Patent Publication Number: US-9902473-B2

Title: Apparatus for walking and resting upon the water

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/693,462 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,517,819) filed Apr. 22, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/167,438 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,290,244) filed Jan. 29, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/930,647 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,465), filed Jan. 13, 2011. The disclosure of each of the foregoing is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     This invention elates to an apparatus used for walking and resting upon the water, specifically an apparatus including a platform that stays attached to pontoons while one is walking upon the water, and allows one to sit and rest after walking upon the water. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     This apparatus relates to an apparatus allowing a person to walk upon the water. More specifically the invention provides a platform for one to sit and rest on after walking upon the water. The platform may include a ladder inside of it allowing the user to get into and out of the water with the use of the ladder. Many types of devices have been proposed in the past which allow a person to walk on a body of water, each has various disadvantages. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,430 is an example of such a water walking device without a platform attached to it while walking. The pontoons in this invention are fabricated from Styrofoam or other similar buoyant materials and the device is also fitted with transverse stabilizers to maintain a fixed relationship between the individual pontoons. The pontoons slide along the transverse stabilizers to maintain their relative positions and the overall result is a cumbersome device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,184 describes a water walking device also manufactured from a buoyant material such as from rubber or Styrofoam. The user&#39;s foot is attached to the top of this device with a foot piece that locks the uses foot to the pontoon. This device also includes rotatable paddles attached to the bottom surface of the pontoon which are allowed to rotate horizontally against the bottom surface of the pontoon. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,621 describes a third type of water walking device. This device is manufactured from polyurethane foam or other similar material. It has means for attaching the user&#39;s foot in place in the pontoon footwell which includes the use of hook and loop tape or a resilient spring like u-shaped rear ankle support. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,822 describes a fourth water walking device that has a pair of buoyant platforms with a pair of sidewalk attached to the top surface of each of the platforms. Removable, inflatable buoyant pontoons are secured to the platforms through flexible sleeves secured to the sidewalls. The pontoons have footwells into which the user inserts his foot resting the foot on the platform and the foot is secured in place by the addition of the air pressure to the pontoon. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention employs a number of new approaches for solving the problems that exist in water walking devices. Rather than having the foot held into the footwells, or attached to the top of the pontoons, the footwell may comprise a part of the inflatable pontoons. The footwell may be sealed off at the bottom of the pontoon, keeping the water from entering into the footwell at the bottom of the footwell. The footwell is large enough for a user to insert his or her foot without getting caught up inside the footwell. For example, the user can step freely into and out of the footwell without getting his shoes caught up inside of the footwell. 
     It is also an advantage that a narrow support board at the bottom of the pontoon gives the pontoon its rigidity, and acts as a keel for the pontoon. This gives the user greater stability and easier handling of the apparatus when walking on the water. The support board may be designed to be light weight and very strong. 
     In at least some embodiments, the present invention includes a platform attached to the pontoons when walking upon the water. The platform stays attached to the pontoons directly behind the user when the user is walking on water. This allows the user to sit and rest after walking on the water. The platform allows the user to stay out on the water for long periods of time, giving the user a place to sit and relax while fishing. One would get very tired of walking on the water after a long period of time. The platform also gives the apparatus more stability than without the platform. The platform allows the user to sit and paddle when desired, then simply stand up and continue to walk. In some embodiments, a ladder may be included inside the platform of the apparatus. This allows the user to get into and out of the water as desired. The ladder helps the user get back onto the apparatus, specifically if one was to fall off the apparatus. This would be a great advantage if someone was to fall into the water, far out off-shore, in the middle of a lake, or the ocean. 
     It is yet another advantage of the invention that the scoops that create resistance to the pontoons from going backwards, are attached to the bottom of the pontoons, and go freely over the water when going forward. There are no obstructions extruding from the pontoons that would prevent the pontoons from going smoothly over the water. It is yet another advantage that the scoops can be attached and removed from the apparatus for easy transportation and storage. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing brief summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the embodiments disclosed herein or as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an upper front side view of an apparatus for walking and resting on water. It shows the pontoons, platform, footwells, collars for footwell, air valve, support sleeves, button, stretch cord, holders, pockets for scoops, and scoops. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top side view where the support tubes are inserted into the support sleeves, and how the platform supports are inserted into the support tubes, and where the platform is attached to the necks of the platform supports. 
         FIG. 3  is an upper side view of the platform support, partially extended, showing the neck, hook, plug, leg, sliding tube, holding tube, and corner, of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a partial cross-sectional upper side view of the holding and sliding tubes, and of the platform support partially extended, showing a stretch cord inside the sliding and holding tubes of the platform support. 
         FIG. 5  is an upper side view of a cap which screws onto the neck of the platform support. 
         FIG. 6  is an upper side view of a plug for the holding and sliding tubes for the platform support. 
         FIG. 7  is an upper side view of a collar for the support sleeve. 
         FIG. 8  is an upper front side view of a button attached to a stretch cord after being put through a D-ring. 
         FIG. 9  is an upper view of a stretch loop being held together at ends with wire. 
         FIG. 10  is an upper view of a stop ring which is attached to the sliding tubes and the holding tubes of the platform support. 
         FIG. 11  is an upper rear view of a ladder and platform when the ladder is out of the platform. It shows support straps, Velcro, hinges for the ladder, and a handle on top of the platform. 
         FIG. 12  is an upper rear view of a platform with ladder being folded and attached to the inside of the top section of the platform with the platform open. It also shows the lower compartments inside the bottom portion of the platform, and the hinges or the ladder. 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional side view of the pontoon, support sleeves, collars for the support sleeves, footwell, and collar for footwell, board sleeve, and support board. 
         FIG. 14  is an upper side view of a collar for the footwell. 
         FIG. 15  is an upper side view of a scoop with Velcro attached to an inside of the rear section of the scoop. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a pocket for a scoop attached to a board sleeve. Velcro is shown attached to the rear side sections of the pocket for the scoop. 
         FIG. 17  shows a cross-sectional view through the pontoon, with footwell and footwell supports, footwell collar, board sleeve, and support board. 
         FIG. 18  shows an upper side view of a support board. 
         FIG. 19  shows an upper side view of a support tube. 
         FIG. 20A  shows an isometric view of an alternative platform. 
         FIG. 20B  shows a view of the alternative platform of  FIG. 20A  with the backrest member folded forward and down. 
         FIG. 20C  shows a rear isometric view of the platform of  FIG. 20A . 
