Patent ID: 8708867

Claim:
An exercise apparatus for simulating paddleboarding, comprising: (a) an elongate support structure; (b) a platform connected to the support structure for supporting a person standing thereon; (c) a paddle component configured to be handled by the person standing on the platform, the paddle component comprising an elongate shaft; (d) a tensioning line, the tensioning line including a first connector in proximity to a first end of the tensioning line, the paddle component including a second connector in proximity to a first end of the elongate shaft, the first and second connectors configured to, (i) connect together for connecting the paddle component to the tensioning line during the handling of the paddle component by the person standing on the platform, and (ii) disconnect from one another for disconnecting the paddle component from the tensioning line; and (e) a housing connected to the support structure and spaced from the platform by a longitudinal distance sufficient to permit handling of the paddle component by the person standing on the platform, the tensioning line having a second end secured within the housing, the tensioning line extending from the housing when the first and second connectors are connected and the paddle component is handled by the person standing on the platform; (f) wherein the housing contains, (i) a spring-biased spooling assembly configured, when the first and second connectors are connected, to wind the tensioning line thereon during the handling of the paddle component by the person standing on the platform, such that tension is maintained in the tensioning line and the tensioning line is retracted into the housing when the first end of the paddle component moves toward the housing during such handling, (ii) a transmission system, and (iii) an impeller-driven fluid circulation system, the transmission system interconnecting the spring-biased spooling assembly and an impeller of the impeller-driven fluid circulation system such that extension of the tensioning line outside of the housing during such handling results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system, (iv) wherein the impeller-driven fluid circulation system comprises, (A) a pump housing including an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber having a floor including an opening for the flow of fluid from the upper chamber into the lower chamber, and (B) a passageway by which fluid is pumped from the lower chamber into the upper chamber during rotation of the impeller about a generally vertically extending axis.