I need a new PFD. I have been using a Lotus Rio Grande and have trouble with it riding up. I loosen all the straps before donning the PFD then start at the bottom tightening them up as I was instructed. I can get a comfortable fit one out of four times, if I just about cut my breath off. If I adjust it to be comfortable, It will ride up to my chin when in the water and while I am paddling. I have been looking at the Stohlquist line of PFDs, but I have no input on them. The web site claims no ride up. http://www.stohlquist.com/RecTourpfd.html I hope someone on Paddlewise uses them and can give me some info. Preferably from some guy with a gut (mine is not a beer gut but it kinda looks like one, get the idea)? I am 5 foot 10 inches and weigh in the 225-230 pound range. Some of the whitewater vest look good too. I tried on my friend Jim's (of Paddlewise fame) but he is a lot smaller than I and it took both of us to get it on and off. Thanks, Ronnie *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Alas, I too am becoming spherically challenged.... No matter the construction/configuration of the PFD, if your lower portions are wider than the upper then it will inevitably ride up. There is no PFD that can defy this low of physics. However, not a few PFDs have little loops here and there on the Inside. They are for strap or webbing attachments for crotch straps. That appears to be the only way to keep the pfd at the proper position for safety's sake. After a short time I'm unaware of its being there and it sure improves the safety aspects. Joe P. > I need a new PFD. I have been using a Lotus Rio Grande and have trouble with > it riding up. > I have been looking at the Stohlquist line of PFDs, but I have no input on > them. The web site claims no ride up. > I hope someone on Paddlewise uses them and can give me some info. Preferably > from some guy with a gut (mine is not a beer gut but it kinda looks like one, > get the idea)? I am 5 foot 10 inches and weigh in the 225-230 pound range. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Harley1941_at_aol.com wrote: >>I need a new PFD. I have been using a Lotus Rio Grande and have trouble with it riding up. I loosen all the straps before donning the PFD then start at the bottom tightening them up as I was instructed. I can get a comfortable fit one out of four times, if I just about cut my breath off. If I adjust it to be comfortable, It will ride up to my chin when in the water and while I am paddling.>> Harley, you and I are about the same size and shape. For our "inverted V" style upper bodies, there is no cut or magic strap arrangement for a PFD that will avoid the ride-up problem. I suggest you consider a crotch strap installation. Often sold with PFD's for small kids, if you want to go look at how it's done, and then get someone to sew one onto your PFD. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 07:42 AM 5/26/2004 -0700, Dave Kruger wrote: > SNIP > . I suggest you consider a > crotch strap >installation. Often sold with PFD's for small kids, if you want to go look >at how it's done, and then get someone to sew one onto your PFD. > >-- Dave, et al, I regularly wear my PFD over my sprayskirt tunnel. In that case, would the crotch strap have to be fastened to the top of the PFD? Bill Leonhardt *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Yeah, that's why I don't use a crotch strap. I don't have a good cure for this. I suppose, someone could adapt attachments which melded the PFD to the skirt, and then crotch strap the skirt on. Sound's kinda kinky, but might work -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leonhardt, William J" <wjleonhardt_at_bnl.gov> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] PFD For A Man With A Gut > I regularly wear my PFD over my sprayskirt tunnel. In that case, would the > crotch strap have to be fastened to the top of the PFD? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- I suppose, someone could adapt attachments which melded the PFD to the skirt, and then crotch strap the skirt on. Sound's kinda kinky, but might work -- Dave Kruger Hmmm, now you've got me thinking. When a spray skirt is worn, it becomes part of the paddler/PFD/thermal protection system. When you wet exit, all of the above come with. Since I never have trouble with the spray skirt tunnel riding up, nor the PFD riding down, could "fasteners" at the top of the tunnel sides attaching to the PFD serve to hold the tunnel up and the PFD down? Seems like it would allow the required movement etc. Only complication is the case where the paddler wants to jettison the skirt while swimming. Maybe because they are accepting a rescue tow while swimming. Is this a concern? This might influence the choice of fastener. Carey *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I had the same problem and solved it with thigh straps not crotch straps. I saw this in a very expensive PFD and easily adapted the idea to my own. Now I can breathe because I don't need to put the PFD on quite so tightly. In addition I know that, should I have to bail out, my PFD will absolutely not ride up. I have a sea kaayking spray skirt that just goes right over the thigh straps, no shoulder straps. Works like a charm. I wish I had done this a long time again. Rafa *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I'm not sure I understand the thigh straps arrangement. Could you give us