         FIG. 21A  shows a view of the alternative platform of  FIG. 20A  with the backrest member folded rearward and down (e.g., into the water), with the strap acting as a ladder step to aid a user in climbing up out of the water onto the platform. 
         FIG. 21B  shows a cross-sectional view through the platform of  FIG. 20A . 
         FIG. 22A-22D  show another water walking apparatus according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 22E  shows a close up view of a portion of the water walking apparatus of  FIGS. 22A-22D , showing a Velcro strap for aiding in retaining the C-shaped saddle in place over the pontoon. 
         FIG. 23  shows a cross-sectional view through a pontoon including a trilobe configuration for improved stability. 
         FIG. 24  shows a pontoon configured as a multi-part construction. 
         FIG. 25  shows a footwell section of the pontoon of  FIG. 24 , including pockets into which stiffener inserts may be inserted to stiffen the exterior of the footwell section of the pontoon, and the footwell respectively, as well as a flap which may close over such pockets and inserts. 
         FIG. 26  shows a side view of a user&#39;s shoed foot inserted within a footwell, with the foot engaged under a flap of the fabric material from which the apparatus is formed, which flap holds the foot within the footwell while a user walks uphill. 
         FIG. 27A  shows a U-shaped compressible foam baffle that may be disposed within the leading front end of a scoop pocket on the underside of the pontoon. 
         FIG. 27B  shows an exemplary scoop pocket under the pontoon, with a foam baffle in the front end thereof, and with a stiffener insert inserted into a pocket in the bottom wall of the scoop pocket. 
         FIG. 28A  shows an exemplary apparatus for walking and resting upon the water, shown as including a rope or other cord connected to each scoop, so as to allow the user to pull on the cord to draw the scoops to a closed position. 
         FIG. 28B  is similar to  FIG. 28A , but shows the scoops drawn to the closed position, as the cords have been pulled upward by the user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described by reference to more detailed embodiments, with occasional reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
       FIG. 1  shows a walking version of an exemplary apparatus. Pontoons  21  are inflatable, lightweight, and compact. Pontoons  21  can be made larger or smaller for different applications. Pontoons  21  can be made out of a high quality reinforced vinyl material. Pontoons  21  can also be made out of a non-reinforced vinyl material. Pontoons  21  may be made by heat sealing vinyl material together in the shape of an elongated inflatable pontoon. Pontoons  21  may have an air valve sealed to them for the purpose of inflating and deflating. The air valve can be of a high quality air valve designed for inflatable boats, or one designed for inflatable toys. Pontoon  21  is shown as having a footwell  27 , and support sleeves  30  inside of pontoon  21 . Footwell  27  is open at the top and sealed off at the bottom of pontoon  21 . Support sleeve  30  is also open at the top and sealed off at bottom of pontoon  21 . Pontoons  21  are shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 2 . The typical pontoon  21  is approximately eight feet and six inches long, and is twelve inches in diameter. Pontoon  21  can also be comprised smaller or larger. Pontoon  21  may have several parts heat sealed to it, to be described. 
     A cover having the same shape as pontoon  21  when the pontoon is inflated may be provided. The cover can be comprised of a fabric material and come in various designs and colors. Where pontoon  21  is formed of reinforced vinyl material, no cover may be needed. Such reinforced vinyl material will not over expand. 
     Pontoons comprised of a non-reinforced vinyl material may use a cover due to the non-reinforced material having a tendency to expand too much, so that a cover may be provided over the pontoon to keep it from over expanding. A cover also adds protection to pontoons  21  to keep them from being punctured. One could also have extra covers for hunting, and fishing, or highly visible brightly colored ones. The parts sealed to pontoon  21  may be sewn to the covers at their proper position, such as the pockets  22  for scoops  23 , board sleeve  24 , holders  36 , straps for D-rings, and stretch loops  38 . These components would be sewn to a provided cover in the same position where they are sealed to pontoon  21 . 
       FIG. 2  shows how platform  33  is attached to pontoon  21 . Support tubes  31  are inserted into the support sleeves  30  of pontoon  21 . The legs of platform supports  32  are then dropped into the support tubes  31 . The necks of the platform supports  32  are then inserted up into platform  33 .  FIG. 12  shows lower compartments of platform  33  where ladder  34  is held inside platform. Caps  35  are then screwed onto necks of platform support  32 . 
       FIG. 16  show a top view of a pocket  22  for scoop  23  attached to board sleeve  24 . Pocket  22  for scoop  23  is where scoop  3  is temporarily held to the apparatus. Pocket  22  for scoop  23  is sealed to a bottom of board sleeve  24  and pontoon  21 . Pocket  22  for scoop  23  has three sections, a front, and two identical side sections. Pocket  22  for scoop  23  can be comprised of a fabric or reinforced vinyl material. 
       FIG. 16  shows where the front section of pocket  22  for scoop  23  is attached to board sleeve  24 . The two front side sections of the pocket  22  for scoop  23  are attached to the sides of the middle section. The outer side sections are then sealed to the bottom of pontoon  21 . The outer side sections of pocket  22  for scoop  23  are sealed parallel to pontoon  21  about one to two inches away from the outer edge of board sleeve  24 . The very front section of pocket  22  for scoop  23  is sealed to board sleeve  24  and pontoon  21 . This creates the pocket  22  for scoop  23 . Pocket  22  for scoop  23  is sealed directly to pontoon  21  and board sleeve  24 . Pocket  22  for scoop  23  can also be sealed to pontoon  21  in front of and in back of board sleeve  24 . 
     The apparatus may use Velcro (or another releasable fastener) in certain locations on apparatus to be described. Velcro is a two part hook and loop system with hooks on one strip or portion and loops on the other strip or portion. Velcro can temporary hold two pieces of material together, then be pulled apart. Pocket  22  for scoop  23  has Velcro attached to its rear side sections. Scoops  23  have the opposite part of Velcro securely attached to it. Scoop  23  and pocket  22  could also use any other type of fastening device, such as snaps, buttons, stretch cords or a combination of these fasteners. 
       FIG. 16  shows pocket  22  with Velcro attached.  FIG. 15  shows where Velcro is attached to scoop  23 . Velcro is securely attached to rear outer section of pocket  22 .  FIG. 15  shows where the second part of the Velcro is attached to an inside rear upper section of scoop  22 . The Velcro holds scoop  23  into pocket  22 . The front end of scoop  23  is held into the front end of pocket  22  by pulling Velcro tightly together. 
