Have finally have to get a PFD for two upcoming races and was wondering which are the best for SUP.

I have seen some for kayaking on the web and in stores which look pretty good but would really appreciate any tips that the breezers can offer regarding which ones are the best.

The main thing I am looking for is comfort and freedom of movement, dont really care if it floats me or not [}:)].

Unfortunetly cannot use the inflatable ones around the waist like DJ had in another post.

Cheers

I was looking into PFDs before the Doctor and tried on the Jet Pilot jackets, IMO they would be too hot for here in WA in the summer over any sort of distance. The one I tried on also didn't have a pouch for a bladder so you would have to wear a camlebak over the top which I think would limit mobility. As far as surfing goes, the impact vests are probably the way, but for D/W's not ideal.

goatman said...

Hey Zimbo, here's some responses I got to a similar question:

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=61095

I ended up getting a Jet Pilot but I was after float so might not be the best option.

Thanks goatman

This is how PFD buoyancy is calculated for those that are interested


example of a 200 pound person
Approximately 80% of the body is water. Water in the body has no weight in water. So now we are down to having to support only 40 pounds.

200 lbs. X 80% = 160 lbs.

200 lbs. - 160 lbs. = 40 lbs.

But the PFD only has a buoyancy rating of 22 lbs. How can it hold up 40 lbs?

On average our bodies also have 15% fat and fat is lighter than water.

200 lbs. X 15% = 30 lbs.

40 lbs. - 30 lbs. = 10 lbs.

Now you can see that the average 200 pound person only weighs about 10 pounds in water. The 22 lbs of buoyancy in your PFD is more than enough to keep the person afloat