Get a kakak pfd with a pocket for camel back bladder. They have perfect paddling clearance and you don't even notice them. You may never use it again but I wear mine if I'm doing long open water solo runs and honestly it really isn't a problem, mine is a Trek brand and it was about $170.
We need to confirm exactly what the requirement for pfd is, the kayak one that I use is only pfd type 2.
Hey Lacey, I know everything is perfect in Queensland but...
seems to be a lack of understanding as to what sup d/w is all about is a bit strong mate
. I'm sure it's an insurance issue for the organisers, why don't you give them a call and talk it through rather than suggesting they don't know what they are doing on a public forum.
I know it's a huge effort to get over from Qld but I hope you guys can sort it out and make it there, I'm just going to borrow any board I can get and do it for the experience and for fun.
. tell us more about this jacket. any pictures, do they do a pfd type 3.we are worried about getting overheated. we know its insurance related, but when it was asked if we could use bum bag type of pfd, they said yes as long as it is inflated, what's that about?still don't know what class of pfd is required i need to book a flight, so i'm getting a bit edgy. sorry if i appeared a bit stroppy. 
