Stand Up Paddle > Whitewater and River SUP
Wakeboarding PFD?
2Rivers:
I need to replace and old Astral pfd (Tempo 200) that I've been using for whitewater. Since one is not "sitting" when paddling, it got me thinking about different pfd types that may be better suited for whitewater paddleboarding.
Standup paddling puts one in an upright position like a wakeboarder, so why not use a CGA pfd designed for that application. Some believe one needs a "rescue" grade pfd for whitewater applications like Astral's Greenjacket rated Type5 (16.5lbs/74 newtons). Type3 waterski/wake vests and whitewater vests are rated at 15.5lbs/70n and the majority of whitewater vests available are only Type3, so I believe as long as it's rated Type3, one is good to go regardless of the style.
The other benefit with a wakeboard type vest is the fuller coverage on the back, hip, and neck areas. The only downside I can see is the lack of pockets for storage. I've also seen some vests that adapting a safety release strap for leash usage would not be a problem and there's even functional spots for attaching an external safety knife and a whistle.
So moving forward, I'm now really struggling with the idea of getting another kayaking vest when I'm not kayaking. I also believe that getting back onto the board after a fall would be much easier, faster, and ultimately safer with wakeboard type vest. I've found the added bulk of a kayak vest can make it quite cumbersome at times.
So I'm curious if anyone else is using a CGA wakeboarding vest for whitewater purposes. Any pros and cons other than what I pointed out? Thanks!
Badger:
They are called impact vests. Lots of posts on them if you search the forum. Mostly about using them for surfing.
I like the "Comp" style over the USCG approved vests. They are a lot less bulky. I have the O'neill Gooru Tech Comp and love it. I can swim for miles in it and not worry about drowning and it doesn't hinder my paddling a bit.
I guess on a river you would probably want one of the CG approved impact vests just for compliance. You might check out the O'neills.
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fredi:
What I expect from my RiverSUP PFD:
1- quick access to knife
2- loops for passing my quick release belt on. Because I find that a belt going under the PFD is very dangerous.
3- allowing stand up paddling
4- additional floating
5- additional protection in case of fall on hard surface
For item 1 and 2, I suppose you'll have to sew something on. For item 3 and 5 I suppose that Wakeboarding PFD are probably better than kayak PFD. For item 4 I think it depend on the model and if you wear a wetsuit.
wilder:
I think its a great idea for the added protection of your spine and sides. Which models also have a knife attachment? Gotta say I love having lots of pockets. Seems like theres some room for innovation in a SUP specific river PFD.
2Rivers:
--- Quote from: fredi on October 25, 2017, 06:03:48 AM ---What I expect from my RiverSUP PFD:
1- quick access to knife
2- loops for passing my quick release belt on. Because I find that a belt going under the PFD is very dangerous.
--- End quote ---
I've found some wake vests that I can rig a belt to, but Corran makes some good points here about not attaching it to the vest... Go to 0:27 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-DS2uqSxQY
--- Quote from: wilder on October 26, 2017, 11:36:47 AM ---Which models also have a knife attachment? Gotta say I love having lots of pockets. Seems like theres some room for innovation in a SUP specific river PFD.
--- End quote ---
For the knife attachment, I'm actually considering this since it can be adapted to most shoulder straps which allows me more pfd options...
https://www.mtiadventurewear.com/products/accessories/weba04200000-mtab
+1 on room for innovation! I've already conceived an improved design. Now if I could only get it into production. Maybe someone can get me in contact with Dan Gavere at Starboard?
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