a description? John M > I had the same problem and solved it with thigh straps > not crotch straps. I saw this in a very expensive PFD > and easily adapted the idea to my own. Now I can > breathe because I don't need to put the PFD on quite > so tightly. In addition I know that, should I have to > bail out, my PFD will absolutely not ride up. I have a > sea kaayking spray skirt that just goes right over the > thigh straps, no shoulder straps. Works like a charm. > > I wish I had done this a long time again. *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Why not attach the crotch strap higher up on the Vest so that you could run it down inside the spray skirt tube? You could attach it on the outside front of the vest and flip the strap inward and run it down through the tube and under your crotch. It all sounds so painful. My kids hate their crotch straps. Jim et al ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Kruger" <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> > I suppose, someone could adapt attachments which melded the PFD to the skirt, > and then crotch strap the skirt on. Sound's kinda kinky, but might work *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 26 May 2004 at 11:34, Jim Farrelly wrote: > Why not attach the crotch strap higher up on the Vest so that you > could run it down inside the spray skirt tube? You could attach it on > the outside front of the vest and flip the strap inward and run it > down through the tube and under your crotch. What we tell members of our club is to attach the strap to the skirt. Cut a slit thru the skirt to pass the strap thru and then glue in place - Aquaseal will do. Then use Fastex buckles to attach the strap to the PFD. If the crotch strap is uncomfortable, I wonder if you couldn't attach the PFD to a pair of heavy duty paddling shorts, suspender style? Neoprene shorts, for example. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Rafa, Would you happen to have a photo of your strap set up? Ronnie *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Judging by the replies and obvious interest it looks like there are quite a number of us abdominally challenged folks out there. Here's how I did my very cheap fix for our mutual problem. I have Voyageur FZ (front zipper) PFD. It has three horizontal adjustment straps on each side. I just got two cheap 1/2 inch wide straps, plastic buckles and clips, like you can find in any outdoor gear store, and tied each one around the lower strap on either side of the PFD. Then just wrap the strap around your thigh and clip it together. If the strap is too long just cut off the excess. End of corset-like PFD, end of purple face from lack of oxygen, end of PFD trying to climb up your nose upon immersion. Rafa --- Harley1941_at_aol.com wrote: > Rafa, > Would you happen to have a photo of your strap set > up? > > Ronnie *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Run two straps. One on each side of the um.....package. John MacKechnie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Farrelly" <JFarrelly5_at_comcast.net> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] PFD For A Man With A Gut > Why not attach the crotch strap higher up on the Vest so that you could run > it down inside the spray skirt tube? You could attach it on the outside > front of the vest and flip the strap inward and run it down through the > tube and under your crotch. It all sounds so painful. My kids hate their > crotch straps. > > Jim et al *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 09:48 AM 5/26/04 EDT, Harley1941_at_aol.com wrote: >I need a new PFD. I have been using a Lotus Rio Grande and have trouble with >it riding up. I loosen all the straps before donning the PFD then start at the >bottom tightening them up as I was instructed. I can get a comfortable fit >one out of four times, if I just about cut my breath off. If I adjust it to be >comfortable, It will ride up to my chin when in the water and while I am >paddling. Just to take a different approach to the problem, several years ago I went to an inflatable vest. Since the flotation is all on one side and the fastening is higher, I haven't had any problems with it. One of the nice things about an inflatable is that it will float your head out of water. Solid PFDs may not. -- Wes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wes Boyd's Kayak Place NEW URL! -- http://www.kayakplace.com Kayaks for Big Guys (And Gals) | Trip Reports | Places To Go | Boats & Gear --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Wes posted: >Just to take a different approach to the problem, several years ago I went to an inflatable vest. Since the flotation is all on one side and the fastening is higher, I haven't had any problems with it. One of the nice things about an inflatable is that it will float your head out of water. Solid PFDs may not.