Re: [Paddlewise] What's in the PFD?

That's why I like my inflatable vest - doesn't feel like I'm wearing a PFD, 
and even with the extra weight of some added gear, there is so much more 
buoyancy when inflated, it floats higher and better than any none loaded 
regular PFD. The hybrid PFD is probably a better all-around performer though 
for comfort and available, uninflated safety.

I used to play the PFD-on-deck game for years on the open coast, even 
extending this game in concert with my advanced paddler friends when we 
agreed to proceed PFD-less on hot days (yes, we would raft up to discuss 
this). These guys were perhaps more anal than the safety conscious guys on 
Paddlewise. Yet, wind and waves would suddenly whip up, conditions would 
change dramatically around headlands or where currents met waves/swell head 
on, and winds would spill in and out of fiord inlets more than anticipated. 
Eventually, it was easier just to wear the damn PFDs all the time. I think 
it was Paul Cafynn who went around Australia, his PFD in a net bag most of 
the time. Yeah, he survived fine, I know. People do and don't die with their 
PFDs on; they do and don't die with them off. Nothing new there. I think for 
group paddles, wearing your PFD sends out a good safety message to 
especially what may be impressionable new paddlers along for the trip. In 
small groups with friends, or when on your own, there seems a little more of 
a relaxed attitude to simply just keeping your PFD's handy, but not actually 
wearing it on hot, calm days - at least in my neck of the woods. But hey, 
it's everyone's own "neck."

So what's wrong with trying to maintain a good safety message anyway? Or is 
it just the dogmatic way some posters present themselves?

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC


>>>I know it is much safer to have the PFD on at all
> times but as my skill level increases and as air temps seem to be going
> higher and higher, it's just more comfortable to stow the PFD in certain
> conditions.
>
>   Whoa there Mike! Your perilously close to committing blasphemy on this
> list!
>
> Scott
> So.Cal.
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