{"id":1144,"date":"2024-03-24T03:01:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-24T03:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=1144"},"modified":"2024-03-24T03:01:07","modified_gmt":"2024-03-24T03:01:07","slug":"how-to-choose-a-pfd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/how-to-choose-a-pfd\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose A PFD Or Life Jacket"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You don\u2019t want to risk your life by taking unnecessary risks, and you\u2019re absolutely right. 134 paddlers died in the USA in 2018<\/a>, 86% of them found without a proper PFD.
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In this article, we\u2019ll make sure you don\u2019t become another statistic by choosing a poorly fitted PFD.
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To help you choose a lifejacket, we\u2019ll have a look at the five different types that exist, with a focus on the best ones for paddling.
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Whether you\u2019re a kayaker, canoer or paddle boarder, you will learn how to choose the right PFD for you as well as your child or dog.
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What You Need To Choose The Right PFD<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Ideally, you\u2019ll want to try the life jacket in person to make sure it fits<\/strong>. Going to a physical store is enough, although if you want to be extra careful you can also test the PFD in a real-life situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is not possible, then you can order a PFD\u202fonline. Simply measure the widest part of your chest and correlate with the sizing guide of your prospective PFD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life Jacket Vs. PFD: What\u2019s The Difference\u202f?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Athough the terms life jacket and PFD\u202f(Personal Flotation Device) are often used interchangeably, a life jacket is actually a specific type of PFD<\/strong>.
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As the name suggests, life jackets are meant to be worn like a vest \u2212 with either a zipper in the front like a jacket or a clip along the side to secure them in place.\u00a0
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PFD refers to the five classes of flotation as categorized by the USCG<\/a> (U.S Coast Guard). See the \u201cPFD Specifications\u201d section below for an in-depth description of these five types.
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The main thing to remember is that a life jacket is designed to hold a person\u2019s head above the water<\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re a skilled swimmer or not, a lifejacket will allow you to breathe if you are knocked unconscious in a high-impact collision, which happens all too often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard Vs. Inflatable PFDs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of PFDs on the market \u2212 the standard PFD and the inflatable PFD. Chances are the standard PFD is what you imagine when you think of a life jacket. They\u2019re usually made of foam which gives them buoyancy.
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Inflatables are less intrusive and come in a couple of different models. More recently, a hybrid option has emerged that melds the two designs together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard PFDs<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Standard PFDs require little care besides keeping them clean. To avoid corrosion to the zipper and other metal components, rinse your PFD after saltwater trips.
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Standard life jackets are user-friendly and don\u2019t require any extra steps to be buoyant. This makes them best for individuals who aren\u2019t strong swimmers or children.
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They are bulkier than inflatables, can feel cumbersome, and chafe if improperly sized or worn. Depending on your kayak model they may not interact well with your seat or spray skirt if not tested out beforehand.
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Inflatable PFDs<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Unlike standard PFDs, this type must be inflated before use<\/strong>. This is usually done either manually with a cord or with CO2 <\/sub>cartridges that activate when they hit the water. Because of this, manual inflatables should only be worn by strong swimmers<\/strong> as they won\u2019t be buoyant when they hit the water.
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The cartridge model inflates automatically but sometimes activates from splashing water. While more user-friendly, this can make them a frustrating choice for kayakers. 
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Inflatables require more maintenance than standard models, especially the CO2 <\/sub>types as the cartridges must be replaced after every use. Since the buoyant fabric isn\u2019t inflated when not needed, it must be dried and refolded into their zippered or velcroed compartments before putting away.
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They are more comfortable than standard PFDs since they are not bulky when not in use. Design types are also more versatile with models in either the traditional vest style or waist packs that look like a fancy fanny pack.
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Hybrid PFDs<\/h3>\n\n\n
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A hybrid blends the initial buoyancy of a standard PFD with the slimming style and convenience of an inflatable model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the best type of PFD<\/strong> if you\u2019re looking for ultimate comfort without compromising on safety. The downside is they\u2019re noticeable more expensive than standard or inflatable PFDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Select The Right Life Jacket Size<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, it\u2019s best to try on your life jacket before purchasing<\/strong>. A jacket that\u2019s too small will feel like a Victorian Corset and make it hard to breathe while wearing, whereas a jacket that\u2019s too large will float above your head.
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