     Scoop  23  can be comprised of plastic shaped by an injection molding process. Scoop  23  can also be comprised of a metal or fiberglass. Scoops  23  pass over water freely when one pushes pontoon  21  forward. Scoops  23  drop into water when pushing opposite pontoon forward. Scoops  23  pass over the water freely when going forward. The sides of scoops  23  come up along the sides of pontoons  21  when walking on land. Scoops  23  automatically drop down into water when needed. This allows one to be able to walk from the land into the water. Scoops  23  are light weight and very durable. The dimensions for scoop  23  and pocket  22  can be many various sizes. 
       FIG. 17  shows a cross-sectional view of pontoon  21 , footwell  27 , collar for footwell  28 , and footwell supports.  FIG. 18  also shows board sleeve  24  and support board  25 . Board sleeve  24  is sealed from front to back at its sides to bottom of pontoon  21 . Board sleeve  24  may be open at its rear section to allow support board  25  to enter into board sleeve  24 . 
     Board sleeve  24  allows support board  25  to enter from rear end of board sleeve  24 . Support board  25  is inserted into board sleeve  24  before pontoon  21  is fully inflated. Board sleeve  24  holds support board  25  when pontoon  21  is inflated. Board sleeve  24  can be comprised of the same material as pontoon  21 . Board sleeve  24  is slightly larger than support board  25 . Support board  25  is inserted into board sleeve  24 . Board sleeve  24  may also be attached to a cover as described earlier. Support board  25  is centered directly below footwell  27 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a top view of board sleeve  24  along with pocket  22  for scoop  23 . Board sleeve  24  is slightly larger than support board  25 . This allows for hoard sleeve  24  to be able to hold support board  25 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a top side view of support board. Support hoard  25  can be comprised out of wood, plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials. Board sleeve  24  and support board  25  can also be longer or shorter. Support board  25  is inserted into board sleeve  24  before pontoons  21  are inflated. Board sleeve  24  is pulled tight against support board  25  when pontoon  21  is fully inflated. Support hoard  25  is shown as having a hole at its hack end for a place to grab onto support board  25  to pull from support sleeve  24 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a cross-sectional view of footwell  27 , footwell supports, and collar for footwell  28 . Footwell  27  has footwell supports. The footwell supports can be comprised of reinforced vinyl material that is heat sealed from footwell  27  to pontoon  21 . Footwell  27  has an opening at its top large enough for one to step into and out of footwell  27  without getting their shoes caught inside footwell  27 . Footwell  27  gets longer towards the front bottom, and is able to hold a large size foot (e.g., a US shoe size 15 or even larger), The footwell supports are a part of pontoon  21  and sealed to footwell  27 . The footwell supports are sealed from the outer sidewalk of footwell  27  to the inner sidewalls of pontoon  21 . Footwell  27  and footwell supports can be comprised of reinforced vinyl material, or a non-reinforced vinyl material. 
       FIG. 14  shows a collar  28  for footwell  27 . Collar  28  for footwell  27  attaches from footwell  27  to pontoon  21 . Collar  28  for footwell  27  can be comprised of a relatively rigid vinyl or other plastic material formed by an injection molding process. 
     Footwell  27  may also have the collar  28  already included within footwell  27  by means of an injection molding or other process. This would eliminate the separate collar for footwell  28 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional side view of pontoon  21 , support sleeve  30 , collar  29  the for support sleeve, footwell  27 , and collar  28  for the footwell. It further shows where support board  25  is held to bottom of pontoon  21 , The support sleeves  30  and footwell  27  are sealed off to the inside bottom of pontoon  21 . 
     Support sleeve  30  may also have a collar comprised into it by means of an injection molding or other process, as described earlier with collar  28  for the footwell  27 . This may also eliminate the separate collar  29  for support sleeve  30 . 
       FIG. 7  shows collar  29  for support sleeve  30 . Collar  29  for support sleeve  30  connects support sleeve  30  to pontoon  21 . Collar  29  for support sleeve  30  is sealed in between support sleeve  30  and pontoon  21 . Support sleeve  30  is sealed inside bottom of pontoon  21  with collar  29  for support sleeve  30 . Support sleeve  30  has collar  29  attached to its bottom before being sealed to bottom of pontoon  21 . Collar  29  can also be used to seal the top of support sleeve  30 . The collar  29  can be used to seal both the top and bottom of support sleeve. 
     Support sleeves  30  along with collar  29  are installed at holes in the top of pontoon  21  for the support sleeves  30 . Support sleeves  30  are open at their tops and sealed off to inside bottom of pontoon  21 . 
     Support sleeves  30  can also be formed to be sealed off at bottom, with a collar at its top. The support sleeve can be formed to have collar molded to the top and sealed off at bottom by any suitable process. Where the collar is formed integrally with the support sleeve, this may eliminate the separate collar for support sleeve  29  as described earlier. 
     The apparatus may use stretch cords throughout, as will be described. Pontoons  21  are shown connected together at their front by a stretch cord.  FIG. 8  shows how a stretch cord may be attached to button  26 . Stretch cord is pushed up through first hole in bottom groove of button  26 . Stretch cord is then pushed back through the top of second hole in button.  26 . A knot is then tied at the end of the stretch cord. The knot on the stretch cord is then pulled into a groove of button  26 . The groove holds the knot of the stretch cord into button  26 . Button  26  can also be formed with only one hole in the middle of button instead of two holes. 
     Pontoon  21  may be comprised with D-rings securely attached to its sidewalls. The D-rings may have a piece of reinforced vinyl material sealed over the straight part of the D-ring, to pontoon  21 . This secures the D-ring to Pontoon  21 . Button  26  and the stretch cord may be held in place on pontoon  21  by the D-ring. Button  26  has a stretch cord attached to it and is put through the D-ring on pontoon  21 , Button  26  turns sideways and cannot come out of the D-ring (see  FIG. 8 ). Only with the assistance of the user will button  26  come out of D-ring. The D-rings may be attached at the front and back of the sidewalls of pontoon  21  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Pontoons  21  are also connected at their rear by platform supports  32  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . These figures show how platform  33  is connected to pontoons  21 . Support tubes  31  are inserted into the support sleeves  30  of pontoon  21 . Support tubes  31  are strong, rigid, and may be comprised of plastic. The bottom edges of support tithes  31  may be rounded off to prevent puncturing support sleeves  30 . The legs of platform support  32  are dropped into the support tubes  31 . Support tubes  31  hold leas of platform support  32  inside support tube  31 . The legs of platform support  32  are held into and are able to rotate back and forth inside the support tubes  31 . Support tubes  31  are slightly larger in diameter than legs of platform support  32 . The support tubes  31  rise above pontoon  21  about one inch. This allows platform support  32  to move freely above pontoon  21 . 
       FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4  shows platform support  32 . The legs of platform support  32  drop into support tubes  31 . The legs of platform support  32  rotate back and forth inside support tube  31 . The platform support  32  is very strong and can be comprised of plastic, fiberglass, metal or any combination of these materials. The corner of platform support  32  is attached to the leg, and the sliding tube of platform support  32 . The corner of the platform support rests directly on the top surface of support tube  31 . This is where all weight above this point is borne. Support tube  31  and corner of platform support  32  are of the same size where they meet. The support tube  31  keeps leg of platform support  32  centered exactly on top of support tube  31 . The corner of platform support  32  rotates smoothly back and forth on the top surface of support tube  31 . The corner of platform support  32  can be comprised of plastic, fiberglass, or metal. Corner of platform support  32  is bonded to both the sliding tube, and the leg of platform support  32 . 
       FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  shows the corner having a hook molded to it, the hook holding the stretch loop  38  that is permanently attached to pontoon  21 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of the stretch loop. Stretch loop  38  can be formed by attaching the two ends of a stretch cord together, creating a loop. Stretch loop  38  can also be comprised of a very strong high quality elastic (e.g., rubber) band. Stretch loops  38  are attached to pontoon  21  by sealing a strap of forced vinyl material over a small area of stretch loop  38  to pontoon  21 . This same method may be used when attaching the D-rings to pontoon  21  as described earlier. Two stretch loops  38  are used on each hook of the corner of the platform support  32  and attached to pontoon  21  about one inch below opening of support sleeve  30 . Stretch loops  38  are attached on opposite sides of the opening of support sleeve  30 . This gives equal support on each side, holding down the platform support  32  into the support tubes  31 . Stretch loops  38  are stretched up and released into the hooks of the corners. The stretch loops  38  would also be attached to a cover at their proper position as described earlier, where a cover is provided. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  shows platform support  32 . The holding and sliding tubes of platform support  32  can be comprised out of plastic, fiberglass, or metal. The sliding tubes of platform support  32  slide back and forth inside the holding tube. The holding tube enables the sliding tube to slide in and out of the holding tube very smoothly. The holding and sliding tubes enable platform support  32  to be able to expand and contract. The holding tube is comprised of two tubes molded together with neck of platform support  32  molded in between the two holding tubes at their center. The holding tubes can be formed by an injection molding process for plastic material, or welding or otherwise securing it together for metal applications. The two holding tubes are the same size and parallel with each other with ends apart. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  shows platform support  32  partially extended. The neck of platform support  32  is between the holding tubes at its exact center, and is molded or welded onto the holding tubes. The neck of platform support  32  is threaded at its top for cap  35  to be screwed onto neck. The neck is where platform support  32  connects to platform  33 . 
     Platform support  32  uses stretch cords to help pull the platform support  32  together. Stretch cords helps pull platform support  32  back together after being extended.  FIG. 3  shows a stretch cord tied at both ends to the plugs inside tubes of platform support  32 .  FIG. 3  shows where stretch cord is tied to a plug at a closed end of the holding tube, and where it is tied to a plug inside the sliding tube at the opposite end. 
       FIG. 6  shows an upper side view of a plug. The plugs can be comprised of plastic or metal. The plug has a half ring extending from its bottom side for the purpose of tying the stretch cords to the plugs. The plug also has a collar on an opposite side of the ring on the plug, which stops the plug from entering too far into the sliding tube and the holding tube. The plugs close off the holding tubes, and the sliding tubes at their ends. 
       FIG. 10  shows an upper side view of a stop ring for platform support. The stop ring is sealed to the ends of the holding and sliding tubes of platform support  32 . 
       FIG. 4  shows stop rings inside platform support  32  attached to the holding tubes and sliding tubes. The stop rings keep the holding and sliding tubes from coming all the way apart. The first stop ring is sealed to the outside end of the sliding tube before it is inserted into the holding tube. The second stop ring is then sealed to the inside opposite end where the plug is sealed to the holding tube. The stop rings are slightly different sizes, although they do butt up to each other which causes the holding and sliding tubes to stop where the stop rings meet at the maximum extension of the holding and sliding tubes. 
     A rope can also be included within platform support  32 , and tied to rings on plugs in the same manner as the stretch cord, and also at the same time as the stretch cord. The rope may be used for the purpose of stopping the sliding tube at the maximum extension length of platform in support  32 , which could eliminate the stop rings. 
       FIG. 3  shows where plugs are securely attached to inside ends of the sliding tubes and holding tubes. Two plugs are attached on the outside ends of the sliding tubes, and two plugs are attached on the inside of the opposite ends of the holding tube. The outside circumference of the plugs attached to the sliding tubes are slightly smaller than the inside circumference of the holding tube. This allows the sliding tube to slide smoothly through the holding tube. The sliding tubes slide in and out of the holding tube, enabling platform support  32  to be able expand and contract. The sliding tubes are smaller in diameter than the holding tubes, and this makes it so there are two different sizes of plugs. Sliding tubes will have smaller plugs and the holding tubes will have larger plugs. 
       FIG. 12  shows lower and upper compartments of platform  33 . Two holes are centered at opposite ends in lower compartments of platform  33 . The holes in the lower compartments of platform  33  are where the neck of platform support  32  enters up into platform  33 . The holes in platform  33  keep platform  33  centered on platform support  32 . The compartments inside platform  33  separate neck of platform support  32  and cap  35  from ladder  34 . Ladder  34  is above in upper compartment of platform  33 . The lower compartments hold and protect neck of platform support  32 , and cap  35 . Ladder  34  stays up off cap  35  and neck of platform support  32 . This allows ladder  34  to go in and out of upper compartment of platform  33  unobstructed. 
       FIG. 5  shows cap  35 . Cap  35  can be comprised of plastic formed by an injection molding process. Cap  35  can have a strap attached to it by using a screw or rivet. Caps  35  can be strapped into lower compartments of platform  33 . The strap can be screwed or riveted from cap  35  into lower compartment of platform  33 . A strap helps keep cap  35  from getting lost or falling in the water. Strap could be made out of nylon strapping or plastic. Cap  35  screws tightly onto neck of platform support  32 . Cap  35  dose not screw tightly onto platform  33 . Neck and cap  35  rotate freely inside lower compartments of platform  33 . Cap  35  will not screw tightly onto platform  33 , although cap  35  dose screw tightly onto neck of platform support  32 . The neck comes up into the hole approximately one inch above the surface of the lower compartment. There is a slight gap between cap  35  and platform  33 . The neck is slightly smaller than the holes in the lower compartments of platform  33 . This allows for the neck to rotate freely back and forth inside the lower compartment. 