< That was my solution to my possible dissolution from sinking after loosing my PFD. While I don't have severe Dunlop disease (it dun lopeth over, the gut that is), it seemed no matter what PFD I tried, they all had a tendency to ride up in the types of commotion that would force me into the water. Riding low in the water while trying to set up fixed outriggers for a paddlefloat re-entries, etc., really can be disheartening. With my older PFD's, I just added a crotch strap, coiled and ready on the back of the PFD, available when I needed it. Even with the newer PFD's I subsequently purchased, ones made to prevent ride-up, I'd still have to cinch too much, causing more chafing particularly when a drytop was worn, or worse, a nasty rash/itch would develop in the area of my chest hairs. I certainly would not want to paddle in the kind of conditions I choose these days, and still remain in my comfort zone, unless I knew all my equipment and gear worked properly, as designed to, or was modified to my specifications or altered to provide a wider safety margin. This is an integral part of my philosophy. New gear and any modified gear, should of course, be given sea trials (or in bodies of fresh water if you insist). One need not be anal about this gear testing, just carry it through to a reasonable level commensurate with the type of paddling usually undertaken. I may be a half-wit even on my best days, but I do recognize the importance of _essential_ proper gear, and personal flotation in particular. I have stories about PFD issues that would easily fill a few digest versions. Doug Lloyd Victoria BC *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Doug Lloyd said: > I have stories about PFD issues that > would easily fill a few digest versions. > > Doug Lloyd > Victoria BC Doug, Any chance of your sharing them with us either on Paddlewise, in Sea Kayaker Mag, or.........even a book? Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Steve Holtzman said: >Any chance of your sharing them with us either on Paddlewise, in Sea Kayaker Mag, or.........even a book?< I'm waaaay behind with articles for Sea Kayaker these days, but really have been up and down with health the past few year (fibrillation was back again this past weekend, drats!) . A book? Too many out there these days - then there's all the effort for little return financially, though I hope Rev. Bob gets published one day as he has an articulate, natural way with the fusion of spirituality and padding-outdoors adventure. A book by me would be full of my mistakes over the years. I can hear my published buddies howling already. Besides, once John Lull's very positive book came out, nothing could replace it in my opinion - certainly nothing by me. As far as PFD's, most of my issues are past history. PFD's for paddlers are so much better than ever before for most individuals. I do keep a normal PFD around for surf duty, and use the inflatable type for touring/storm paddling. I noticed a few posts about PFDs with integral tow belts. Actually, any PFD with a facility for a web belt can be easily converted to a tow rig by replacing the belt with a tow-belt tow line (the kind that deploys from a bag on the back, with quick release on the front). Anyone wanting a e-mail attachment of this set-up can give me a shout back channel (my buddy won't mind me sharing the shot). I've done a lot of cold-water swims over the years, some with my boat, some without. In some cases, I had to remove my PFD for certain reasons. Good buoyancy sure helps with rescue set-ups, but makes swimming much slower. That's why I like my inflatable, though you do sit in the water much lower unless you inflate it, so it's a trade off. My only recent issue with PFDs was a few years ago now, just after my flesh eating disease episode, where I took off paddling too soon after hospital discharge. I was very dizzy at the time and blew an offside roll, came out, could not re-enter, and figured it was easier to swim to shore (took 20 minutes) with my kayak in tow. The inflatable cartridge was used to inflate the vest, as I was getting that "sinking feeling" without it inflated, of course. Even though the swim was slow and cold, it was nice being lifted high out of the water with 35 lbs of buoyancy and no chance of drowning if I did black out. Guess if I could relay anything to this list, it is that unless you are a trained ocean swimmer or something like that, the need to swim to shore even over relatively short distances is a very poor back-up plan. Distances that look relatively short while seated in your boat are amazingly far away once swimming in the water. The same can be said with respect to swimming in opposing tidal currents and contradictory undertow in heavy surf zones or river discharge over bars (don't ask?). I would never contemplate surfing without a PFD, though I know some don't wear one, which is the freedom of choice all good democracy's allow for. All of my many PFD's over the years have been modified to some extent. I currently use a Mustang inflatable with left and right rescue pouches with a Kokatat hydration/gear backpack intricately sew on the back. Most tent and awning shops or shoe repair facilities can sew through heavy webbing. And then there was the time I swam in heavy wool trousers/ running shoes in near hurricane-force winds, boat blown away, inadequate buoyancy from my cheap British PFD, and struggling to keep my lips above water level... Doug Lloyd Victoria BC *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I have been using a Lotus Rio Grande and > have trouble with it riding up. A trick that I have heard works for 'some' people on various PFDs is to pull the side straps out of the buckles and crisscross them so that they pull diagonally when cinched down. YMMV, Woody Woody's Kayak Trip Reports http://www.kayaktrips.net/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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