in various configurations preferably the positioning plate 90 handle 96 insert pin holder 100 receptor ring 98 and bumpers 116 117 and 118 are an integrally molded unit of flexible material for example soft pvc the soft material allows some articulation by deforming with force fig7 provides a side elevation view of the bow coupling assembly 84 here the positioning plate 90 is shown mounted on the bow of the flotation apparatus 26 a mounting plate 88 not shown in fig7 is attached to the wall of the flotation apparatus 26 this attachment may be made by means of welding adhesive or other methods fasteners 92 are used to attach the positioning plate 90 to the mounting plate 88 providing for easy replacement of worn or damaged positioning plates other methods of attachment are also possible between the mounting plate 88 and the positioning plate 90 is a layer of padding 94 this padding may be composed of closed cell neoprene or some other material its principal purpose is to reduce the impact of collisions on the rider the padding may also be extended upward to form a footrest or kicker 114 handle 96 extends forward from the vertical section of the positioning plate 90 and terminates at the insert pin holder 100 an insert pin 102 extends downward from the insert pin holder 100 fig9 corresponds to fig8 insofar as depicting the bow of the inflatable tube 78 in side section with the mounting plate 88 affixed thereto however in fig9 the layer.