PFD
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[edit] Personal Floatation Device
Some good PFD manufacturers include
Also known as a life jacket or life vest and, in Britain, a buoyancy aid. This is additional buoyancy that will help you stay afloat in the event that you should wet exit and end up in the water. It is considered best practice that every kayaker wear a PFD at all times while kayaking.
The laws governing the use of a PFD vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction - check with the authorities in your area to see what you must do.
Additionally, a PFD can provide torso protection in surf and whitewater kayakers. Many paddlers consider it a good idea to wear a PFD when walking near whitewater, such as scouting rapids, since you will be protected if you slip or if you fall into the river.
Paddlesport-specific PFD's are much more comfortable (making them more likely to be worn 100% of the time) than other styles or brands of PFD's. Some states have additional requirements for PFD's. For example commercial rafters in Colorado must wear a Type V PFD (the guides can wear a Type III). Most paddlers will use a Type III.
PFDs for sea kayaking and for whitewater paddling can be different even though they look very similar.
[edit] Fit
Modern PFDs are quite a bit more comfortable than the old ones. You can find PFDs that are made for specific body shapes and there are several that are made with women in mind - these even have built-in cups and jog-bra style fit.
If you find that many PFDs are too hot, consider the low-profile or brick style PFDs. These provide buoyancy in a thick band around the waist and little in the upper chest or back. In addition, inflatable PFDs are now legal for sea kayaking - these would not be safe for whitewater, however. Worn uninflated, they look horseshoe-shaped hanging around the neck. They inflate with a replaceable CO2 cartridge.
A PFD should not ride up on your torso when in the water. If you hook your thumbs under the shoulder straps, you should only be able to pull the PFD up a few centimeters (a couple of inches).
[edit] Rescue and towing harnesses
With appropriate training, a rescue PFD is highly recommended for whitewater. Rescue PFDs have features designed to enhance wearer's ability to rescue other paddlers. These include such features as attachments for a pigtail and a quick-release chest harness.
Some sea kayak PFDs have similar looking items, such as towing straps that resemble a chest harness. Note that these are very different and you should not use a sea kayaking PFD as a whitewater rescue PFD. WW chest harnesses are designed to carry a load of 500 kg (1100 lb) - towing belts are not. Chest harness straps have braking bars to take up load - towing belts do not.
It is reasonable to use a whitewater rescue PFD in sea kayaking, however.
[edit] Flotation
Another aspect of the difference is flotation. Whitewater PFDs come with different amounts of buoyancy. Standard in Canada and the USA is 15.5 lb, while some rescue PFDs can be up to 20 lb or more. If you are particularly lean and muscular, you might appreciate the extra buoyancy of some of these rescue PFDs. That said, there may be higher buoyancy sea kayaking PFDs as well. Consider as well the buoyancy of neoprene wetsuits.
[edit] Visibility
Note that sea kayak PFDs may have more reflective material on them than those for whitewater. Sea kayakers expect to be seen on the water, especially at night. If you get a whitewater PFD for sea kayak use, you could add some adhesive-backed Scotchlite or similar reflective tape. For better visibility in general, international orange is the easiest to see on the water. Bright yellow comes next. Most other colours are harder to see.
[edit] Pockets
Sea kayak PFDs often have (and need) more pockets for things like flares (which should be on the person, not on the boat), hydration pack, snacks, VHF radio etc. Whitewater kayakers can usually stop and get out onto the bank for food and to help others, whereas sea kayakers may remain in the kayak for many hours.
[edit] Certification
Most jurisdictions require paddlers to use only certified PFDs. If you modify the PFD, technically, the certification is voided. Sewing, cutting, or any other actions to modify should be avoided.
[edit] External links
To the United States Coast Gaurd discussing the various types of PFDs.
