RE: [Paddlewise] Inflatable PFDs

> Pardon me if this topic has been thrashed about previously, but I could find
> nothing on the Paddlewise website (the NBSC link there is dead).
>
> I'd like to wear an inflatable PFD sea kayaking. The USCG now certifies
> non-automatics (I think); I'm planning to get an automatic (for those
> unfamiliar with inflatables, they are kinda like a fabric horseshoe secured
> by a chest strap or harness; they inflate automatically when a pill in a
> capsule dissolves, or by pulling a ripcord, or manually, with a breath
> tube). 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). Another big reason is that since I've gotta have one for sailing, I
> don't need another one for sea kayaking.
>
> Does anyone *who has actually used these in a kayak* have any pointers?
>
> Thanks,
> Rob

Rob

I use a gas pfd sea kayaking, foam on ww rivers. There are pros and cons to each
type. On ww rivers buoyancy is important in and out of the boat, and the foam
provides a nice cushion against all those rocks while river running, but sea
kayaking I'm only going to need buoyancy in the worst case scenario of swimming
and losing my boat. This is a scenario worth wearing a pfd for, but (touch wood)
it isn't actually going to happen. If it does, the  inflatable jacket holds your
head out of the water which a foam buoyancy aid doesn't.

That's the worst case scenario. The pros and cons for normal sea paddling?

Pros:
The gas pfd allows much more freedom of movement than a foam jacket, full lie back
for rolls etc, infact it pretty much doesn't interfere with your paddling at all.
For long days touring, adjusting clothing, playing with rolls etc etc its superb.
I really like it.

Cons:
There is an argument that a foam pfd provides insulation which the gas jacket
doesn't. I prefer to use clothing for insulation, and not my pfd.

As you might guess I recommend the inflatable jacket for sea kayaking, my only
question would be why do want auto? - I suspect that both pressure and tablet
automatic jackets are going to inflate on you when you roll, and once its
deployed, that's it apart from blowing into it until you expensively re-arm it. I
went for the manual gas option with a rip cord / oral inflation.

I live in the Scotland btw. PFD is not a term which we use. Foam jackets are
'buoyancy aids', and inflatable jackets are 'life jackets'. There are different
categories for each depending on the amount of buoyancy, but we have no
legislative requirement to wear any pfd kayaking, and I have no knowledge of USCG
etc regulations.

HTH

Cheers

Colin Calder
57º19'N  2º10'W

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