Considerations for Choosing a Paddling PFD

• Portability
  • If you want to travel with your PFD is the space it will take in luggage critical? Then you may want to consider inflatables for trips, at least they are better than no PFD. Always check with your airline before you travel about whether they allow inflatables with cartridges - many do allow them in checked luggage with the cartridges securely installed on the PFD.
• Usability/Reliability
  • All Inflatable PFDs have to be inflated to work. Do you want to deal with that in a situation when you really need your PFD? You have to remember that waistline PFDs have to be rotated to the front and many of them need to be put over your neck before inflation, otherwise you may not be able to get one over your neck. There are inflatables worn on the chest that only require inflation and no repositioning. Inflation cartridges do not last forever unused. Will you remember to replace your inflation cartridges on a regular basis? Some inflatables have indicator pins that break off to show when a cartridge has been used and needs replacement. There are also some “hybrid” PFDs which have some built in permanent inflation along with bladders that can be inflated with CO2 or air for additional buoyancy.
• Floatation
  • Does the PFD provide adequate floatation to make you feel secure and adequately supported in the kind of waters you will be paddling in?
• Warmth
  • Will the amount and location of insulation in a PFD be a plus or a minus in terms of added warmth retention in the conditions you are paddling in?
• Fit/Adjustability/Accommodation for Paddling
  • If a PFD fits poorly and tends to ride up it may not keep you above the water surface as much as you would like. Can it be adjusted to fit snuggly while not interfering with your comfort or breathing?
  • Is there any interference with rotation or shoulder and arm movement? Will there be any part inclined to rub any moving body part, leading to raw spots or blisters? (particularly important if you like paddling shirtless/sleeveless).
• Visibility
  • Any thing you can wear that lends itself to visibility for other watercraft to avoid collisions or to make being located by rescuers easier is a plus. If you want a potential rescuer to have a chance of spotting you, you would be well advised to choose bright orange or neon green/yellow colors. They have proven visibility at greater distances than other colors. In rough conditions it is hard to spot anyone, particularly separated from their boat, but the odds of being spotted are better with bright colors. (Airborne rescuers have reported little benefit from bright clothing Surfski Sea Rescue Exercise though boat color makes a big difference, but on-the-water rescue personel report nearer to swimmer visibility advantages from the standard oranges and green/yellows.)
  • If you plan on paddling in the dark is there reflective material on the PFD? {Or can you easily add your own?)
• Padding
  • Are you going to be using your PFD while learning to foil? You might want one that has more padding to better protect you during falls. Or even consider an impact vest?
• Pockets/Storage/Attachments
  • What do you want to be able to carry on your person? Water bag? VHF Radio? Snacks? Flares? Are there straps, etc. to route a water hose through, or to attach a radio/beacon high and easily accessible?
• ….

Brands and Suppliers

Resources

• US Coast Guard Information
• ISO PFD Safety Specs
• ISO vs USCG and what the specs mean