How to choose a PFD.
So, you’ve discovered the wonderful world of kayaking and water sports, and you know what discipline you're keen to dive into. You’re getting out for a paddle with the kids, you crave the fast-paced whitewater, you got into Coast to Coast this year or you’re looking for a packraft adventure.
A PFD is an essential piece of your kit if you’re on the water, but there are an overwhelming number of options out there, so we’re here to wade through all the info and give you a better idea of what PFD you need.
What is the difference between a life jacket and a PFD?
A life jacket is precisely that - a jacket that preserves life. They have a collar behind your neck that is designed to flip you onto your back and keep your head above water even when you are unconscious. They are bulky and not designed for water sports. We do not sell this type of life jacket. Our PFD’s or Personal Floatation Devices are designed specifically to be used in water sports. They are less bulky with space to paddle and move, and are not designed to flip you over but to keep you afloat and help you swim to shore if you fall out of your kayak or packraft.
What type of PFD do I need?
Every different discipline will have specific needs and features it needs a PFD to have. For multisport, it may be a drink system block that allows you to have multiple different hydration tubes within mouth's reach. If you’re into whitewater, a robust rescue system with high floatation might be what you’re looking for. We're going to break down some disciplines and what you're looking for in a PFD!
Recreational Kayaking.
If you’re looking for a PFD to keep you and your family safe on the lake over the holidays, paddleboarding, or in a kayak on still water, then a Recreational PFD will suit your purpose nicely.
Key Features:
- Comfort
- Good Buoyancy
- Affordable Price Point
The Palm Universal, Peak PS Centre Vest, and NRS Ninja are great examples of lightweight, buoyant PFDs that will serve comfort and floatability without costing the earth.
Multisport Kayaking.
Have you signed up for Coast to Coast or another multisport race? You want a PFD that fits snugly with a great range of movement, and is light enough without compromising on buoyancy.
Key Features:
- Pull-over or side entry (zips add unnecessary bulk and weight)
- Front and rear buoyancy panels
- Adjustable waist and ribcage strap
- Food and drink features such as a water bladder pocket, foam attachment block, and bladder hose clips.
Meets your race requirements (this is VERY important, as you won’t be able to compete unless you meet this criteria, not every race is the same either).
Rasdex Multisporter PFD, Day Two Adventure Racer Vest, or the Peak PS Marathon Racer Vest are all great options here, depending on those race requirements.
Whitewater Kayaking.
Whitewater PFDs are slightly bulkier and offer more buoyancy and protection, along with some key safety features. They can be split into two categories: Rescue and Non-Rescue.
Rescue:
These PFDs are specifically designed with safety in mind for all levels of whitewater kayaking and packrafting. They are an essential piece of kit for an instructor or trip leader, or for you to be useful to yourself or teammates in case of a rescue situation.
Key Features:
- Rescue belt: webbing that goes around the waist, a quick-release buckle, and a stainless-steel O-ring for your anchor and attachment point.
- Attachment points and pockets for rescue gear, such as a river knife, carabiners, and webbing/slings.
Different brands have slightly different cuts and features, each trying to maximise comfort, safety, buoyancy, and range of movement in a different way. The arrangement of the rescue PFD becomes hugely personal for experienced river users, so it pays to investigate what combination you’d like. Some brands have side-entry zippers for comfort, but always check that there is a sturdy strap and buckle accompanying this to ensure the zipper isn’t put under load in a rescue situation. Fit also becomes more specific at higher-level paddling, so ideally, come in and give them a try!
NOTE: If you are using a rescue PFD and doing whitewater grade 2 or above, we highly recommend you invest in some professional instruction on swift water and river rescue techniques to enable you to safely undertake your river trips.
The Peak PS River Guide, Astral Green Jacket, Astral Indus, NRS Vector, or NRS Ninja Pro are some great options.
Non-rescue PFDs:
These PFDs are similar in cut and design to the rescue PFDs, but without the additional safety features.
