CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application takes priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/670,324, filed by Shlomo Lazarovits, on Jul. 11, 2012, titled PADDLE BOARD AND PADDLE COMBINATION, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein as though they were set forth in full.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to recreational water sports equipment, and more specifically, the invention relates to paddle and paddleboard devices and systems with improved designs for stand-up paddleboarding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, various devices are available in order to allow users to participate in water sports and activities. Such water sport devices generally rely on external forces to propel the user and generally include surfboards, boogie boards, jet skis, and wake boards. Surfboards and boogie boards, for instance, rely on ocean tides for propulsion. Jet skis and wake boards, on the other hand, typically rely on machine powered motorized watercrafts. While these traditional water sport devices provide entertainment as well as a sense of speed and movement through or over the water, these water sport devices typically do not allow participants to self-propel themselves. As a result, these water sport devices may not be attractive to those who want to obtain physical exercise by self-propelling themselves on or through the water.

There are traditional watercrafts that allow participants to self-propel through water, but these watercrafts, such as rafts, kayaks, and/or canoes, substantially enclose the user and/or separate the user from the water. Accordingly, the sense of refreshment and excitement of participating in the water of the ocean, lake, or river is substantially removed.

Paddleboarding is a water sport that allows the user to self-propel in water, but wherein the user is not substantially enclosed by the craft. Paddleboarding has gained great popularity in recent years. Paddleboarding, which is sometimes referred to as â€œstand up paddle surfingâ€ , is a surface water sport wherein participants are propelled over the surface of water by using a paddle or sweeper, while laying down, kneeling, or standing on a paddleboard. Generally, the paddleboarder paddles or surfs on the unbroken swells of the ocean to cross islands or journey from one coastal area to another and may stand on top of the paddleboard with their feet side-by-side with his or her body facing the forward direction of travel. Paddleboarding generally provides the benefits of physical exercise for the rider to create movement and propulsion and has advantages over other similar water sports such as surfing due to the non-reliance of the ocean wave movement. Furthermore, paddleboarding also provides an easier learning experience for beginners than surfing, as it can be performed on still water surfaces.

Previously, participants of paddleboarding have used surfboards or paddleboards in combination with a paddle to propel themselves. However, since the advent of stand-up paddleboarding, paddleboarding has become a vastly different activity from surfboarding. Surfboards are too narrow and generally do not provide the proper configuration for paddleboarding because a paddleboard rider may stand on top of a paddleboard with his or her feet positioned in a side-by-side position. This also generally requires the paddleboard to be specially configured to provide balance and maneuverability for the rider to stand on top of the upper surface of the board.

Recently, with the increased popularity of paddleboarding, specialty boards configured specifically for paddleboarding have entered the market. These specialty boards, however, are influenced by board configurations for other water sports, such as surfing or wakeboarding and, therefore, are not ideally configured for the sport of paddleboarding and do not usually provide an optimized configuration or shape for riding and maneuvering the board during stand up paddleboarding.

In addition, many components of standard paddleboards are often inadequate for proper paddleboard riding. For instance, traditional or standard paddleboards may be configured with either a small keel or no keel beneath the bottom surface of the board. As a result, these configurations lack stability. Alternatively, other traditional paddleboards may include a blade-shaped or fin-shaped keel, positioned only at the rear portion and underside of the board, which generally do not provide the required stability for a relatively slow moving rider to stand on top the upper surface of the board. As a result, the requisite forward propulsion and maneuverability desired while paddleboarding is lacking or diminished.

Furthermore, conventional boards are frequently composed of materials which may not be suitable for providing a durable and stable board for paddleboarding. For example, many traditional paddleboards are generally constructed of a metal core material with a fiberglass exterior, resulting in a heavy, unstable, and non-durable board that is not ideal for paddleboarding.

In addition, the paddles or sweepers traditionally used in paddleboarding may not have an optimum configuration for paddleboarding. Typically, a single headed paddle is used and, as a result, this generally limits the rider with physical exercise of all muscle groups in the rider's upper body due to the repetition of a limited range of movement when propelling himself or herself through the water.

Thus, what is needed is new and improved paddleboard equipment that provides more stability, durability, and maneuverability for the rider. Preferably, the new paddleboarding equipment will provide the user with a wider range of motion for the rider, thereby resulting with the benefit of extended exercises over what is provided by traditional paddleboard equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses new and useful paddleboarding equipment.

