"NEW" "Choosing Your PFD"
- Your PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is your most vital piece of
Safety equipment. A Coast Guard approved PFD is part of the required
items for legal operation of an Ocean Kayak
- PFD’s have to fit well or they really are not going to do
the job. Sizing is crucial! Some Kayakers buy PFD’s that looks
good and fit fine in the store, but PFD’s are not for making
a fashion statement - they are a matter of survival.
- Some purchase PFD’s that are too large, with the result that
once in the water, it rises up and becomes a hazard. Be sure to test
the PFD carefully in the store. Your body should be very snug inside
the PFD and should not be able to rotate.
- Cinch it up and have someone get behind you and try to pull the
jacket up. If it comes up to your chin or higher it will be a problem
in the water. Get a smaller, tighter fit. Be careful with the new
combination sizing, such as ‘small/medium’ or ‘medium/large’.
This may well lead you to buy one that is too large for yourself.
- As for zippers, side zippers can be hard to operate, especially
for busty women. A center zipper is by far the easiest to use.
- You should also have two or three adjustable side straps, plus a
buckle, and straps over the shoulders to adjust the fit.
- Some PFD’s have rigid panels that your arms may rub against
as you paddle, whereas others have flotation which wraps around the
body and are more comfortable to wear.
- There are concerns with the new style of Cut-Away PFD’s. They
are great for paddling, but if you jump-test them by leaping into
the water, with your arms up, you will discover that most of them
slide off. This is more problematic with bustier women and bigger
men.
- The newer, shorter PFD’s are a problem in that they are bulkier.
The problem is for bustier women and large men, when they have to
do a “Self Rescue”. Because of the bulk of these newer
PFD’s, one cannot get near enough to their kayaks to be able
to do a Self Rescue. Again, test these PFD’s before buying.
Some retailers will have demos that they will loan out.
- Color is always a safety issue, especially if you have a darker
kayak. If you cannot be seen, you may not be rescued! The most visible
colors are: Red, Orange and Yellow.
- As for zippers, side zippers can be hard to operate, especially for busty women. A center zipper is by far the easiest to use.
Major Concerns with Inflatable PFD's
- They are used in a "Panic Situation", usually for the very first
time being used
- Bulky when inflated, hindering Self Rescues
- CO2 cartridges are not all the same for each manufacturer
- If you are a poor or non swimmer, you have to hold onto your boat,
hold onto your paddle and with your THIRD hand pull a leaver to inflate
the PFD, all during a possible panic situation…….good
luck!
- Salt Water can damage the CO2 Cartridges
- If physically damaged, they fail!
- No pockets for Flares etc. (not all of the Inflatable PFD’s)
- There is no insulation value when not inflated
- Once inflated they are very bulky
- They are a mechanical device which lends itself to failure
- You might be in VERY FRIGID WATERS! Cold Hands will make it next
to Impossible to pull the Inflation Lever
