A footpiece on each rudder plate is for a skier's feet. The steering system includes a tiller above the deck connected to a tiller lever system below the deck, and a rudder crossbar connecting the tiller lever system to the rudder plates on the hulls. The left and right hulls are separable from the deck and steering system, and convertible to use as right and left cross water skis respectively. Ski poles each include a handle with an upper portion and laterally offset lower portion, and a pontoon.

Abstract: A water walking device which has a pair of buoyant hulls (20), longer than they are wide, with a number of propulsion flaps (22) mounted on the bottom. The flaps are hinged and fold into the hull creating cup-like resistance chambers when hinged open to offset the rearward force of the wearer. The flaps rotate inwardly when the hull is urged forward allowing the wearer to be propelled forward by a walking action. A footwell (30) is located in each hull with the bottom below the waterline and near the center of gravity. A resilient shoe (32) attached into the footwell provides a removable connection between the wearer and the device. A propulsion fin (52) under the footwell provides stability and optionally a pair of side panels (54) extend the surface and function in the same manner as the flaps. A storage compartment (56), handles (620) a removable stabilizing arm (72) and a seat (78) may be added for ease of operation and comfort.

Abstract: A motorized skiboard includes a skiboard having a central opening with a drive belt mounted in said central opening and driven by a motor and encased and held in a drive belt housing. First and second foot mounts rest on said housing on either side of said motor. The first foot mount is mounted on a piano hinge and is connected to a throttle cable so that pivoting the foot mount controls the motor. The drive belt is formed from a plurality of trapezoidal linkages with pivotally attach drive bars. When the motor is moving the belt at a speed greater than the speed at which the board is moving (when the belt is propelling the skiboard) the drive bars pivot into a ground engaging position. However, when the skiboard is sliding downhill and moving faster than the speed of the belt the drive bars pivot into a non-ground engaging position permitting the board to freely slide down the slope of a hill.

Abstract: A cross-water ski for walking on water having a buoyant member with flaps rotatably attached to its bottom surface and stoppers to prevent movement of the flaps when they reach a position perpendicular to the bottom surface of the buoyant member. The flaps rotate from a low water resistance position when the ski is moved forward along the surface of the water to a perpendicular, high water resistance position when the ski is moved rearward. The cross-water ski also includes a foot piece which releasably locks the user's shoe to the buoyant member but allows the user to repeatedly flex his or her foot as the skis are moved forwardly and rearwardly. In addition, a central fin is provided which is free to move upon contact with obstacles below the surface of the water.

Abstract: A water ski also adapted for walking on land is disclosed. The ski comprises a pontoon of generally streamlined shape, formed of a lightweight rigid material, and a plurality of spaced cups of a flexible material attached to the lower surface of the pontoon, each of the cups being open at the rear end thereof to form a pocket to receive water and provide water resistance against the backward movement of the pontoon, the cups closing against the lower surface of the ponton by the action of the water during the forward motion of the pontoon to reduce drag. According to one embodiment, a plurality of fins are disposed longitudinally along its lower front portion of the pontoon and extending below the cups in the closed position thereof, and an additional fin or runner is disposed longitudinally along the lower rear portion of the pontoon and extending below the cups in the closed position thereof.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a kind of skiing shoes especially referring to a kind of water skiing buoyant shoes. The distinctive features are on a pair of skiing shoe base members buoyant on water surface, we can walk freely and it becomes an additional updated, unique, novel and excitative recreation of water activities. Besides, the invention can be converted to have the function of a sailboat for the pleasure of sailing. The advantages of the invention are high safety, easy to be assemblied, convenient to walk on water surface and buoyancy to be free from sinking. We can enjoy not only the pleasure of water activity but the sceneries around as well as underwater.

Abstract: A water ski boot comprising an upper and a sole. The upper includes respective toe and heel portions and the sole extends forwardly on the toe portion to provide a platform like portion extending generally to match the width of the upper. At least one elongated aperture extends laterally of the sole to terminate adjacent the marginal edges thereof. The aperture is such that it provides a sliding-gripping engagement with an elongated abutment on a water ski, whereby the boot may be detachably and operably secured to the water ski.

Abstract: An elongate float to walk on water with another such float is provided with a foot holder. The foot holder is mounted in a transverse direction such that the buoyancy force on the inside edge of the float relative to the other float is greater than the buoyancy force on the outside edge.

Abstract: The subject apparatus comprises a pair of floats, each having propulsion apparatus attached to its bottom. There is a foot well in each float, extending from top to bottom and fitted with toe retaining and heel support elements. The propulsion apparatus comprises an I-beam having a top flange, web and bottom flange and pairs of flaps hinged to the web, one of each pair on each side of the web. The pairs are spaced equidistant from each other along the web. The hinge axes are vertical. Each flap hinges between the closed position (against the web) to the open position (about 90.degree. to the web). The longitudinal axis of the I-beam is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the float to which it is attached and the web functions as a keel. The bottom flange is angled slightly upward toward the front end. The midpoints of the lengths of the foot wells and propulsion apparatus are somewhat aft of the lengthwise midpoints of the floats. The propulsion apparatus is about half as long as the float.

Abstract: This invention is an improved aquatic means wherein a standard, readily available tire inner tube is fitted with special bindings that gives a double end, boat-like configuration and allows the foot of the user thereof to be readily inserted into and released from the device.

Abstract: A water glider assembly includes two water glider members and a separate elongated stabilizer cartridge which can be inserted between the glider members to connect them together and eliminate not only lateral and vertical separations, but also individual sideways rotation of each glider member, while at the same time allow for free parallel movements therebetween. One or the other of the glider members can be partially disconnected from the stabilizer cartridge during use of the assembly so that its direction of orientation can be changed, thereby enabling the user to easily change the direction of movement of the assembly as a whole. The stabilizer cartridge is provided with a releasable locking mechanism for alternately locking the stabilizer cartridge to both water glider members for assembly and transportation as well as alternately locking the stabilizer to one water glider member when the assembly is in use for gliding on water.

Abstract: A water glider assembly includes two water glider members and a separate elongated stabilizer cartridge which can be inserted between the glider members to connect them together and eliminate not only lateral and vertical separations, but also individual sideways rotation of each glider member, while at the same time allow for free parallel movements therebetween. One or the other of the glider members can be partially disconnected from the stabilizer cartridge during use of the assembly so that its direction of orientation can be changed, thereby enabling the user to easily change the direction of movement of the assembly as a whole.