One embodiment is a paddleboard and paddle system, comprising: a paddleboard; and at least one paddle; wherein said paddleboard comprises: a keel and a board; wherein said keel is positioned at an underside of said board and extends substantially along a length of said board and is positioned substantially across a centerline of said board. The at least one paddle may be comprised of a paddle blade and a shaft; wherein the shaft may be comprised a paddle blade end and a second end; and wherein said second end may be configured to be interconnected to another at least one paddle. There may be two paddles; wherein said two second ends of said two paddles may be interconnected, such that said two paddle blades are positioned substantially distal and opposite to each other. The paddleboard and paddle system may further comprise a connector; wherein said connector may interconnect said two second ends of said two paddles. The paddle may further comprise of one or more secondary handles; and wherein said one or more secondary handles may be located substantially at a second end of said each of said two paddle shafts. The one or more secondary handles may be connected substantially perpendicularly to each of said two shafts. The one or more secondary handles may be configured to be removeably connected to each of said two shafts. The keel may be tapered and is at least 7.5 centimeters in height. The board may be constructed of an extruded polystyrene foam material. Preferably, the board is comprised of a core and an exterior shell; wherein said exterior shell of said board may be constructed of a polyurea material. The exterior shell may also be constructed of a polyurethane material. The core of said board may be constructed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam material. The core of said board may be constructed of an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam material.

Another embodiment is a paddleboard device, comprising: a paddleboard; wherein said paddleboard comprises: a keel and a board; wherein said keel is positioned at an underside of said board and extends substantially along a length of said board and is positioned substantially across a centerline of said board. The keel may be tapered and is at least 7.5 centimeters in height. The board may be comprised of a core and an exterior shell; wherein said exterior shell of said board may be constructed of a polyurea material. The exterior shell may also be constructed of a polyurethane material. The core of said board may be constructed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam material. The core of said board may be constructed of an extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam material.

Another embodiment is a paddle device, comprising: at least one paddle; wherein said at least one paddle is comprised of a paddle blade and a shaft; wherein said shaft is comprised a paddle blade end and a second end; wherein said second end is configured to be interconnected to another at least one paddle. There may be two paddles; wherein said two second ends of said two paddles may be interconnected, such that said two paddle blades are positioned substantially distal and opposite to each other. The paddle device may further comprise a connector; wherein said connector may interconnect said two second ends of said two paddles; wherein said paddle may further comprise of one or more secondary handles; and wherein said one or more secondary handles may be located substantially at a second end of said each of said two paddle shafts and are removably connected to each of said two shafts.

Another embodiment is a method for paddling, the steps comprising: providing a paddleboard and paddle device; wherein the paddleboard comprises: a keel and a board; wherein the keel is positioned at an underside of the board and extends substantially along a length of the board and is positioned substantially across a centerline of the board; wherein the keel may be tapered and may be at least 7.5 centimeters in height; wherein the paddle device, comprises at least one paddle; wherein the at least one paddle is comprised of a paddle blade and a shaft; wherein the shaft is comprised a paddle blade end and a second end; and wherein the second end is configured to be interconnected to another at least one paddle; wherein there are two paddles; wherein the two second ends of the two paddles are interconnected, such that the two paddle blades are positioned substantially distal and opposite to each other; wherein the paddle device further comprise of a connector; wherein the connector interconnects the two second ends of the two paddles; wherein the paddle further may comprise of one or more secondary handles; and wherein the one or more secondary handles may be located substantially at a second end of the each of the two paddle shafts and may be removeably connected to each of the two shafts; and paddling the paddle device through the water by said user, such that the user and the paddleboard is propelled through the surface of the water.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a paddleboard with a substantially non-flat upper surface. Specifically, one embodiment of the paddleboard may be configured to have a concavely or convexly curved surface to provide a comfortable and stable platform or surface for standing and/or kneeling. Furthermore, the paddleboard may include an undulated or variable surface to provide a comfortable and stable platform for the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a paddleboard with a keel configured to substantially extend along the entire length of the underside or bottom surface of the board. The keel of the board may have a tapered cross-sectional shape to provide increased stability for the user. The keel may also be configured to be at least three to four inches in height, and this increased keel height, in comparison to traditional paddleboard configurations, may be effective to provide stability and control for the user while riding the board.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a keel of the paddleboard configured to run substantially along the entire length of the underside or bottom surface of the paddleboard. This may allow for maximum stability for the user and the ability for the user to ride the board in either direction, with no predetermined forward or rear ends of the board.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a paddleboard constructed of a lightweight and buoyant material such as StyrofoamÂ® and fiberglass. Certain aspects of the paddleboard such as the keel may further be composed of lightweight, durable, and strengthening material such as carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the paddleboard is constructed with a foam core such as extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or StyrofoamÂ®, with a polyurea exterior shell. The keel may be constructed of carbon fiber and/or other lightweight, durable materials. The keel may also be constructed similar to the board itself, such that the keel is constructed with a foam core such as extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or StyrofoamÂ®, with a polyurea exterior shell.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a paddle that provides an extended range of motion for the user and is easier to control. One embodiment may comprise a blade section configured to create forward movement by providing resistance as the blade is moved through the water by the user and a shaft and handle section for the user to grip the paddle. Another embodiment of the paddle may further include a removable secondary handle portion attached to the shaft or primary handle section for the user to grip in an alternate hand grip position. This secondary handle portion may provide the user with an alternate range of motion for the user's upper body as the user moves the paddle through the water to propel the board forward.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate double-bladed paddle, which preferably provides an extended range of motion for the user. Preferably, the double-bladed paddle allows the rider in exercise additional muscle groups in the rider's upper body over what it exercised with a single-headed paddle.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the keel extending substantially along the entire length and underside of the paddleboard.

FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of another embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the underside front portion of the keel of the paddleboard.

FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of another embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the underside rear portion of the keel of the paddleboard.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the upper side of the paddleboard with foot securing devices.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddles.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddles and shows the paddles interconnected to create a double-bladed paddle.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of the connector and shows how the connector connects the handle portions of the paddles.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of the double-bladed paddles without the secondary handles.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddleboard and paddle system and shows the paddleboard and paddle system in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.

While some embodiments are disclosed here, still other embodiments of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention. The invention is capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The Figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention provides various embodiments of a paddleboard and paddle combination with certain configurations and characteristics to provide an ideal combination to be used in the water sport of paddleboarding. Specifically, the present invention is preferably paddleboard equipment that includes a paddle and a paddleboard. The paddle may comprise: two shafts, two paddle blades; a secondary handle; and a connector. Each of the two shafts may include one paddle blade and the secondary handle. The two shafts may be interconnected via the connector to become a double-bladed paddle, such that the double-bladed paddle has the two paddle blades positioned diametrically opposite to each other. The paddleboard may include: a board and a keel. The keel is preferably located at the underside of the board and preferably extends along the entire length of the board. The paddleboard may be comprised of a core and an exterior shell; wherein said exterior shell of the board may be constructed of a polyurea material. The exterior shell may also be constructed of a fiberglass or polyurethane exterior shell. The core of the board may be constructed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam material. The core of said board may be constructed of an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam material. Together the paddle and paddleboard preferably provides the user with enhanced movement and control for the water sport of paddleboarding.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the keel extending substantially along the entire length and underside of the paddleboard. As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the paddleboard 100 preferably includes a keel 110 and board 115. The keel 110 is preferably located at the underside or bottom surface of the board 115 and may be configured such that it runs substantially along the entire length of the underside or bottom surface of the board 115. Additionally, the keel 110 is preferably located approximately or substantially at the centerline of the board 115. This configuration preferably provides additional stability of the board 115 when the user stands on top of the paddleboard 100. Additionally, in this embodiment, as the keel 110 extends the entire length of the board 110, the user may ride the paddleboard 100 with his or her feet facing in any direction while the paddleboard 100 is oriented in the forward direction of travel. This may not be possible with traditional or standard configurations of paddleboards, as most traditional paddleboards include a short keel positioned at a rear portion and underside or bottom surface of the paddleboard. As the paddleboard 100 of the present invention includes a keel 110 that extends substantially along the length of the board 115, this configuration generally allows for greater flexibility for the user, as the user may allow for additional paddle maneuverability or increased ranges of motion of the paddleboard 100 which cannot be accomplished with conventional paddleboards.

FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of another embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the underside front portion of the keel of the paddleboard. As shown in FIG. 2, another embodiment of the paddleboard 200 preferably includes a keel 210 and board 215. FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the underside front portion of the paddleboard 200, including a view of the keel 210, which is preferably configured to extend substantially along the entire length of the board 215. The keel 210 may be configured to have a height of at least two to three inches (approximately 7.5 cm), and, in alternate embodiments, the height of the keel 210 may exceed three inches (approximately 7.5 cm). Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the keel 210 may further be configured to have a cross-sectional tapered shape as it extends downward and away from the underside or bottom surface of the board 215 of paddleboard 200. This configuration preferably provides for efficient forward movement of the board 215 by substantially transferring the lateral forces exerted by the water surface into a forward directional force exerted on the lateral sides of the keel 210, thereby helping to propel the board 215 forward. In addition, the tapered configuration of the keel 210 may provide ballast for the board 215, thereby providing increased stability. This may be especially important for use in paddleboarding where the user is positioned on top of the board with the feet of the user positioned in a comfortable side-by-side standing position. The paddleboard 100, 200 may be constructed of a lightweight, durable, and strong material such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or polyurethane. Alternatively, the paddleboard 100, 200 may be constructed with StyrofoamÂ®, other injection molded foam materials, and/or fiberglass. In a preferred embodiment, the paddleboard 100, 200 is constructed with a foam core such as extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or StyrofoamÂ®, with a polyurea exterior shell. The keel 110, 210 may be constructed of carbon fiber and/or other lightweight, durable materials. The keel 110, 210 may also be constructed similar to the board itself, such that the keel 110, 210 is constructed with a foam core such as extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or StyrofoamÂ®, with a polyurea exterior shell.

FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of another embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the underside rear portion of the keel of the paddleboard. As shown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of the paddleboard 300 may include a keel 310 and board 315. FIG. 3 shows that the paddleboard 300 may have a substantially flat end 320. The other end of the paddleboard 300 may be configured to have a substantially pointed end to allow the board to travel smoothly through or over the water surface. In this embodiment, the paddleboard 300 may be configured with a substantially flat end 320 to provide stability of the paddleboard 300 on the water. This embodiment may further include a keel 310 which is substantially tapered or increases in height as the keel 310 runs substantially along the entire length of the paddleboard 300 towards the rear end. For example, in one embodiment of the paddleboard 300 with a flat end 320, the paddleboard 300 may further include a keel 310 which extends along the entire length of the underside or bottom surface of the paddleboard 300. The keel 310 preferably has a height of one inch (approximately 2.54 cm) or less at the front end portion of the paddleboard 300, and the keel 310 preferably, gradually increasing in height as the keel approaches towards approximately the mid area or rear end of the paddleboard 300. In this embodiment, the keel 310 may have a height of three inches (approximately 7.5 cm) or more at the furthest rear end of the paddleboard 300. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the paddleboard may be configured to have substantially pointed ends at the front and rear ends of the paddleboard. The paddleboard may also be configured to have substantially flat portions at located at the front end and rear end.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddleboard and shows the upper side of the paddleboard with foot securing devices. As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the paddleboard 400 may include: a board 415 and foot securing devices 430, 432. Preferably, the surface of the board 415 of paddleboard 400 may be configured to have a non-flat shape to provide a comfortable and stable surface for the user to stand and balance on top of the paddleboard 400. In one embodiment, the paddleboard may include a substantially curved upper surface, wherein the upper surface is curved concavely inward. Alternatively, the upper surface may be curved convexly outward or may include a combination of concavely and convexly curved surfaces to provide an ideally curved or undulated surface for allowing the user to stand and balance on top of the paddleboard and to assist the user to maneuver the paddleboard through the surface of the water.

FIG. 4 also shows that the paddleboard 400 may include foot securing devices 430, 432, which are preferably located on the upper surface of the paddleboard 400. The foot securing devices 430, 432 may be configured to have a concave configuration and/or padded surface for secure placement and retention of the feet of the user. Although FIG. 4 shows the paddleboard 400 with foot securing devices 430, 432, it should be understood that the paddleboard 400 may lack foot securing devices without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Regarding the general shape and configuration of the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400, the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400, may be configured to have a width ranging between approximately 40 to 60 inches (approximately 100 to 160 cm) and may have a length ranging between approximately 10 to 12 feet (approximately 3-3.7 meters). This will preferably provide increased stability and maneuverability for the user. In other embodiments, the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400 may be configured to have a shorter length. For example, an embodiment of the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400 may be configured for young children, wherein the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400 length may have a range of approximately 8 to 10 feet (approximately 2.4 to 3 meters).

