How to Choose a Life Jacket for Kayaking and Canoeing

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[charanvantijn]

Can you please do a video about towing? Which line, how long, stretchy or not, waves versus flat water, where to attach it, how to paddle when you're towing? Thanks.

[BarbMerry]

I am so excited about kayaking. Tried a brief kayak a week ago. The next day I ordered 2 (with expert guidance) and am now trying to understand life vests. Your video was terrific. Thank you so much!!!

[kevchard]

Wearing a life jacket is like riding a motorcycle there are people that have crashed and those that will crash but at some time everyone will crash. I have been paddling for over 40 years in everything from ocean to rivers, lakes and streams and there has been many times a life jacket saved my life.

[DustinRea]

I chose an NRS Chinook. I spent a solid hour in the sporting goods shop trying on everything (not auto inflation) and I mean everything in their shop. Laid them all out and played the elimination game. I did not even look at price tags till I chose my top 3. And the Chinook was the most expensive. Buy once cry once. I just winced at the till and have zero regrets for buying the one that fit the best and seemed the most durable.

[ghboiid]

My wife and I canoe in often hot weather. My PFD was always on the floor of the boat. Since we got inflatables we always wear them. I use a manual as I am a strong swimmer. My wife has an automatic. A PFD is only a help if you have it on in an emergency.

[skyxstl]

I have had a (probably irrational) hatred for life jackets/ floaties since I was a kid because I was always put in ones that were too clunky and came above my head when i went in the water so I could never swim properly and then I’d end up chocking on the water & I’d get tired more easily… even though I was always a strong swimmer. even now at 20 years old I feel panicked whenever I’m told to wear a life vest because it was never a good experience for me. I have fully avoided boating or water activities because of this growing up, but now as an adult I’d love to get back into outdoor water activities. I really appreciate this video because you take the time to explain different types and how to make them fit properly, it makes it all seem way less overwhelming!!

[meandmyoru]

I tried on quite a few PFDs before I bought one. Fortunately the one I chose has been comfortable to wear. I like that it has a zipped up pocket so I can attach a whistle to the zip and the sides are adjustable as I'm small & need to keep it lower on my body.

[itotallycare]

I'm using the NRS Chinook. Expensive but such a great pfd, I don't even fish most of the time when I'm wearing it.

[victormarinelli]

When I was in the motorcycle industry, we had a response to the question "how much should I spend on a helmet." The response, "if you've got a five-dollar head, buy a five-dollar Helmet." You can't put a price on safety and comfort. When the time comes, you want the highest level of protection available.

[Speederaser]

Thank you SO much for including kids. I have 5 and 9 year old girls that love kayaking and have their own kayaks. It has been INCREDIBLY difficult to find any products/information on kayaks, paddles, PFDs etc for kids their age. Certainly appreciate it, especially because here in AZ we dont have much option for paddling stores to go check things out, the options are extremely limited.

[AFlasher]

Research is always your friend before buying anything, especially when looking to buy something that can save your life. I'm 5'7 about 170 pounds, paddle a 12'-6" FeelFree Aventura and have found the Onyx - MoVent to be very comfortable even when paddle 8 -10 miles in a day. I have also had the opportunity to need it and it did it's job very well without hindering my movement when in the water for a self rescue.

[KayakingBubblehead]

Great video again, I have a tow rope from Outdoor Play that has a strap and quick release buckle that I've had to use a few times while guiding on a flat tidal river in NE Florida. I have a Onyx PFD and the paddle that was on the top of the rack behind you, the Bending Branches Navigator, worth every penny. I really wanted to like the Chinook PFD but for me it was uncomfortable. I've had my PFD for about 6 years and I get to paddle year round here and I need to start looking for a new one, mine used to be red it's now fading to a reddish pink and thinning in some areas, no holes yet but better to be ready. Thank you for all the information over the years, you've helped me become a better paddler.

[JonPaddles]

The replace the CO2 yearly is a part many don't do with inflatable. Hence I try to steer people away from them. Not that inflatables don't have their place.

Fit affects comfort. I tell people look at fit first, second, third. Features fourth. Colour is an afterthough.

[hntrains]

You did return! With a video which is genuinely rich in content, leaving not much room for movement to others. This approach makes people come and check the channel out.

[rumitcu]

Another great PFD topic is: when should you replace your existing PFD?

I've heard many different opinions on the matter, some of which are certainly valid (e.g., if it is torn, very faded, has obviously flotation, etc.) and others that are more vague (e.g., if it is more than 5/10/etc years old, if the Coast Guard writing on the inside is difficult to read, etc.). Personally, I've tried to evaluate the flotation of my older (but otherwise in good condition) PFDs by simply seeing if they still float me in the lake. Unfortunately, that is also a less then perfect evaluation, because it's hard to know how well it floats me now versus when it was new. I've even considered wearing goggles and sitting at the bottom of a pool with a PFD attached to an analog scale to measure its actual buoyant force to compare to its originally stated flotation value. I just wish it was a little easier to evaluate when a PFD actually needs to be replaced. And I know there are going to be people who say to replace it every 5 years no matter what because your life is on the line, but that approach is just honestly not going to be followed by everyone. Anyway, I'm curious to hear your thoughts and other's thoughts on the matter.

[valstarkgraf]

An analogy on women's specific life jackets would be women's specific backpacks for backpacking or saddles with trees designed for the body types of specific breeds of horses like Arabians and Quarter Horses. Yes, you might get something that will technically "work, " but you might not get to optimally adjust it in ways that don't rub in places. It might also be like trying to fit into men's clothing. For some bodies that might work fine, but if there is bust or hip size variability, it might not fit as well in certain places. Worth a try on if you can access one.

[diggermolly]

great video, very informative. This is my go to channel for kayak stuff!!

[soihavetoplay]

I am a new subscriber, your videos are really helping me getting started on this great sport. I know I should get additional in person instruction with the local club but you guys do great work and provide fantastic information, thanks!!

[jerrys]

Ken, Welcome Back! You were missed.
I have the Onyx A/M24 set to manual inflate. I paddle mostly rivers, no rapids, but some times moderate current. Also paddle ICW in NC. I have both 17' & 14' composite kayaks. Am I ok with this PFD? I've been dumped 1x & didnt need to inflate the vest. Am I ok with this vest? I hate my fishermans vest. Way too hot for NC.

[haroldwheeler]

So glad you are back. Great content, please keep it coming. THANK YOU!