       FIG. 12  shows platform  33  open with two holes in the lower compartments. The holes at bottom of platform  33  are lined up with support sleeves  30 . This keeps platform  33  centered on top of pontoon  21 . Platform  33  stays parallel with pontoon  21  at all times. Platform  33  stays parallel with pontoon  21  when walking on water, even while the platform supports  32  rotate thereunder. 
     Platform  33  gives one a place to sit while not walking on water. It could be very tiresome if one could not sit after walking and standing for long periods of time. Platform  33  makes it easier for one to stay out on the water for longer periods of time. Platform  33  holds ladder  34  inside of its upper compartment. Platform  33  can be comprised from styrofoam, plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials. 
       FIG. 12  shows a top rear view of ladder  34 , and the lower and upper compartments of platform  33 . Platform  33  holds ladder  34  inside the compartment of the platform. Ladder  34  is helpful for a user getting into and out of the water. The top hinge of ladder  34  is shown attached to back end of platform  33 . Ladder  34  is wider at its top than its bottom portion. The wider section at top of ladder  34  is for the purpose of pushing the pontoons apart, this allows for one to more easily get in between the pontoons  21 . Ladder  34  unfolds out of compartment of platform  33 , and drops into the water. 
       FIG. 11  shows ladder  34  out of platform  33 . The top section of ladder  34  is wider than the bottom section and pushes and holds apart pontoons  21  when ladder  34  is lowered into the water. Pontoons  21  need to be apart for user to get in between them. The lower section of ladder  34  unfolds and drops into the water. The straps and hinges support ladder  34  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The straps do not let ladder  34  unfold completely. The straps attached to ladder  34  prevent ladder  34  from completely unfolding.  FIG. 11  shows how hinges on platform  33  and ladder  34  work. A hinge is at top section of ladder  34  and the rear top side of platform  33 . Hinges enables ladder  34  to be folded into and out of platform  33 . Hinges enables ladder  34  to hang from aback side of platform  33  into the water. A hinge in the middle of ladder  34  enables the ladder to fold and unfold. This hinge makes ladder  34  twice as long as it otherwise would be, while still fitting within the platform compartment. 
       FIG. 11  shows ladder  34  when out of platform  33  and with the straps connected from the lower half to the upper half of the ladder  34 . The straps can be made from nylon strapping material. Velcro is attached to middle sections of the second and fourth steps of ladder  34 . Velcro can be used to hold the two sections of ladder  34  together. A catch could also be used here, holding ladder  34  together for easy removal of ladder  34  from platform  33 . The Velcro and catch is for the purpose of holding ladder  34  together when removing ladder  34  from platform  33 , making it easier to take ladder out of platform. 
       FIG. 1  shows platform  33  with a handle on a op section thereof. The handle could be screwed, or riveted to top section of platform  33 . The handle can be made out of nylon strapping, reinforced vinyl material, or plastic. The handle is for assisting in lifting the top section of platform  33 . The platform  33  could also have a hole here for a place to grab on to, which would act as handle. Platform  33  could also have another handle attached to front side of platform  33 . This handle would be used for carrying platform. These handles on the platform  33  could make the apparatus more convenient to use. 
       FIG. 1  shows holder  36 . Holder  36  holds articles such as fishing poles, fishing gear, tools or paddles. Holder  36  can be comprised of a stretch material with vinyl material sewn to ends. The vinyl material is then heat sealed to pontoon  21 . Holder  36  can also be comprised of a solid piece of non-reinforced vinyl material. The material of holder  36  may be very strong, pliable, and stretchable. 
     Holder  36  can hold many different articles making holder  36  very useful. Holder  36  can also be put on horizontally to pontoon  21 . Holders  36  can also be attached to a cover. Holder  36  enables one to bring articles that one could not carry in one&#39;s hands. Holder  36  could hold bags that are specially designed for the apparatus. The bags could hold snacks, drinks, tools or anything that would fit in them. 
       FIGS. 20A-21B  show an alternative platforms that may be used with the previously described configurations (e.g., supported on the previously described platform support, or another platform support). For example,  FIG. 20A  shows platform  133  that may be coupled to pontoons such as those shown and described in conjunction with  FIG. 1  using the platform support  32  described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . Platform  133  may not necessarily include any compartments therein, as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 11-12 . It may include a top face or surface  135  upon which a user may sit, and an opposite bottom face or surface  137 . Platform  133  may include holes  139  through bottom surface  137  of platform  133  for receiving the neck of the platform support. As described above, this aids in securing platform  133  to the platform supports, while allowing the platform  133  to ride freely above the platform supports as the neck may rotate freely within the corresponding holes  139  in the bottom  137  of platform  133 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 20A-20C , a backrest member  141  may be provided hingedly attached to a rear  143  of platform  133 . As seen, the hinged attachment may be such as to permit forward and rearward rotation of backrest member  141 .  FIG. 20B  shows backrest member  141  rotated forward and down, so as to be generally parallel to and against platform  133 .  FIG. 21A  shows rearward and down rotation, so that the backrest member  141  is generally perpendicular to platform  133 .  FIGS. 20A and 20C  show backrest member  141  in its upright orientation, also generally perpendicular (e.g., about 90° to about 110°) relative to platform  133 , it will be apparent that some degree of “recline” (e.g., up to 30°, 20°, or 10° from vertical) may be provided in the upright configuration. 
     Strap  145  may be provided in conjunction with platform  133  and backrest member  141 . Strap  145  may comprise a single, integral piece of strap material (e.g., one strap, rather than two separate straps), which allows the strap to also serve as a ladder step when climbing out of the water onto the platform. Ends  147  and  149  of strap  145  may be attached at opposite lateral sides of the front face of backrest member  141  ( FIG. 20A ). Strap  145  may form a continuous loop from one end thereof attached to one lateral side of the front face of backrest member  141  (e.g., at  147 ) to the opposite end attached to an opposite lateral side of the front face of backrest member  141  (e.g., at  149 ). As seen in  FIG. 20A , each end of strap  145  may be latitudinally aligned with a corresponding strap retention recess  151 ,  153  formed into platform  133  so that strap  145  forms two spaced apart diagonal arm portions  155 ,  157  on either side of backrest member  141 . Portions  155  and  157  are defined between respective ends  147 ,  149  at one end and elongate locking members (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) attached to strap  145  and received within aligned strap retention recesses  151  and  153 , respectively. As seen in  FIG. 20A , the strap  145  may be a single strap, so that portions (e.g.,  163 ) of the strap between elongate locking members  159  and  161  loop around so as to be connected to one another. 
