[Paddlewise] Inflatable PFDs

	Thanks,  Allan


	I copy  and note the following from the Sospenders {NZ} web site: 


	"Inflatables are not to be used for high impact activities. They 	should
not be used in whitewater, with personal watercraft, while
             water-skiing, kneel boarding, or other high-speed impact
sports where
             the user is constantly getting wet."

	Well, I guess that rules out inflatable PFDs in sea-kayaking as well.
Thanks for pointing me to that web site.  Having scan-read their guff on
their PFD,  as you say,  it also sounds most unlikely that a satisfactory
re-arming of the inflatable can be achieved at sea.   That's a shame really
because the concept of a   low bulk, low weight, manually inflated PFD for
kayaking seems sound, if only someone could crank up the technology to
allow for multiple re-use at sea. 
	And reading their web site, I cannot really grasp the concept of a PFD
which should be kept DRY!  I  shall be in touch with the company and put a
few questions to them about their manual inflatable and will get back to
you.  RFD here in OZ, and a company in Tasmania have similar products.  If
their ability to act as a life preserver is a given, and I note Sospenders
constantly quote USCG standards,  then a key issue for me  is whether these
things can be re-stowed, and re-armed at sea without too much fuss. It
would be nice to compare all three designs,  NZ, RFD and Sospenders, side
by side.  Life gets too complicated..... PJ 


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************