[Paddlewise] Inflatable PFD's

John mentioned the inflatable PFD's in a conversation we had earier. I will
reiterate my thoughts at the time. I don't trust things with moving parts.
I am sure the CO2 cartridge is pretty fool proof, but it is more likely to
fail than a chunk of closed cell foam. At least with the foam a cursory
inspection will reveal any problems. You can't test the cartridge. If the
cartridge fails you can use the oral inflation tube, which again is
probably pretty reliable, but if you are thrown in the water you often have
other things to worry about such as grabbing your paddle before it blows a
way or chasing down your boat when it does get out of reach. The last thing
you want to deal with is inflating your PFD. The PFD should be there as
your first and most reliable defense in the event of a wet exit. It should
not be just one more thing to worry about. Airplane pilots may use the
things but they probably need to get regular inspections that civilians
won't bother with.

Once the PFD is inflated it is bulkier than a standard one and you will
probably want to deflate it before paddling much further and then you will
have to orally reinflate it if you don't have any spare cartridges next
time you get thrown in.

 You can now get very comfortable PFDs which don't bind and have decent
ventilation. If you want more buoyancy, you can always wear both since the
inflatable does not take up much space.

 Besides a foam PFD can be used as body armor if you are ever attacked by a
Ninja while out on the water.
Nick

At 7:55 AM -0400 10/7/98, John Winters wrote:
>The PFD discussion always brings out a lot of hot debate.
>
>This past year I have been carrying an inflatable PFD and am impressed with
>them for a number of reasons.
>
>1. Mine seems amazingly comfortable and cause absolutely no binding in the
>armpit area.
>
>2. They provide lots of ventilation in hot weather.
>
>3. Putting them on in an emergency if you haven't been wearing it seems
>easy for most people.
>
>4. They will float you with your head up. I could not get my head to stay
>under with mine inflated no matter how hard I tried.
>
>5. They provide more flotation that typical kayaking PFD.
>
>6. They need not be inflated and that can make self re-entry easier than
>with normal PFD that I find  bulkier.
>
>7. The CO2 inflation is quick and apparently reasonably fool proof. The
>oral back-up is there if all else fails.



Nick Schade
Guillemot Kayaks
c/o Newfound Woodworks, 67 Danforth Brook Rd, Bristol, NH 03222
(603) 744-6167

Schade_at_guillemot-kayaks.com
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/

>>>>"It's not just Art, It's a Craft!"<<<<


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