Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
An indispensable—and invaluable—companion on any outing on the water, PFDs enable kayakers to float easily to the surface of the water, should they accidentally end up in it.
Buying a personal flotation device
Wearing a personal flotation device when you are out kayaking is not just critical, it can be downright vital. No matter how calm the water and bright the sun is when you set out for a short hour’s jaunt, you can never be sure that some kind of accident or problem will not result in your craft being capsized. And in that case, wearing a PFD can definitely mean the difference between life and death.
There’s no need to get on the scales and check your weight to choose the right PFD for you: every style sold at Atmosphere is government-approved, and the smallest can keep even 300-lb. kayakers on the surface of the water if they should happen to find themselves dunked. Obviously, however, every model of PFD is available in a range of sizes to suit all types of builds.
That said, PFDs designed for kayakers differ markedly from those intended to be used in canoes or fishing boats. First of all, they are shorter in the lower back, so as not to continually rub against the washboard of the cockpit when the kayaker is paddling. Furthermore, they are thinner over the back’s entire surface, so that they won’t adversely affect kayakers’ comfort when they lean against the seat. On the other hand, they are bulkier in the front, where most of the foam fill that makes the device float is concentrated. Finally, such PFDs have deeper armholes in order to ensure greater freedom of movement.
PFDs’ outer shells are usually made of Cordura®, a synthetic fibre that is heavier than nylon but extremely durable, a feature particularly valued by the most active kayakers. Otherwise, many styles are fashioned in nylon, a material that is less durable but comfortable, lighter and more flexible, ensuring its great popularity.
The strength of a fabric is measured in deniers: the higher the number of deniers, the more densely the fabric’s fibres are woven together and the better it will resist abrasion. The norm for fabrics used to make PFDs varies from 200 to 500 deniers.
The inside of a PFD is filled with materials that trap air and thus ensure a more or less high level of buoyancy. They include polyethylene (PE) foam, popular because of its low cost, PE foam with PVC, which makes the PFD more flexible, and a new, PVC-free material called GAIATM, increasingly used for its great flexibility, light weight, comfort and minimal environmental footprint.
The better quality the PFD, the more comfortable it will be, as well as the more belts and straps it will have, which will increase its safety and effectiveness in choppy water. Some PFDs even incorporate a system that adjusts belts, straps and shoulder straps with a single move. Certain models also feature a centre zip closure, while others place it on the side in order to maximize comfort and avoid chafing at the neck. Still others do away with zip fastenings and are simply pulled on straight over the head.
Before making your final decision, you should also check that the PFD hugs the curves of your chest and fits securely and comfortably on the body. To do that, try on the PFD, tightening all the straps so that it fits snugly, and then ask a sales associate to pull up on the shoulder straps to see if the PFD moves. If it does, you should try a smaller size.
Finally, it’s also advisable to try on the PFD in the store, ideally while sitting in a kayak—especially if it is the model you are planning on purchasing.
One last detail: even though PFDs are available in a wide range of colours, it’s to the advantage of kayakers who head out regularly on expeditions to remote areas or isolated rivers to choose a model in a very bright shade (red, yellow or orange) that will be easier to spot in the event of a problem.
Use
If you’ve purchased a PFD, it’s to ensure your safety on the water at all times. There is therefore no excuse for leaving it on the dock. No matter how short or easy the jaunt in the kayak, it’s crucial you put it on!
Furthermore, don’t use the PFD as a seat cushion: you could damage its fill and outer shell.
Maintenance
Dry the PFD out thoroughly in the open air after every use. If it has been exposed to salt water, first rinse well, either by soaking or hosing it down, to remove any trace of salt.
Once it’s completely dry, store the PFD in a dry place out of the sun to minimize the impact of UV rays on the fabric.
Clean the PFD occasionally by scrubbing it gently with slightly soapy water.