RE: [Paddlewise] PFDs-inflatable

On 9 March 2011, Chuck said
> I want my pfd to be effective without possibility of failure

No real argument with that line of thought - as long as you always wear your
non-inflatable PFD - and don't leave it off because it's too hot or too
bulky.

In NZ, most kayakers (except for very casual sit-on-top users) are fanatic
about wearing PFDs - which I think is great, but surprising, as we are not
generally a very safety-conscious nation. 

However, there are many other places where I have seen lots of PFDs under
deck bungies... I reckon that an inflatable PFD being worn is better than a
non-inflatable PFD on the afterdeck.

The inflatable PFDs are widely used by local sailors (especially dinghy
sailors - lasers & the like), but I know less than a handful of kayakers
using them. That said, those few include some of the most blue-water,
long-distance guys I know.

I have thought seriously of using an inflatable in conjunction with a
drysuit - as the drysuit gives me so much (immediate) floatation anyway. It
would be easier to travel with an inflatable PFD (much less bulky). I did
check for our Alaska trip and was surprised to find that airlines
specifically allow a CO2 cartridge on the PFD and one spare (YMMV).
	
Now, in defence of inflatable PFDs, they all seem to have an oral-inflation
tube in case the CO2 fails to work. Note that this is supposed to work even
if the CO2 canister is missing. Not ideal - but better than nothing.

One thing that appeals to me about the inflatable PFDs is the much greater
head support (or face-out-of-the-water floatation) than is found in any
non-inflatable PFD I've ever seen. Perhaps of no value in the short term, as
our maximum chance of unconsciousness will be at time of immersion - and I
don't think I want an automatically inflating PFD... so perhaps this is not
of much advantage until you've been in the water long enough to start losing
consciousness.

I do also agree that long term CO2 maintenance is a worry - all those with
out-dated flares, raise a hand ;-)

Just my 2 cents...

Best Regards
Paul Hayward, Auckland, New Zealand
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