A few months ago there was a forum on PFD's for SUP'ing, some wanting hydration bladders built in; I know I'm a bit slow but I have found a mass produced one designed for paddling.
If you could buy a PFD specifically designed for SUP'ing what features would you want it to include?
Are the existing PFD flexible enough - with the twist and bend action of paddling?
What percentage of paddlers wear PFD's?
J
We have quite a few wearing them on our downwinders.
I think the main feature that's needed for paddling is long shoulder straps so it sits low near the hips rather than up under the armpits (like most do so you can wear it sitting in a kayak).
DJ
I just picked one up the other day as we can no longer do a time trial in winter without a PFD. The one I grabbed from Wetspot is really minimalist but has a space for a hydration bladder. Will tell you what it is like to paddle in after Sunday.
The world has gone safety mad - surely being leg roped to a sup you are unlikely to drown in a time trial. I am all for people who want to wear them but they should not be regulated.
The nanny state rules again
Yes I agree with you completely.i did point out that seeing where we do our time trial is rather small I didn't think it likely we faced any danger, however, apparently the insurance company has made it a winter condition. So I bought one, I will wear it in winter and use it for the summer series up in Sydney so it's not wasted.
I bought an MTI Eddy PFD for The Doctor last year that has provision for a hydration bladder.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MTI-EDDY-PFD-Canoe-Kayak-Life-Jacket-/221058917377
Whilst it is bulky there is heaps of shoulder room and long straps so that you can wear it low and it didn't really get in the way at all, I put a 2ltr bladder in it.
I can see why you might be required to wear one on an open ocean race but for enclosed flat water it is overkill surely.
This PFD has proven to be very popular, mainly because it has been specifically designed for paddling.
It has plenty of room around the arm and neck area for paddling. Includes pouch on rear to take water hydration bladder, front zip pocket, adjustable straps on shoulder and waist. It can be purchased with or without a 2L hydration bladder.
$125 or $150 with a bladder
I have one of the ocean paddler pfds in the last post and I think it's great. Comfortable, takes a hydration bladder and has a handy pocket in front. Doesn't impede paddling at all.
The Ocean Paddler PFD AA posted is a good one. When racing I don't even know I'm wearing it. Yes, it seems silly to be required to wear a PFD while racing, however, it's an unfortunate requirement in order for race organisers to get insurance.
This one is firm enough to not flop around but at the same time it does not hinder paddling.