There are many causes to PFD ride-up. The most important aspect of design is not to disguise the problem, but figure out what causes/allows the problem to occur and eliminate the problem from the core. Check out Astral’s “Independent Shoulder Suspension” and “Freestyle Tectonics” as a couple examples of such design approaches. Yes, thick waisted, pear shaped, endomorphic, however you choose to refer to this body type, it is a bit harder to secure a PFD to. Often times a more conforming PFD will work best. Some of our models include a uniquely soft kapok front which conforms itself to the body type of the wearer.

--Philip Curry, Astral Buoyancy
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Extrasport uses a patented shoulder/side technology called RetroGlide that creates a custom fit for each wearer and keeps the PFD in place with one simple side webbing pull. This technology in conjunction with our adjustable, neoprene-covered waist belt ensures our PFDs are not going anywhere no matter the shape of the user.

--Robin Skillings, Extrasport/Johnson Outdoors
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Multiple adjustment points or integrated circumferential harness systems are the best way to address this issue. Most “serious” vests have adjustable shoulder straps, at least 2 side adjustment straps, and a waist belt. On most physiques, these are sufficient to limit ride-up. A thick-waisted paddler is a challenge in this regard, in particular if they are also short-waisted as this dictates a shorter PFD for functionality in the cockpit, which in turn is challenged by the body shape. In some situations, ride-up is almost impossible to eliminate without the use of a leg or crotch loop. Making the arm holes smaller is one way to reduce ride–up, but at the expense of freedom of movement and potential chafing.

--Buff Grubb, Harmony
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Shape and placement of buoyant inserts, as well as placement and function of adjustment points should allow a secure fit on a wide range of bodies. While the trend of late has been a reduction (or combining) of adjustments on a device, this is clearly a limiting factor in the ability of the device to fit on a wide range of body types. This is fine if you are targeting a specific body type with your PFD, but tell that to a paddler that doesn’t fit the target body type yet wants to wear your stylish new vest. Unless the thick waist is accompanied by a barrel chest, these “thick-waisted” paddlers do pose the greatest challenge in providing a secure fit. This body style is often best served by a PFD that incorporates an articulated design (such as our MsFIT and Guide models) with a range of independent adjustment points.

--Adam Knoeller, Kokatat
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NRS’s PFDs have multiple adjustment points on the shoulders, sides and waist. Riding up is not typically a problem with a properly adjusted jacket if the bottom adjustment strap can be cinched under the rib cage. A thick-waisted paddler can experience a problem with this adjustment point. We give our shoulder straps a generous length so that most boaters can cinch this adjustment “below the curve.” The webbing adjustment points should all be snug but not uncomfortably restricting. We also offer multiple sizes in most PFDs, based on adult chest sizes, ranging from 33” – 58”. Some of our jackets have different fit features such as the foam panels being separated so that the jacket hugs your torso a little better. People with size concerns may want to take into consideration the larger area of their body and choose their PFD size a little larger.

--NRS
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We need to design for a broad population of boaters, represented by the subjects that UL uses in their testing. They try to get people of different fit characteristics, everything from an athletic build to the pear-shape build. Pear-shape is by far the toughest – which is what you mean by thick-waisted. There’s no question that is the hardest fit for ride-up. The only sure way I know of to design any jacket so that it will fit pear-shape is to add a crotch strap to it, but then you get into donning requirements for the jacket which make it harder to put on, and harder to put on in the water.

The best way to guarantee that someone is actually wearing a jacket that fits is to try it on in the store, cinch it down securely, and then make sure that the jacket grips that portion of your rib cage that doesn’t change shape dramatically when you move – because your gut moves, of course, but your rib cage doesn’t as much. Choose a comfortable jacket that locks into those areas. Tighten all straps, keep your arms down and have someone pull up on the shoulder straps and see how far it rides up. Designing for all the different body shapes out there is the big challenge for all PFD manufacturers. It explains why there are a lot of different styles and models – and if you are not the “average” body, you may need to spend some time trying on a lot of different styles to find the one that matches your physical make-up just right. Luckily, there are a wide variety of choices for paddlers. In fact, Paddlesport PFDs have really broken new ground for performance and fit over the past decade, and other recreational water sports—like dinghy sailing—have borrowed our technology for their sports.

