Buoyancy Aids & Life Jackets for Paddlers

Buoyancy aids and /or life jackets are very strongly recommended for anyone new to canoeing or kayaking or rafting or any other paddle sport. You should expect any canoe or kayak rental store or any introductory paddling course or guided trip to provide you with a suitable PFD (personal flotation device). Those with more experience in the sport will still wear a PFD on many occasions. We will consider here the difference between buoyancy aids and life jackets, the standards you can expect to see referred to, the regulations relating to the wearing of PFDs, how to choose a comfortable appropriate PFD and when / why it might sometimes be OK to not wear your PFD.

A Nicely Fitted Buoyancy Aid

What to Look for in your PFD

You want to find a PFD that is comfortable and does not restrict your paddling but that is suitable to the paddling you are doing.

Buoyancy aids come in three main styles: pull over the head, zip up the front and a few zip up the side. Zip up models can be easier to get on and off but the zip reduces the way the buoyancy can be distributed so many people prefer the pull over the head models. Look for plenty of cutaway around the arms to give freedom of movement and straps to adjust it to fit both at the sides and across the top of the shoulder. Most models come in a range of sizes. Make sure you buy one that is the right size for you.

Some models come with additional pockets to carry emergency knife, energy bars, mobile phone in waterproof bag etc. You will either want these additions or not according to what you are doing.

Slalom paddlers look for a close fit and lots of mobility as they weave around gates. Polo players will be playing under rules that require padding in the sides of the buoyancy under the arms to protect ribs from impact, white water paddlers will look for plenty of buoyancy and a secure fit to make sure it stays put in fast moving water, whilst extreme distance paddlers want something light and easy to wear but also to be sure there are no areas that will chaffe after hours on the water.

You will find cheaper models. Do not be put off these providing they meet required standards and have the necessary adjustments. However be aware that the material used may be lighter and the foam may not be cut in one piece. Water between the pieces of foam does not dry out as well so these may go mouldy more quickly than more expensive models especially if they are not kept somewhere dry and airy. If you don't paddle that much they will be fine but for frequent use and or use by clubs etc. they will not have the same life as the slightly more expensive models.

If you feel that a life jacket is what you need (well worth it for young children) look for a good fit with good buckles to adjust it to fit. If it isn't fitted well it won't do its job.

Children's buoyancy aids often come with leg straps that hold the jacket down and stop if floating up over the head. We've never found these very popular with kids as they can be uncomfortable and fiddly to set up. We would recommend getting any child who is afloat to swim in their PFD somewhere safe before using it in anger. Check how well it stays on them and adjust it to fit well. You need to know that if they fall in they are confident swimming in the kit they will be wearing at the time.

When Should you Wear a PFD?

There are some fairly hard and fast principals adhered to by most paddlers. These are that beginners and those paddling on the sea or white water always wear buoyancy aids. It is mainly in the area of flat water racing sprint and marathon that buoyancy aids are not the norm for experienced paddlers in good weather and on calm water. Common sense and respect for the elements (along with experience and training in risk assessment) is what you need in deciding whether not wearing a buoyancy aid is appropriate. A good rule of thumb is always "If in doubt, if I'm even asking the question... put one on".

By way of example I have absolutely no qualms at all about paddling up our local river on a warm summers day in my racing boat (which is not that stable) on my own. The reason is that I know the chances of me falling in are very low (I don't think I have ever fallen in when on my own as there are no distractions) and if i do fall in I've rescued lots of people from the river over many years, I know where to go, what to do, I know I can swim my boat somewhere safe and I know I won't get too cold doing so.

However ask me to paddle the same stretch of river in mid winter in a more stable boat with a group of friends to rescue me and I will be wearing a buoyancy aid because I know that if i go in (which does happen about once a year paddling in a big group with some jockeying for position, paddle clashes etc!) and they don't pull me out quickly I'm going to be at risk of hypothermia, my energy levels will reduce rapidly and I will be glad of the buoyancy aid's help keeping me afloat and keeping my core warm.

We've tried to explain the basis of risk assessing the need for a buoyancy aid in the box below. The more factors that make it more likely you might fall in and the more factors that make the consequences of falling in severe the more important it is to be wearing a PFD. We recommend paddling with a PFD unless you have enough experience and some training in risk assessment to know you are making the right decision. If you are considering paddling without a buoyancy aid please think it through very carefully.

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