Turtle Pack: Whitewater Kayaking Aid

Turtle pack is an educational aid for beginners that improves perceived safety surrounding the sport of whitewater kayaking.

Whitewater Classification

Primary Use Cycle

Turtle pack aids new kayakers learning to roll. Kayakers can wear Turtle pack around their waist or cross-body style, and quickly release to perform a flotation aided roll.

Materials & Features

Final Model

The final model was sewn using cordura, a polystyrene sheet was added to provide structure. Turtle pack accommodates users of different sizes with removable handles (Shown right).

Initial Sketching

Preliminary Testing

In my first round of testing I took videos of the roll to understand the mechanics. Although I know how to roll a kayak, looking back on a video provided me with an understanding of the techniques.

I thought a cylindrical shape would be useful to rest a tired head. The negatives of such a large piece is the lack of storage. Kayakers testing this model didn’t like the shape and found it difficult because the round shape spun in the water.

Users liked the foam mats the best. Although it was difficult to use it as a platform, unless pulling from underneath the prototype.

Ideation

Prototyping

Final Model Building