     It will be apparent that the elongate locking members  159  and  161  are received with corresponding strap retention recesses  151 ,  153 , respectively in order to hold and retain backrest member  141  in at upright orientation, or to at least prevent further rearward rotation relative to platform  133 . It will be apparent that with elongate locking members  159 ,  161  engaged in recesses  151 ,  153 , backrest member  141  may still be rotated forwardly, as seen in  FIG. 20B , just not rearwardly, as seen in  FIG. 21A . 
     Strap retention recesses  151 ,  153  may be formed into the edge face of platform  133 , as shown in  FIGS. 20A-20B . It will be apparent that alternatively, such recesses may be formed into the top or bottom faces of platform  133 , although edge location as shown may be more preferred for convenient access, and so that strap  145  or gravity does not tend to pull elongate locking members  159 ,  161  out. 
     As seen in  FIG. 21A , when elongate locking members  159 ,  161  are removed, strap  145  is no longer constrained relative to platform  133 , allowing backrest member  141  to rotate rearwardly, so that backrest member  141  hangs downwardly below (e.g., generally perpendicularly) platform member  133 . Strap  145 , disengaged from recesses  151 ,  153  now hangs quite low below platform member  133 , providing a ladder step (e.g., portion  163 ) on which a user may step as the user climbs out of the water and onto the platform  133 , from the rear. It will be apparent from  FIGS. 20A-20B  that a with the backrest member rotated forward or not, a user may also climb onto the front of platform  133  using portion  163  as a ladder step, although the step does not hang below platform  133  to the extent it does seen in  FIG. 21A , because of its point of attachment to backrest member  141 . A user may find it much easier to climb up onto the rear of the platform ( FIG. 21A ) as opposed to the front of the platform ( FIGS. 20A-20B ). 
     Platform  133  may include a mechanism for facilitating attachment of one or more bags or other cargo (e.g., a shotgun) to the top of the platform, out of the water, Hole  165  may be provided through platform  133 , adjacent leading front edge  166  of platform  133 . A corresponding hole  167  may be provided through platform  133  adjacent trailing rear edge  169 . Another pair of corresponding holes  171  and  173  may similarly be provided at the opposite (e.g., left) side of platform  133 . As illustrated, holes  165 ,  167 ,  171 , and  173  may extend entirely through platform  133 , and may be elongated, e.g., oval-shaped in cross section. This may facilitate insertion and securement of a bag strap through the holes to secure a bag or other cargo to top surface  135 . 
       FIGS. 22A-22D  illustrate another embodiment of an apparatus  200  for walking and resting upon the water, employing features from the other embodiments herein described. For example, apparatus  200  includes two pontoons  221 , each including a top and bottom surface. Holes in the top surface are provided for footwells  227 . Apparatus  200  includes forward and rearward platform supports  232   a  and  232   b , similar to those of  FIGS. 2-4 , but in which no support sleeves, support sleeve holes in the pontoon, or support tubes are needed. Platform supports  232   a  and  232   b  are able to expand and contract in use in the same manner as described relative to the platform supports of  FIGS. 2-4 , so as to accommodate variable spacing between the pontoons  221  while also connecting the pontoons together (through the platform supports  232   a ,  232   b  and platform  133 ). 
     As shown, each platform support  232   a ,  232   b  includes a pair of curved (e.g., C-shaped) saddles  231 , which are configured to straddle over the top curved surface of the generally circular curvature of the top surface of the pontoons. As shown, each pontoon may further include laterally disposed pockets  202  into which the ends of the saddles  231  may be secured, to prevent platforms supports  232   a  and  232   b  from sliding either forward or rearward on pontoons  221 , as well ask keeping saddles  231  centered atop each pontoon. A pocket  202  may be provided for each end of each saddle  231 . As shown, the saddles may be positioned near but behind footwells  227 , towards the rear portion of pontoons  221 . One or more Velcro straps or other suitable additional fasteners may also be provided, to aid in holding saddle  231  in place relative to pontoon  221 . Such Velcro straps may wrap around and over the C-shaped saddle, providing further securance to pontoon  221 . In another embodiment, one half of the Velcro material (e.g., hooks) may be attached to the pontoon over where the saddle  231  is to rest, while the other half of the Velcro material (e.g., loops, or vice-versa) may be disposed on the underside of the saddle, so as to press into the first half of the Velcro material, holding the pontoon and saddle together. 
     The platform  133  may be positioned over the platform supports  232   a  and  232   b , with the neck  135  of each platform support received within the corresponding hole  139  of the platform  133 . For example,  FIGS. 22A and 22C  show a platform  133  similar to that of  FIGS. 20A-21B .  FIGS. 22B and 22D  show the platform removed, so as to better see the platform platform supports and c-shaped saddle thereunder. Platform  133  may similarly include any combination of the features described in conjunction with  FIGS. 20A-21B  (e.g., including strap  145  to act as a ladder step, etc.). 
     As seen in  FIGS. 22A and 22D , bags or other items may be stored on the lateral ends of platform  133 . Such items may be secured by bungee cords, other cords, Velcro straps, etc.  FIGS. 22C and 22D  also illustrate how one or both pontoons may include sleeves  218  or other mechanisms for securing a paddle  219 . For example another sleeve or pocket  218  (e.g., open on one or two ends) may be provided at the forward end of right pontoon  221 , for stowing paddle  219 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates how the pontoons may include a trilobe shape in cross-section, rather than the simple circular configuration of  FIG. 17 . For example, the inventor has observed that where the pontoons are circular or nearly circular, as in  FIG. 17 , there may be a tendency for the pontoons to rotate about their longitudinal axis, which can result in tipping, or capsizing.  FIG. 23  shows pontoons  221  including lateral stabilizing portions  204  on either side of the central pontoon portion  205 . Lateral stabilizing portions  204  are shown laterally disposed adjacent to a lower portion of central pontoon portion  205 , while the top upper portion of the pontoon maintains a generally circular curvature. The width or lateral stabilizing extension of each lateral stabilizing portion may be at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, or from about 15% to about 75%, or 20% to about 50% of the diameter of the central portion  205 . Such a trilobe configuration provides the pontoon  221  with a larger, wider and non-circular base at the location of water contact, stabilizing the pontoons against such unwanted rotation and tipping. As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 23 , inflatable inserts  206   a  and  206   b  may be inserted into corresponding pockets  224   a  and  224   b . One end (e.g., a front end) of such pockets  224   a ,  224   b  may be closed, while the rear end may be open, or selectively openable to allow the user to position inserts  206   a ,  206   b  therein. The construction could be vice-versa (opening at the front), or otherwise (an opening along the top or elsewhere—e.g., similar to the zippered entry of the pontoons shown in  FIG. 24 ). Inserts (e.g., balloons) may be at least partially inflated before insertion, to make their insertion easier. Such lateral stabilizing portions may extend the full length of the pontoon, or only along a portion of the central pontoon portion e.g., at least about 50% of the length, at least about 30% of the length, at least 25% of the length, e.g., from the footwells back). The rear or other opening of the pockets may be selectively closed (e.g., using Velcro, buckles, a zipper, or other fastener) once the inserts are inserted. 
