THE ambition to walk on the surface of water is probably as old as the desire of mankind to fly in the air. We have solved the latter problem, and recent invention at least approaches a solution of the former.
    “Water skates,” as somebody has called them, in order to be satisfactory, must not be too cumbersome. A new invention, fairly acceptable in this respect, takes the form of a pair of lightweight aluminum cylinders, long, narrow, pointed at both ends, and covered with rubberized canvas. They are secured to the feet of the wearer by straps, but in such wise that in case of an upset he can readily detach himself.    Beneath the cylinders are paddles, which are so hinged as to flatten when the leg moves forward, opening on the backward movement to give the requisite propulsion. The wearer has only to go through the ordinary motions of walking, and his “water skates” carry him ahead.
    A modification of this invention employs, instead of the paddles above described, a small paddle wheel at the rear, which is operated not by leg movements, but by the feet.

From—Grand Forks Herald. (Grand Forks, N.D.), 13 Feb. 1922. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.