Re: [Paddlewise] PFD Fit and function.

From: Jack Martin <jcmartin43_at_radix.net>
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 09:31:53 -0500
Date sent:      	Wed, 17 Feb 1999 00:15:03 -0800
From:           	Richard Mitchell <mitchelr_at_ucs.orst.edu>
To:             	"paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net" <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Subject:        	[Paddlewise] PFD Fit and function.

> 
> Many paddles wear PFDs that ride up off their shoulders and even
> up to the ears.  The buoyancy of such devices is compromised. 
> Children's PFDs all have crotch straps to prevent just such an
> occurrence. 

Sounds like you may not be fitting the PFD to the paddler properly. 
If a PFD is sized and fitted properly, and if the straps are all 
cinched down appropriately, a PFD won't ride up when a paddler 
swims --- and shouldn't ride up even in a jump into the water off a 
pier or a rock.  Crotch straps are fine --- my old CKS Stohlquist 
"Max" vest had USCG-approved hardpoints for crotch straps --- but 
they're most practical in an open canoe or on a raft.  Would look to 
a properly sized and rigged PFD before modifying it to offset 
improper fit.

Jack Martin
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Received on Wed Feb 17 1999 - 06:27:03 PST

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