     In an embodiment, each pontoon may be configured as a multi-part (e.g., 4-part) construction. An example of such pontoons  321  is shown in  FIG. 24 . Each pontoon  321  includes a forward section  308   a  and a rearward section  308   b , with footwell section  310  disposed therebetween. Forward and rearward sections  308   a  and  308   b  may be independently inflatable, while footwell section  310  may not be inflatable. For example, longitudinal openings  312  may be provided along a length of the top of forward and rearward sections  308   a ,  308   b  for introducing inflatable inserts  314   a ,  314   b  therein. In another embodiment, openings may be provided in the front end and/or back end, as described in conjunction with the inflatable inserts  206   a ,  206   b  of  FIG. 23 . As shown, openings  312  may be zippered or otherwise selectively openable and closable (e.g., buttons, buckles, Velcro, other fasteners, etc.) 
     Footwell section  310  may include a pocket  316  on each lateral side (i.e., left and right) of the footwell  327 , adjacent the exterior of the pontoon  321 . Such a pocket may be accessible from the top of the footwell  327 , allowing the user to insert a stiffener  318  (e.g., plastic sheeting), which is sufficiently flexible to allow it to assume the curvature of the generally circular profile of the pontoon once inserted, but to also provide some shape retention rigidity to portion  310  of pontoon  321 . Another pocket  320  may also be provided, inward relative to pocket  316 , for stiffening not the exterior surface of the pontoon (which is provided by pocket  316  and stiffener  318 ), but for stiffening the right and left lateral sides of the footwell  327  itself. This configuration may be best seen in  FIG. 25 . A stiffener  340  may be inserted into pocket  320 , to prevent the left and right sidewalk of the footwell from bulging inward or outward. Stiffener  340  may comprise a rigid material, such as wood or plastic which is sufficiently thick to not significantly bend or flex, maintaining the desired size of the footwell  327 . Stiffener  340  may be more rigid than stiffener  318 . For example, stiffener  318  may be rollable plastic sheeting (e.g., about ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness), similar to the material of a plastic toboggan sled, which will roll up on itself. Such plastic sheeting material when inserted into pocket  316  may aid the exterior sidewalls of pontoon section  310  to remain in an condition which resembles that of the adjacent inflated sections  308   a ,  308   b  (i.e., the insert holds the exterior wall in the desired outwardly curved circular shape seen in  FIG. 25 ). 
     Returning to  FIG. 24 , the front and rear portions  308   a ,  308   b  may include inflation valves. Where inflatable balloon inserts are provided within zippered sections  308   a ,  308   b , any inflation valve of such balloons may be aligned with inflation ports  322 . Where no inflation within footwell section  310  is needed, no inflation port in section  310  may be provided. Sections  308   a  and  308   b  may be sealed (e.g., air-tight) relative to section  310 . 
     Thus, as seen in  FIG. 25 , the footwell section  310  may include two pockets on each lateral side. The other lateral side (e.g., left and right) may be similarly configured. The bottom end of each pocket  316  may be sealed at its bottom, where it adjoins the bottom corner of pocket  320  and/or footwell  327 . A flap  342  may be provided for closing over one or both pockets  316 ,  320 .  FIG. 25  illustrates such a flap  342  which may fold over one or both pockets and any inserted stiffeners, securing them within the respective pockets. Flap  342  is shown as including a buckle fastener  344 , which buckles into another half of the buckle, e.g., within the footwell  327 . While illustrated with a buckle fastener, it will be appreciated that any other type of fastener (e.g., Velcro, buttons, etc.) may similarly be employed to close flap  342  over one or both pockets.  FIG. 26  also shows the flap  342  and buckle fastener  344 . 
     Such an embodiment may not require the horizontal footwell supports seen in  FIG. 17 , extending between the outer wall of the pontoon and the footwell itself. The desired structural integrity may be provided by the insert  318  and insert  340 , even where the pontoon and pockets  320 ,  316  are formed of a water-resistant fabric-like, drapable material (e.g., vinyl, etc.). As section  310  may not be inflated, the D-shaped space seen in  FIG. 25  between pocket  318  and pocket  320  may or may not be air-tight. 
     Various additional features may also be provided within structures of the water walking apparatus. For example,  FIG. 26  shows how a generally horizontal flap of material  346  (or at least including a generally horizontal portion that extends over the toe end of the user&#39;s foot) may be provided within footwell  327 , at the front end of footwell  327  to aid a user walking up hill, once out of the water or before entering the water), while wearing the water walker apparatus. While shown with the opposite end of flap  346  attached to the bottom of the footwell  327 , it will be appreciated that it could be attached to the front sidewall  341 , extending generally horizontally over the toe end of the user&#39;s foot. In the illustrated configuration, the left and right sides of flap  346  may be secured to the left and right sidewalls of the footwell  327  (e.g., at a location below flaps  342 ). 
     When walking up a hill, it can be difficult for a user to maintain their feet within the footwells, as they pick up their feet (and the pontoons attached thereto—like very large shoes). By providing a flap of material  346  for retaining the user&#39;s foot as he or she walks, flap  346  prevents or minimizes any tendency of the user&#39;s foot to pull out of footwell  327 , where this is not intended. As seen, the front end of the user&#39;s foot engages under the flap  346 , helping it to remain within the footwell  327 , even as the user lifts their foot during walking.  FIG. 26  also shows how the front and rear ends of footwell section  310  may be sealed from the adjacent front and rear sections  308   a  and  308   b . For example, a rigid member  341  may be positioned there (e.g., of wood, or plastic similar to insert  340  or flexible insert  318 ). In another embodiment, such sealing could be achieved with just the fabric-like drapable material from which much of the device is constructed (e.g., vinyl). 
