[cool]I hope nobody takes these things seriously and goes out and buys a pair. These were first promoted by the old FishMaster company, of Oklahoma...manufacturers of the old grey, plastic-coated fabric float tube covers that were some of the first on the market. In fact, other than a hard molded plastic donut, a FishMaster was the first commercially made tube I owned. Here's pics of both the early FishMaster tube, and of the paddle pushers from Bass Pro Shops.
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[url "http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=15324&hvarDept=175&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=5&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse"]
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These things were developed by an old farm pond bass fisherman in Oklahoma, who had no concept of fishing big reservoirs or the ocean. On the small shallow ponds he fished, you were as likely to need to wade as to float. These hinged contraptions strapped to your heels and pointed backward while you walked forward...or kicked forward, when afloat. Then, on the back kick, the "wings" would swing out, catch the water and push backward...propelling the tuber forward...barely.
I think I still own a pair I bought to test. I have had them out on several garage sales...only to get a lot of laughs...even from people who had no idea what they were. Maybe someday I can get some good news on the Antique Roadshow.
Here's the skinny. They are useless in any type of craft except a round tube with a crotch strap, to keep you from pulling yourself forward and out of your craft. In a round float tube, they aren't much better than just kicking with your bare feet. They really provide little thrust, compared to a set of good diving fins. And, by trying to propel yourself forward, leaning forward against the crotch strap in your tube, you can end up with a severe case of crotch cramps...while going nowhere.
I once watched a fishing program, with one of the so-called experts showing how to float tube. I about died laughing as first they were launching tubes only about half aired up. The covers were still all wrinkled and the tubes just about folded up around them. The second hoot was listening to the host prattle on about how much better and more effective the little green paddle pushers were...compared to fins. The two guys in the half hour show just about killed themselves moving a short distance away from the bank to fish and then back to end the show. If a wind had come up, that show would have still been running, while those guys tried to get back to shore.
Like a lot of things, those ducky waddles were developed by someone who preceived a need and filled it. However, very few other people share the originator's enthusiasm for their effectiveness.
Wanna buy a used pair (once) cheap?
TubeDude
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