Just for the record we were able to use the type with the cannister that inflate by pulling a tab in the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton (Rotto kite surf race), I am wearing it under my rashie in my avatar shot.

I can't imagine paddling that distance in a full bulky PFD would be very nice, and if I was to wear an auto inflate one I can guarantee it would be inflated before we got around the first mark.

I am pretty sure this is not the first time this has come up. What for all the guys in Sydney to chime in. This fight has been fought before with all the Fenn Cup races and nothing has changed, so I can't see anything changing now.

I paddled the Hawkesbury Classic in the same PFD I paddled last years DR in and as bulky as they are I don't find them to be that inhibiting, the bigger concern is they don't allow your body to breath and you get very hot.

I'm not sure if rules have been posted somewhere else apart from the doctor web site,

but heres what is posted on the website.

Rules & Equipment
All competitors must abide by the following rules:

All paddlers must wear type 2 or type 3 PFD's (lifejackets). Blow up PFD's must be self inflating.
All paddlers must be attached to their craft via a leash.
All paddlers must have at least one flare attached to their craft/person. Flares will be available to purchase and hire on Friday night at the registration.
All paddlers must attend the pre event briefing held immediately prior to race start. Day 1 Rottnest Island, Day 2 Fremantle Beach.
All paddlers must assist other competitors in difficulty.
Any competitors with private escort boats must be operated by registered certified skippers

last year I wore a waist style type 1 pfd, with a co2 cannister to inflate,via the red pull tab, no hydrostatic release. no problem.

with this system, i don't have to blow it up orally so therefore it is "self inflating" but at the time I choose. i.e. manually "self inflating"

as mentioned earlier hydrostatic release vest are useless in a race were you will more than likely fall off.

at around 3 hours plus for the average paddler hydration is a big concern and wearing bulky vests pose problems with over heating, especially if the breeze doesn't come in strong, (infact you will probably need the vest after you pass out from heat stroke, at which time you will drown as it has no neck support) last year people wore the bulky vests around their waists, where they would actually be less effective than the properly worn "self inflating" waist or yoke style ones. this included people in the top 10.

at the end of the day a 27km open water paddle is something you need to think about before undertaking it, if you are not confident wear a bulky vest, if you are wear a "self inflating" vest, and at the end of the day, if you are out of the prize money, it doesn't constitute an advantage, so just wear what you are comfortable with.

I for one will be paddling with my "self inflating" vest i wore last year as at plus. wether its in the race or at the same time as the race, the marshalling shall decide. but i'll still have loads of fun.

peace!!!

I wore a bum pack self inflating pdf last year. The rules have not changed.

hilly said...

I wore a bum pack self inflating pdf last year. The rules have not changed.

Hi Hilly, the rules were the same last year, but not enforced. They will not allow a manual inflating PFD 1 this year according to the event co-ordinator.

Kissa, thanks for your input. I am involved in running a sailing event off Rottnest and risk management can be a real headache, so I can relate to the Doctor event organisers. Comfort is a personal side issue, but the big issue is preferential safety. If you wish to carry a safer form of life jacket (above the required regulations) you should be able to. In a Fremantle seabreeze over 15 knots we generally get a swell of 1.5 - 2m and a sea state of 1.5m- that makes it pretty hard to see a paddler in the water in the troughs. I would much prefer a rated PFD1 that will comfortbly keep me afloat if I become separated from my board.

Anyway, like I said, I was just interested what other people thought. Paddle hard and have fun!

Goochi said...

hilly said...

I wore a bum pack self inflating pdf last year. The rules have not changed.

Hi Hilly, the rules were the same last year, but not enforced. They will not allow a manual inflating PFD 1 this year according to the event co-ordinator.

By manual inflating they meant blow up by mouth mine has a canister and was inspected and approved

Well I hope everyone is as confused as I am????
Does anyone know of anywhere in Perth that has a decent range of pdf's to check out?
I like the idea of fitting the drink bladder.

Hi Goochi,

I have bought an Australian Standards approved self inflating PFD Type 1 for use in the Dr race.

When I read the race requirements, I was quite surprised that they were allowing Type 2 and 3 PFD's. Neither are designed to keep your head above water in anything other than calm swimming pool type conditions. They are not advised for open ocean on a calm day let alone in a howling SW'er. The type 2 and 3 are designed to keep your body upright, not necessarily with your head up, this is why the waters they are used in need to be "calm enclosed waters". Rough water will see your head underwater with this type of PFD. I would have throught that in rough open waters, they would have at least specified type 2, which have reflective tape and high vis colours. Type 3 is a ski vest and can be black/blue/grey/red or whatever.

If I need a PFD in rough open ocean conditions, then it's going to have to be a type 1 which WILL keep my head above water even if unconscious in rough conditions.

I don't see any greater risk in having a manually activated, self inflating, PFD type 1 over a type 3.

Hydration is another issue. If I have to buy a type 2 or 3 for the race, I'll need to buy one with a hydration pack which, if I'm not mistaken will not be cheap as compared to a normal type 3. I have already invested in a Camelbak which works well with the waist PFD1 but wont work with the type 2/3.

I don't see the sense in the race directors decision. Hopefully they will allow it on the day.

DM

At the end of the day it dosn't matter if you're wearing a PDF 1, 2 or 3 the insurance companies will find away not to pay out any monies to any victim that gets hurt in the ocean on a SUP in any Downwind Race. So the victim then, has to sue the organisers of the event.
If any Breezer watched ACA about 6 months ago they spoke about this issue on competing in sports and being insurance what an insult