Lobes said..
I see most of you guys have PFDs on. Is that the new rule?

Yes.. We all wear them now.. The law says they are only needed beond 400mtrs from shore.. So I guess you could stay in close without one but usually the best wind and waves are further out.. Plus.. even with a plan to stay eithin the 400mtrs there's always the chance that the wind could swing more NE and blow you further out than you planed.. So.. we encourage/insist that everyone wears one as well as bright colours so we can see each other more easy.. The new bum-bag waist type PFD's are so comfee you don't even know they're there.