PFD recommendations

[dondon]

After reading David John's insane adventure and all the talk about PFD's, I was wondering what model is recommended for SUP downwinders of more than two hours.  I have been out on some crazy big days from Maliko and have thought about a PFD.  Any suggestions?

[watermelonman]

Waist auto inflatables.  Hobie makes one.  Also West Marine has one.

[corgi]

Waist auto inflatables.  Hobie makes one.  Also West Marine has one.

Do you know what the cost is?

[Dwight (DW)]

http://www.kodiakoutback.com/detail.aspx?ID=48

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/16-Gram-Inflata-Belttrade-Lite-Manual--P1697C17.aspx  Click the camo image. I have  that one.
Stearns is the smallest belt. I paid 50 something for mine

[chad19]

nice on the camo

how do the shells stand up to saltwater?

[watermelonman]

http://www.kodiakoutback.com/detail.aspx?ID=48

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/16-Gram-Inflata-Belttrade-Lite-Manual--P1697C17.aspx  Click the camo image. I have  that one.
Stearns is the smallest belt. I paid 50 something for mine

This is the one I was originally looking for, and couldn't find, when I bought the one from West. 

[mrod]

Thanks for the links DW. West marine raised their price over the winter to 90.00

[PonoBill]

They put them on sale for $50 frequently. I suspect that's why the raised the price. SAVE $40 NOW!!!

[JoeK]

i have Stohlyquist Wedge-E and its super comfortable.   it has a  "high mobility design ".  Really easy to paddle. 
http://www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?k=&p=STO5218

[DavidJohn]

The brand I have is Ultra and the style is Trek.. http://www.ultrapfd.com.au/default.asp?PageID=63

I found that most PFD's sit way too high.. Some have shoulder straps that can be lengthened so they sit much lower.

Having a pocket for a drinking bladder is also something to consider because it would be hard to wear a Camelbak over the top of most PFD's.

DJ

.

I noticed that they have now changed the styling slightly with a front zip and they're also available in yellow and red.

[robcasey]

if you prone paddle, consider something inflatable or low profile to keep your chest flat.  if not, tons of pfds out there, just a matter of what works for you.  i like easy to access pockets for a power bar, camera (on string), vhf radio, etc.

check our www.nrsweb.com, or in seattle, www.nwoc.com

3 purposes of a pfd -
- floatation, obviously
- warmth
- impact protection

[DavidJohn]

if you prone paddle, consider something inflatable or low profile to keep your chest flat.  if not, tons of pfds out there, just a matter of what works for you.  i like easy to access pockets for a power bar, camera (on string), vhf radio, etc.

check our www.nrsweb.com, or in seattle, www.nwoc.com

3 purposes of a pfd -
- floatation, obviously
- warmth
- impact protection

The problem with wearing the inflatable type is the metal air cylinder.. My friend fell onto his board and almost broke a rib because he hit the board right where the metal cylinder was.. They also don't offer any warmth and padding like the normal PFD's do.

DJ

[JimMcIlvaine]

3 purposes of a pfd -
- floatation, obviously
- warmth
- impact protection

Don't forget the all-important fourth purpose- not getting hassled by the man!   

[mik911]

if you prone paddle, consider something inflatable or low profile to keep your chest flat. 

As a prone paddler, I want an inflatable waist pack PFD, that doesn't have a buckle in front.  Anyone know if the Hobie (or any others) have a waist band where the buckle will not be in front?

[SHARKFREE]

I just got the O'neill Revenge vest. Low profile, USCG approved. Very comfortable to paddle in, even with a wetsuit on. Just my two cents.