David - I like the Palm line of PFDs. They're a little more expensive, and because of the pockets they aren't USCG approved, but IMO they're the best. They can be ordered from Great River Outfitters 248-683-4770. The URL is http://www.erols.netcom/rapids/GRO They also sell the Extrasport and Lotus PFDs, which are also excellent. I use a Palm 5 Pocket Ocean Bouyancy Aid, and it's perfect. A towing package separate from the PFD is much safer than one which is built into the PFD. In gnarly situations, you may want out of that tow in an instant, and you DON'T want to be releasing your PFD along with the tow when it's hairy outside. Nigel Dennis has designed a very nice, simple long tow, which has saved a couple of people's bacon. I did modify it, replacing the cam buckle (which wouldn't always release instantly) with a 2 inch Fastex buckle. A short tow mounted on the bungies in front of the cockpit is also occasionally useful - a carabiner on each side of it, for quick deployment to your right or your left. Happy hunting - - Bill Hansen Ithaca NY *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Dec 12 1998 - 05:33:08 PST
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