Sea Kayak Paddle Float Re-enter and Roll-GoKayakNow.com from Keith Wikle on Vimeo.
Alec Bloyd-Peshkin demonstrates a Paddle float re-enter and roll in his sea kayak. Alec capsizes, inflates the paddle-float re-enters the flooded cockpit and then fully submerges to roll the kayak upright.
Alec Bloyd-Peshkin kindly demonstrated this paddle-float re-enter and roll for the camera in Chicago. Note Soldier field in the background.
Alec does a great job on this paddle float re-enter and roll. He keeps contact with the kayak, inflates the float quickly, and then rolls up very well. He enters from the side of the kayak and then fully submerges. I find this is the easiest way to do this type of rescue.
I think this is really the best way for a beginner to use a paddle float. The trickiest part of this rescue for a beginner will be getting the boat up with your hips first, and then using the paddle as an outrigger. With a good instructor in the water next to you, nailing this in an hour or so is not undoable.
Unlike the paddle float rescue, there are fewer things to remember for the re-enter and roll. You are certainly upright quicker with less chance of being knocked over. As an added bonus you have the paddle float as an outrigger while you pump out.