Evening all,

I guess I'd better get m'self a flotation device to keep me afloat should I get in trouble.

Any hints or tips? Good brands? Best places to purchase / try on?

Thanks everyone!

annaconda have got some cheaper otions online at the moment

These things are worth checking out. A clubbie mate put me onto these, they wear them when rowing, paddling etc, they fit nice and tight, hi vis & don't restrict you, just choose how much foam you need for your weight or just enough to help out if needed. Only sanctioned under supervision eg. a surf carnival, but if they keep you afloat........... surfvest.com/

faito anto said...
I feel like if I'm going to bother to get a PFD, I most well get one that's going to work if I hit my head, and am unable to use the bum-bag inflatable. As that's the main situation I could see where I'd actually need a PFD.

As anyone tried these?

http://www.oceanpaddler.com/store/categories/accessories/pfd-safety-accessories/pfd-type-2-oceanpaddler-jacket/

A PFD type 2 or 3 doesn't have a collar to support the head, a PFD type 1 does. If you were knocked out a PFD 2 or 3 would float you but maybe face down, type 1 might have some chance of righting you but that's probably debatable. There are also vest-type inflatable type 1s, and versions that auto inflate when you hit water ( which would probably be a PITA on a sup). There are pros and cons for each type, anything you choose for sup use is going to be a compromise of safety vs convenience in some way.

Woody2012 said...
...Only sanctioned under supervision eg. a surf carnival, but if they keep you afloat........... surfvest.com/

Those things look like an excellent idea. I could see them being very easy to slip on under or oover the wettie.

Shame about the web site. The only information you get is a bunch of videos of mannequins floating face down in the water!!!!

It would be useful to have some detailed descriptions of what you get and how you use it and the benefits etc.

BTW In my experience the water police really, really do not want to book people. If you are behaving responsibly and wearing something that passes for a PFD then they will be happy.