[Paddlewise] A new twist on PFD-quest

I must say I had an "ohmygod" kind of reaction to the note about 110
kids floating in their PFDs in the Irish Sea.  Sure glad the rescue
turned out well; there would have been huge consternation here had the
same thing happened, but of course in the Gulf of Mexico the water
temperature is now hovering around 85F, so hypothermia wouldn't be a
problem.



So here's my current PFD challenge:  it has to be purple (color of
course if VERY important...), it can be long because it will match my
purple canoe so don't have to worry about cockpit/PFD conflict, and it
should be relatively cool for warm weather paddling, but with extra
length and shell can add warmth for the occasional cool weather paddle.
I went to the local REI store and tried on several high end jackets,
including the MTI Mona Lisa which I thought would be a sure thing.
Length of the jacket isn't a problem in the canoe but, being of the
short persuasion (5'1" when at my full height), and a slight rotundity
but not enough to interfere, I like padded straps (for carrying a kayak
on my shoulder, you know it's going to happen), and I insist on a full
swing of my arms.  The corner of the Mona Lisa closest to the arm stuck
out in just the wrong place, was sure to cause abrasion on a long trip
although its other desirable attribute (aside from the color) was the
nice big pockets. For canoeing in particular I use a lot of rotation but
also one arm is sure to be the whole way across the front of me, so a
lot of bulk in front is a problem.



Does anyone out there have any suggestions?  My usual kayaking vest is
the Kokatat MsFit so I'm not without a PFD, just in need of a better one
to fit canoeing.



I'm looking for a WW helmet too, with a "bill" or visor on it.  I like
the "Daffy" in the NRS catalog by appearance.  Of course, purple would
be nice but red will do if I have to go that route.  Any recommendations
there?



Hey, we need a little diversion from rudders.  And I had a lovely canoe
paddle the other day on 2 favorite local spots, Armand Bayou and Clear
Creek.  Ah the serenity of it all.  Now back to work.



Natalie Wiest

Texas A&M University at Galveston, USA
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