Hi Rob, We actually use automatic PDF's (salt capsule- or cord activated, manual also possible). We paddle a double Klepper Quattro, a increadibly stable kayak, especially with all four air tubes inflated. We feel that with this kayak you need a PDF primarily for life threatening situations (the ones that you pray to avoid at any cost). In such cases you may expect that you are unable to swim, than only a automatic PFD, provides enough bouancy and a head-above-water-position. We carry our PDF's all the time, never used them. In addition, a Klepper Quattro does not require frequent rolling so a automatic PDF can be used: > My reasons: my existing sea kayaking PFD interferes with my roll, and > my whitewater PFD is perhaps too small for long time submersion; all foam > PFDs for kayaking have less flotation than I'd like, although certainly they > have enough; I like the option of NOT having to have flotation (playing in > surf). When you drope your automatic PDF in the water or by rolling, a split seccond later it is fully inflated. An that is exactly what they are supposed to do. Rolling or any submersion is no option with the salt-tablet activated PDF. A cord activated does not inflate in the water, but its requires YOUR action to inflate and is therefore NOT safe (to our taste). A automatic inflatable PDF for kayaking is, in our opinion, only for kayaks that do not require frequent rolling and is then for life threatening situations only. By the way, do not forget to replace the salt tablet at least once a year, it very hydroscopic.. Our prefered way of replacing the tablets is.........rolling. Diana and Nico-Dirk van Loo Rotterdam The Netherlands > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not > to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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