Purchasing a PFD (lifejacket) for paddling

There are two main types of outer materials available on PFD's today.

1. Nylon
2. Cordura

Nylon can be found on most PFD's under $100 while cordura is found on most PFD's over $100. As stated in my hub on purchasing a kayak, the best place to buy a paddling PFD is a specialy paddling shop. The pricing will seem more expensive than your local discount store but the PFD is actually designed to paddle in not just sit in or stand in. Also, the staff at the shop will have paddled in many different types of PFD's and have fit lots of different shapes of people so should have a god idea just by looking at you and listening to how you like things fit, of what models they have that you would be most interested in.

Kayaking and Canoeing PFD's will have a cut that allows for greater freedom of movement around your arms and often end above your waist to facilitate the use of a spray skirt on your kayak.

As a woman you should ask about the shop's options for female specific PFD's. There are many great one's on the market, some now even have adjustable bra's in them, so you should be able to find one that fits you just right. Now some women find that the women specific models just don't work for their body shape so don't get hung up on buying one but at least investigate the fit. On that note some men may find that the female specific model fits them great. My friend is 6'3" and rail thin and he finds a female specific PFD fits the best. Most of the time if you don't pick the pink one there is very little visually to tell someone that it is a female specific PFD.

As shown in the picture above PFD's are available for all members of your family. A Canadian company called Salus makes a PFD called the Bijoux that fits infants. It is the only option if you want your infant to be wearing a PFD, and if they are paddling with you then they should be wearing one. PFD's are also available for dogs. I even have one for my chocolate Labrador Retriever. While she can swim very well and loves the water, she was not born with a handle on her back so getting her back into a canoe or on a dock is made easier with the PFD. Realistically if you were to capsize and become separated from your boat having you dog in a PFD will give them more bouyancy and save them energy to wait till rescue arrives.

Really buying a new PFD is all about finding the model that fits your body shape the best. You should try on all of the models available to you just because you are in the store and have the chance.

Don't forget to inquire about the return policy at the store. Most stores I frequent will exchange the PFD if it looks like it is in showroom condition within a week or two of purchase. This allows you to try it out to make sure the PFD fits you while in use.