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddles. As shown in FIG. 5, the paddles 500, 550 preferably include: paddle blades 505, 510; shafts 515, 520; handle portions 525, 530; secondary handles 535, 540; and a connector 545. The paddle blades 505, 510 are preferably connected to the first end of the shafts 515, 520 and are preferably configured to create a resistive force as the paddle blades 505, 510 move through the water. This in turn generally provides the propulsion of moving the user and paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400. The paddle blades 505, 510 may be configured to have a flat, sculpted, or curved shape to increase the resistive forces created when the paddle blades 505, 510 move through the water. Paddle blades are also commonly referred to as paddles, blades, or sweepers. The handle portions 525, 530 are preferably configured for the user to hold or grip the paddles 500, 550 for propulsion through the water.

FIG. 5 also shows that there are preferably two paddles 500 and 550, and that the two shafts 515, 520 are preferably configured to removeably attach to one another. For instance, when using the paddles 500, 550 to operate a paddleboard, the shafts 515, 520 may be removeably joined or connected at the second ends of the paddles 500, 550 or handle portions 525, 530 (shown in FIG. 6). The shafts 515, 520 may be removeably joined or connected by a connector 545 or other type of fastener. Alternatively, the user may disconnect or separate the shafts 515, 520 from each other for storage, as shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the paddle blades 505, 510 may be configured to be removable from the shafts 515, 520 or permanently connected without deviating from the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the handle portions 525, 530 of the paddles 500, 550 may include one or more secondary handles 535, 540. The secondary handles 535, 540 are preferably attached substantially perpendicular to the shafts 515, 520 of the paddles 500, 550 and are preferably configured to provide the user with a wider range of motion when paddling. The user may utilize the secondary handles 535, 540 for paddling when the shafts 515, 520 are connected to each other or when the shafts 515, 520 are separated. The secondary handles 535, 540 may be removable from the shafts 515, 520 of the paddles 500, 550 or permanently attached to the shafts 515, 520 and may include various textures, padding, cushioning materials, contours, and configurations to provide customization and comfort to suit the particular user.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddles and shows the paddles interconnected to create a double-bladed paddle. As shown in FIG. 6, the double-bladed paddle 600 may include: paddle blades 605, 610; shafts 615, 620; handle portions 625, 630; secondary handles 635, 640; and a connector 645. The connector 645 is preferably configured to connect the shafts 615, 620 to provide an extended double-bladed paddle for the user. In this embodiment the blades are substantially distal and on opposite ends from each other. In this embodiment and configuration, a user is preferably able to grip the double-bladed paddle 600 substantially equidistant to each side of the connector 645 and maneuver each of the paddle blades 605, 610 through the water using an alternating rowing motion. When using this motion, the user is preferably able to paddle effectively to propel the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400 without changing the gripping position of his or her hands. The double-bladed paddle 600 may be constructed of lightweight, durable materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, or any manmade material, and each of the shafts 615, 620 and handle portions 625, 630 may also have a cross-sectional diameter of at least one and one quarter inches (approximately 2-3 cm. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the shafts 615, 620 of the double-bladed paddle 600 may have an adjustable length to be suitably adjusted for the user and may extend to lengths in the range of approximately eight to twelve feet (approximately 2.4-3 meters). Alternatively, the double-bladed paddle 600 may have a fixed length without deviating from the scope of the invention.

