back40 wrote:
Or have comments on sponsons vs paddle floats?

This is typically a huge can o' worms, but here goes.

Sponsons have some utility for activities such as fishing, but they are
essentially useless as a rescue device. They take several minutes to
install and inflate. Once installed, the added stability they create can
be extremely detrimental in rough water and surf, since it inhibits
leaning the boat into waves which is crucial to avoiding capsizing. They
are only usable on boats that have been specially outfitted to
accommodate them, so they cannot be shared within a group of paddlers.
They are WAY too expensive for what they are. If you really think you
have a use for them, you can make your own system from boat fenders and
inexpensive hardware available at your local marine supplier.

Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to be taken in by the lies and
"voodoo science" of that sick SOB Tim Ingram. It's obvious that he'll do
anything to make a buck, including exploiting the deaths of children.
According to him, all of us here are murderers and tantamount to Nazis
(I have some quotes from his last diatribe here if you want to see what
he's about). He doesn't deserve to profit from his disgusting behavior.

Learn to use a paddle float, but more importantly, learn to brace and
roll. Those skills are far more useful and valuable than any piece of
equipment.