lcopps wrote:

A taboo subject in this group. PLEASE DON'T ASK THIS QUESTION AGAIN.

I disagree. This should be brought up periodically in order to educate
people who may be considering them based on the misinformation provided
by you-know-who. Not only will it save people money, it may save a life.
If one were to believe Tim-bo, one might be led to believe that they
need not carry much more important safety gear or learn vital paddling
skills, since he portrays sponsons as a safety panacea. Paddlers need to
know the truth about the lack of utility of sponsons.