The connector 545, 645 may be configured to receive and secure another shaft 515, 520, 615, 620 or handle portions 525, 530, 625, 630 of a second paddle. The connector 545, 645 may be permanently fixed onto one of the shafts 515, 520, 615, 620 or may be removeable as a separate piece. For example, in another embodiment, the paddles 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600 may include a separate connector 545, 645 which is configured with two openings on each end, wherein each opening is configured to receive and secure a shaft 515, 520, 615, 620 or handle portions 525, 530, 625, 630 of the paddles 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600. Additionally, the connector 545, 645 may include a securing mechanism to receive and secure the shaft 515, 520, 615, 620 or handle portions 525, 530, 625, 630. For instance, in another embodiment, the connector 545, 645 and the shaft 515, 520, 615, 620 or handle portions 525, 530, 625, 630 may include corresponding mechanisms configured to become secured by a mechanical interaction, as shown in FIG. 7. The shafts 515, 520, 615, 620 of the two paddles are preferably releaseably connected.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of the connector and shows how the connector connects the handle portions of the paddles. As shown in FIG. 7, the handle portions 700, 705 of the paddles may include: a first connector 710; a second connector 715; female fasteners 720, 725; a male fastener 730; and an opening 735. The female fasteners 720, 725 and the handle portions 700, 705 of a paddle 500, 550, 600 may be configured to include a male fastener 730, which is preferably a protrusion biased upward by a biasing member such as a spring. One of the female fasteners 720, 725 and the male fastener 730 may be configured to be substantially the same size, and further configured to become engaged upon insertion of the second connector 715 into the opening 735 of the first connector 710. The male fastener 730 of the second connector 715 or handle portion 705 preferably becomes depressed downwards until the male fastener 730 becomes aligned with one of the female fasteners 720, 725 of the first connector 710, thereby causing the male fastener 730 to be forced upward through the female fasteners 720, 725 by the force of the biasing member. This engagement between the female fasteners 720, 725 and the male fastener 730 caused by the biasing member preferably provides a secure connection between the first connector 710 and the second connector 715 or handle portion 705, such that the removal of the handle portion 705 from the first connector 710 requires a substantial manual force applied to depress the male fastener 730 downward through one the female fasteners 720, 725 by the user. In alternative embodiments, the first connector 710 and second connector 715 may utilize other connection configurations known by those with ordinary skill in the relevant art, such as clips, screws, or other securing mechanisms. Although FIG. 7 shows only two female fasteners and one male fastener, any number of fasteners may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention.

In use, a user may hold the paddles 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600 from the shaft 515, 520, 615, 620 or handle portion 525, 530, 625, 630, 700, 705. Alternatively, the user may hold the paddles 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600 from the secondary handles 535, 540, 635, 640. The user may choose where to hold the paddles 500, 550 or double-blade paddle 600 from either the shafts 515, 520, 615, 620 or around the handle portion 525, 530, 625, 630, 700, 705. The user may grip the paddles 700, 750 or double blade paddle 600 at two positions along the handle portion 525, 530, 625, 630, 700, 705 or the portion of the shaft 515, 520, 615, 620 of the paddle, wherein the grip of the user's hands are preferably aligned along lengthwise axis of the shaft 515, 520, 615, 620. A first hand of the user may be positioned closer to the paddle blade 505, 510, 605, 610, and a second hand of the user may be positioned closer or substantially on the handle portion 525, 530, 625, 630, 700, 705 of the paddle 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600. In this position, the user may be engaged to a range of motion wherein the first hand creates a fulcrum point about which the user pivots the length of the paddle 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600 by creating a rearward directional force with the first hand, and a forward directional force with the second hand. This force is generally effective to create a propelling force for the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400 and may effectively engage the use of the upper back, triceps, and shoulder muscles of the user.

It may be realized that the secondary handles 535, 540 may provide the user with an alternate gripping position of the paddle 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600, thus providing an alternate range of motion for the user as the user maneuvers the paddle 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600 in a rowing motion to propel the paddleboard 100, 200, 300, 400. Specifically, the user may switch to using the secondary handles 535, 540 to change his or her body movements to prevent fatigue or to exercise a different set of muscles. The user may also position the second hand on the secondary handles 535, 540, such that the palm of the second hand is facing upward, or facing downward. This embodiment generally provides the user at least two alternate hand placement positions with which the user can effectively maneuver the paddle 500, 550 or double-bladed paddle 600 in a rowing motion. This, in turn, increases the range of motion for the user, and provides extended physical exertion to additional muscle groups of the user, including the biceps, chest, and lower back, which may not be available with a traditional rowing movement.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of the double-bladed paddles without the secondary handles. As shown in FIG. 8, the double-bladed paddle 800 without the secondary handles may include: paddle blades 805, 810; shafts 815, 820; handle portions 825, 830; and a connector 845. As discussed above, the secondary handles of the double-bladed paddle may be removable from the shafts of the double-bladed paddle.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of the paddleboard and paddle system and shows the paddleboard and paddle system in use. As shown in FIG. 9, the paddleboard and paddle system 900 preferably includes a double-bladed paddle 910 and paddleboard 950. FIG. 9 also shows that the paddleboard and paddle system 900 preferably lacks foot securing devices.

Preferably, the user of the paddleboard and paddle system 900 propels himself or herself with the paddleboard 950 through the water by paddling with the double-bladed paddle 910. Although FIG. 9 shows the user standing on the paddleboard, the user may kneel or sit on top of the paddleboard.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications which are set forth in this specification, including in the claims which follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they related and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment on the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. The invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.