Paddle float

Any one carry a paddle float just in case? and is it worth carrying as essential survival equipment?

I wouldn't think a paddle float would be practical with a sit-on-top boat. If you use an inflatable one, it will take time to inflate it and prepare it for use, and with practice, you should be able to re-board your boat without one in less time. There are foam ones that don't require inflating, but they take up valuable deck space on your boat. You also have to have rigging to attach your paddle to the boat to use either kind, and you'd have to keep that rigging area clear to be able to use it, again taking up space on deck.

One other thing - paddle float re-entry is only necessary if you are kayaking alone. Otherwise, a friend can stablize your boat for you while you climb back on. Even if you are fishing some distance from a fellow paddler, (s)he could probably get to you quicker than you could prepare your float anyway. And, if not, you are essentially paddling alone. If you paddle alone, you really need to practice re-boarding your boat as quickly as possible, and I think the paddle float method would only slow you down, keeping you in the water longer.

Hmm... Just read the Sean Morley post and have to wonder if he recommends using a float rather than just crawling back onboard. Still doesn't sound practical to me. I can climb back onto both my SOT's without one, but maybe all boats aren't that easy.

I tried one at the clinic for the first time. It worked great. So Steamer it appears your advice is worth just what it costs.

I've carried one for 3 years now when ever I'm on my X-Factor.  Haven't ever needed it, but gives me some comfort knowing that it's there if I need it.

I carry one, not for my self but for others that might need it. Learning how to re-enter in deep water unassisted is the best. Using devices like a paddle float, stirrup, ect are just tools in the tool box if some one needs them. Of course they are useless if you don't know how to use them. Practice is key.
There are also different circumstances in witch a paddle float will be the only way to get some one out of the water, like an injury.

Remember a paddle float could be used to help someone else.

I like the idea of caring a paddle float. i think a hard paddle float might be better than inflatable. Inflatable takes up less room, but the effort to blow up paddle float, I think should be used, to get back on the boat. I would not want to blow one up, while swimming next to my boat, battling conditions. Also, a hard float won't fail due to punctures and will always be buoyant and ready to go.