Key Features:
- Buoyancy for Whitewater
- Fewer features (no rescue belt)
- Lightweight
The Peak PS River Vest and the NRS Ninja are awesome options we have in store.
Packrafting.
If you're carrying your gear for hours (or days), then weight becomes a bigger consideration. But it’s important to balance weight saving with performance - after all, you're relying on this bit of kit to assist you when things don't go to plan.
Selecting a lighter PFD with less performance needs to be a careful and deliberate choice. Consider the environment you'll be paddling, the likely hazards present, and the skills and judgment of your team. (If you're looking for spots to go packrafting, go check out PackraftingTrips.nz!)
For lakes, coastlines and grade I water, you could look at something light and simple, like the Palm Universal.
Once you're paddling whitewater from grade II and up, then you really ought to be wearing a whitewater PFD. (See above for info about rescue and non-rescue whitewater PFD's).
The weight difference between a lighter rescue PFD and a simple, lightweight whitewater PFD is about 500g. Is compromising your rescue options really worth half a kilo? If you're walking in for 2 days over a high pass to a grade III river and you're all grade IV paddlers, then maybe you could choose the lighter whitewater PFD. If you're on a day trip or weekend mission to a river that will be challenging for your team, it's a much wiser move to have the rescue PDF (and the training to know how to use it! As mentioned above, make sure you get some training about river rescue!)
Sea Kayaking.
Sea Kayaking PFDs are designed for long days on the water where comfort and safety are key, and it’s unlikely you’ll be leaving your boat often. They are similar in buoyancy and protection to whitewater PFDs; however, they have some key differences that make them ideal for sea kayaking.
Key Features:
The Peak PS Explorer Zip (for Men and Women) is a great option, as well as the Palm Kaikoura!
Kids PFDs.
For kids, it's super important to get the right fit, as adult PFD’s will generally be too big for kids. Until they are older, they will likely not be doing anything too advanced, and the kids' PFDs are designed assuming there are adults along with them with more technical rescue gear.
The Palm Universal Kids is an awesome option, as well as the Astral Otter. A note here that the Palm Universal will support a child’s weight from 22 - 40kgs, and the Astal Otter will support 30 - 50kgs - if your child is above 50kgs, then it’s time to get them into a small adult PFD! They grow up so fast!
Dog PFDs (Dog Life Jackets).
Let's not forget the other important family member we need to keep safe on the water, the four-legged variety! Your dog may love to be in the water, or it may love to keep to the sunbathing on the boat, but giving them the extra aid to keep them afloat if they end up in the water, on purpose or not, could be just the extra support they need.
All our Dog Life Jackets have a handle to haul them back onto the boat, and have been designed so they don’t impede your pup's ability to swim and have a great time in the water! It also adds insulation and warmth if they do happen to end up in the water.
We have the Ruffwear Float Coat or NRS CFD (Canine Floatation Device!), and for something that looks a bit more like a dog harness and adds mobility, we have the Ruffwear Confluence.
Not sure if a dog lifejacket is worth it? Rimu the dog survived a boat capsizing, wasn’t found until 4 days later, alive and still wearing her doggy lifejacket!
How to fit a PFD.
NRS on how to fit a PFD.
The 6 types of PFD's to consider:
1. Recreational Paddling: basic and affordable, great for general paddling.
2. Multisport: lightweight and minimal, these PFDs are perfect for your next race.
3. Whitewater: split into two categories, rescue and non-rescue, which have different features based on the user's skill set and needs.
4. Packrafting: For lakes, coastlines and grade 1 water, you can go light. Whitewater Grade II and above, you should be using a whitewater PFD.
5. Sea Kayaking: larger pockets for snacks, water and your safety kit. Perfect for a day on the ocean.
6. Kids and Dogs: There are specific kid and dog PFDs so that everyone can enjoy the water and watersports safely.
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