Pockets, reflective material and attachment points are the most notable design focuses for a sea kayaking PFD. The ability to compartmentalize can make a PFD into a device that’s not only a safety device, but also an important organizational tool to the off-shore paddler.

--Philip Curry, Astral Buoyancy
Click here to read bio

Sea kayaking requires all elements of whitewater and creeking – large armholes cut for a full range of mobility, sleek designs that won’t snag on anything, and high visibility – but takes it one step further with the addition of pockets for quick and accessible gear.

--Robin Skillings, Extrasport/Johnson Outdoors
Click here to read bio

In today's models, the majority of recreational or "rec" Type III PFDs are suitable for sea kayaking. In the past this wasn't so much the case. Unlike PFDs for general recreation, PFDs for sea kayaks need to be short-waisted to provide clearance for a spray deck. The functionality of a PFD for sea kayaking is enhanced by the addition of pockets, lash tabs, reflective materials, etc. The one feature that most distinguishes a sea kayak vest from a rec vest is adjustable shoulder straps, providing comfort over a wide range of clothing choices and day-long comfort.

--Buff Grubb, Harmony
Click here to read bio

Beyond the obvious differences between a sea kayaking specific device and others (cargo capacity, accessory tab placement, amount of reflective material), the same things that make a vest work well for sea kayaking also translate to whitewater kayaking: a profile that facilitates a seated position in a decked boat, minimizes effect on natural paddling motion, and ease of swimming are universal for all types of kayaking. The exception would be a very sea kayak specific device, like the SeaO2, that incorporates technology (an inflatable component) that is not intended for whitewater use.

--Adam Knoeller, Kokatat
Click here to read bio

Boaters out at sea may use a strobe for safety, so all of our touring PFDs have an extra lash tab on the back of the jacket. Visibility is of extreme importance in open waters, so NRS also attaches extra reflective tape and piping on our touring PFDs. In our touring PFDs we’ve replaced the foam panels in the lower back with mesh, making it more comfortable to sit in any boat using a high-seat back. To supplement the lost flotation on the back panel, there is a little more flotation on the front.

--NRS
Click here to read bio

Sea kayakers have two specific constraints. One of them is that you are wearing a spray skirt, and the other is that you are sitting down, so what ever displacement product you’re using – foam, kapok, air or CO2– it doesn’t matter – it’s got to be above the waist and fairly high up, so the jacket has to be pretty high waisted for the touring kayaker. It also has to allow tremendous amounts of rotational movement - shoulders and torso. Those are difficult dynamics to reconcile. But that’s the challenge.

---Gordon Colby, Palm/MTI
Click here to read bio


What tips would you offer someone shopping for a PFD to assure they get the best fit and function?

The best tip is always: “Try Before You Buy”. But also, be sure to loosen all the straps before you put the jacket on.

--Philip Curry, Astral Buoyancy
Click here to read bio

TRY IT ON and try it on in your kayak. Always buckle the lower waist closure first, then zip or buckle up the rest of your PFD - it makes it easier. After you finish the front closure, adjust all side webbing straps to a comfortable yet somewhat snug fit, then have someone pull up on both shoulder straps. If the shoulder straps can be raised up to your ears then your PFD is not tightened properly and you should readjust it. Once you’ve done this sit in your kayak of choice and take note of where the PFD sits on your body, how the back feels against the kayak seat and, after trying some practice strokes, how much range of motion you have during those strokes. You shouldn’t have to even think about your PFD once it’s on and you’re in your kayak, it should feel like your most comfortable pair of shoes.

--Robin Skillings, Extrasport/Johnson Outdoors
Click here to read bio

Try it in real life, paddle with it. See if the shop has rental or demo jackets of the style/model you're looking at available to borrow and paddle in. That's the best test. If that option is available to you, take the next step and jump in the water wearing the PFD to see how it floats you and what degree of ride up is encountered. That'll help you adjust the suspension system properly as well. If on-water testing is not an option, do a thorough walk through in the store. Test for ease of access to fasteners and adjustors. Adjust suspension system until it feels snug and still comfortable. Have someone pull the jacket up by the top of the shoulder straps to judge ride up. Stand up and windmill your arms forward and backward to see if there's any contact between the inside of your arms and the PFD. If so, look elsewhere as this will only get worse on the water. Sit in a kayak with paddle and mimic paddling strokes, not forgetting to rotate torso to see how freely you can move in the PFD and where it limits you. Go through your roll position to see if the PFD will allow enough lean-back or forward tuck.

--Buff Grubb, Harmony
Click here to read bio

If at all possible, try the vest on with similar layers of clothing to that in which you would paddle, sit in a boat (or on the floor) while moving through a range of paddling motions, and familiarize yourself with the range and function of adjustments. Choose fit and function over bells and whistles (hopefully the vest has both).

--Adam Knoeller, Kokatat
Click here to read bio

As with any type of apparel, trying it on before you buy is always the best option. At NRS, PFD selection is all about safety and function. When talking with a customer we first ask what type of boating they will be doing and in what type of water, to narrow down the choices. If the customer is doing a lot of active paddling then we would talk about our low-profile PFD options. If the customer is doing a big water trip they may be looking for a PFD with more flotation than the USCG minimum of 15.5 lbs.

Most sea kayakers prefer the convenience of a front entry (zipper/buckle) model rather than a pull-over style. Other considerations are lots of adjustment points for a custom fit, lash points for knife and strobe, reflective material and bright color for visibility, size of pockets and reduced foam or mesh in lower back for seat comfort. The main thing is finding a life jacket that is comfortable to wear every minute you’re on the water. There’s a reason they’re called “life jackets,” they are your primary boating safety device!

--NRS
Click here to read bio

Try it on! And leave it on for a while – your body heat will warm up the foam a bit so that it may feel more comfortable after a few minutes. So move around, do some “air paddle strokes”, or better yet grab a paddle and sit down in a kayak. Is your upper arm going to rub against the edge of the chest panel when your arms move in front of you in your paddle stroke? That could lead to a friction point in actual use. If you look at different vests, you’ll see a variety of silhouettes. So try on as many styles as you can. You’ll learn to feel differences. And don’t hesitate to ask an experienced person in the store to help you if you’re not sure.

--Gordon Colby, Palm/MTI
Click here to read bio