       FIGS. 27A-27B  illustrate an alternative scoop baffle  423  alternative to scoop  23  ( FIG. 15 ) for insertion into pocket  422  (e.g., pocket  22 ) disposed below the pontoon, which resists backwards movement of the pontoon when in the water. As shown, rather than a relatively rigid scoop, such as scoop  23  seen in  FIG. 15 , a foam baffle  423  may be provided, within the leading front end of the scoop pocket  422 . Baffle  423  may be compressible (e.g., comprised of compressible foam), to facilitate easier walking by the user when walking on the ground, before entering the water, or after exiting the water. As seen, baffle  423  may be generally U-shaped, including a hollow interior core section, with the open or hollow section of the U-shape oriented downwards, towards the ground. Baffle  423  may resemble a short in length section (e.g., 4-12 inches) of the foam “pool noodles” often used when playing in a pool, where the noodle has been cut in half lengthwise. The height at the center, under the hollow opening may be about 3 inches or less about 1-3 inches). Such a configuration provides a very tight weight baffle  423  within the leading front end of pocket  422 , which aids pocket  422  in opening, and filling with water if the pontoon is advanced backwards while in the water. Such filling and opening resists further backward movement of the pontoon. 
     Baffle  423  may be secured within the leading front end of pocket  422  by any suitable mechanism (e.g., glued, otherwise attached, sewn into or otherwise secured into a pocket, etc.). As seen, pockets may be provided within the bottom wall of the scoop pockets  422 , for removable insertion of stiffening inserts  423   a  (e.g., rigid boards). Flaps  448  may be provided for closing over such scoop pockets, and the insert. Such flaps  448  may be similar to flap  342 , described herein. Such pockets may be open at their rear, allowing insertion of inserts  423  therein, and buckling of flaps  448  over the opening. While  FIG. 27B  shows insert  423   a  in the pocket, with the face of insert  423   a  still largely exposed, it will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the pocket may cover the face of insert  423   a  once inserted therein. While shown with both foam baffle  423  and inserts  423   a , it will be appreciated that only one or the other may be provided, if desired. 
     A configuration including both the compressible foam baffle  423  and stiffening insert  423   a  may facilitate easier walking on land than the scoop  23  of  FIG. 15 , as the sidewalls of the scoop pocket  422  may simply collapse, so that the user may simply walk on the flat board, rather than the sidewalls being upright (as would be the case for the scoop  3  of  FIG. 15  when walking on land). 
     Such a configuration may be preferred, as it allows the scoop structure to easily collapse when the user is walking on land, as the sidewalls of the scoop pocket may simply be formed of the vinyl material, which easily collaspses, and the rigid insert  423   a  is already horizontal, on as to be walked on, without interfering with the user&#39;s walking (as would be the case with scoop  23  of  FIG. 15 ). While  FIG. 27B  shows insert  423   a  in the pocket, with the face of insert  423   a  still largely exposed, it will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the pocket may cover the face of insert  423   a  once inserted therein. For example, the pocket may extend substantially the full length of the bottom wall in which the pocket is formed. Any combination of rigid inserts, pockets, or any of the features from any of the described embodiments may be employed. 
     Any of the various described vinyl or similar water-resistant materials described above may be employed in forming the pontoons, the flaps, scoop pockets, footwells, lateral stabilizers, etc. In another embodiment, an aramid fabric material (e.g., KEVLAR) may be used, which material is very durable. Where KEVLAR is used, no further reinforcement may be needed (e.g. where vinyl is used, it may be desirable that the vinyl be reinforced with fibers, fabric, etc, providing additional tear resistance, strength, etc. The KEVLAR fabric material may include a vinyl coated surface for water resistance, and/or UV protection. 
     While the stiffening inserts described above are largely described in the context of being removable, it will be appreciated that any such stiffener may be permanently installed, e.g., whether in a corresponding pocket, or otherwise simply permanently fixed (e.g., glued, heat welded, or otherwise fixed) to the corresponding pontoon sidewall or other corresponding surface. Furthermore, while the pontoons are described herein principally in the context of being inflatable (which improves collapsibility of the overall device during storage and or transport), the pontoons are not required to be inflatable, but could simply be a buoyant material (e.g., plastic or other) which provides the device with appropriate buoyancy on the water. 
     While scoop pockets  422  may be desirable on the pontoons (e.g., the underside thereof) to substantially prevent rearward motion of the pontoons in the water, in some circumstances a user may wish to walk, slide, or otherwise move rearwardly when standing in the water. In such circumstances, it may be beneficial to include some means for selectively closing scoop pockets  422 , to better facilitate such desired rearward motion of the user.  FIGS. 28A and 28B  illustrate an embodiment  400  that may include such a mechanism. For example, these figures show one or more cords  450  which may be attached to scoop pockets  422 . The cords  450  may be configured so that when the user pulls on such a cord ( FIG. 28B ), the scoop pockets  422  close. In such a closed configuration, the user will find it significantly easier to move backwards, as co red to when the scoop pockets  422  are open, and filled with water. Cord(s)  450  may simply extend along the outside of pontoons  221 , and be attached to scoop pockets  422  in any suitable manner. In another embodiment, at least a portion of cord(s)  450  may be hidden within pontoons  221 . In an embodiment, the cord(s) may be attached at or near an end (the openable end) of scoop pockets  422 , as shown. The cord(s) may be attached to the bottom sidewall of the scoop pockets  422 . Pulling up on cord  450  may thus cause scoop pockets  422  to collapse upwardly, and close. Release of cord  450  may cause scoop pockets  422  to again open. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28A-28B  rings  452  may be provided in or on pontoons  221  to “guide” cords  450  as they extend to baffles  422 , particularly where separate cord segments may be provided, extending to each baffle, as shown.  FIG. 28B  shows a pull ring (or other handle) on the free end of cord  450 , which the user may pull to selectively close baffles  422 . Various other configurations for providing selective closure of baffles  422  will be apparent to those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure. All such variations are within the scope of the present invention. 
     In an embodiment cord(s)  450  (or at least a portion thereof) could be hidden within pontoons  221 . Such may be possible whether pontoons  221  are inflatable, or not inflatable. For example, it will be appreciated that pontoons  221  (or any of the pontoons described herein) are not necessarily inflatable, as they may simply be formed from a buoyant material (e.g., plastic), which will allow the pontoons to float on the water. They may be hollow, or solid. Any of the embodiments described herein may be so configured (e.g., inflatable or not). Of course, an inflatable pontoon configuration may allow the water walking device to be more compact, when not in use. Any of the embodiments described herein may include any of the features described in any other embodiment herein, independent of other features described in such embodiment. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.