---Gordon Colby, Palm/MTI
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How long is the useful life of a PFD? What can you do to prolong it and how do you know it's time to replace it?

The lifespan of a PFD is dependent upon the environment it was used in, the materials it’s made of and how well it’s taken care of. For example, a 500 Denier Cordura fabric will outlast a 200 Denier nylon by leaps and bounds. Also, chemical foams deteriorate quite quickly while organic materials such as Kapok can last for decades. It is best to rinse your PFD in fresh water after use, dry it thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry environment away from the sun.

--Philip Curry, Astral Buoyancy
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A PFD can last someone many years, but it truly depends on how well the owner takes care of it. Leaving it outside in the elements (sun, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures) can degrade the PFD much faster than rinsing it off with clean water after each use and storing it indoors in a breathable container. Don’t put it in an airtight container or a plastic bag. It needs air circulation so it can dry thoroughly. Another key factor is compression. Do not sit or store your PFD under heavy items as this can compromise the foam’s integrity by crushing the small air bubbles within the foam which directly affects buoyancy of your PFD.

A PFD should last anywhere from 4-10 years depending on how frequently it is used and in what environmental elements, how well it is taken care of and cleaned, and how durable the materials are that were used to create it. All materials (foam and fabrics) break down over time, so it’s important to check your PFD yearly to determine if it’s still structurally sound. You can also test the buoyancy by putting it on and submersing yourself. Your PFD should keep your upper shoulders out of the water. If they are under the water, then it is time to invest in a new PFD.

--Robin Skillings, Extrasport/Johnson Outdoors
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It will vary depending upon how the PFD is stored and how often it is used. Wear and tear, UV exposure, and mildew are the biggest threats to PFD longevity. If you paddle a lot, keep an eye on any wear spots that develop over time. Abrasion is a bigger enemy of PFDs than are impacts. Abrasion will weaken the threads of the fabric as well as the sewing used to assemble the vest. UV exposure will also deteriorate the shell materials and the stitching so avoid storing the PFD in direct sunlight. Never let your PFD grow moldy in the trunk of your car or in your gear bag. This will result in mildew which is also harmful to the integrity of your vest's materials, not to mention unsightly and foul smelling.

--Buff Grubb, Harmony
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As it is with any piece of equipment, the useful life of a PFD is largely dependent on how it’s treated. Frequently check buckles for cracks and webbing and fabric for wear and tear. Allowing the vest to dry out thoroughly between uses and storage in a dry place with no heavy stuff sitting on top of it will keep it from meeting an untimely end. While the minimum required buoyancy for approved devices does take into account the loss of buoyancy over time, the loss of buoyancy is often the deciding factor in determining when a vest’s useful life is over. As a vest ages, it’s important to take a swim once in a while to confirm that it provides adequate total buoyancy and distribution of buoyancy. Both are highly subjective criteria, but if you feel that it doesn’t provide one and/or the other, it’s time to get a new vest.

--Adam Knoeller, Kokatat
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A PFD can last anywhere from 2 to 10-plus years depending upon usage. A PFD should be discontinued from use when it doesn’t provide appropriate flotation. A good test before use, if your PFD is questionable, is to jump into the water and make sure the jacket will hold you up to chest level out of the water. In addition, if you see signs of break down like tearing seams or holes, you might want to consider a new jacket, and by that time you’ll want a new one anyway with all of the fun new styles and colors available every year! UV radiation causes deterioration of PFD fabrics. Regularly using a material sunscreen like 303 Aerospace Protectant will prolong a jacket’s life. Rinse jackets with fresh water after use and dry thoroughly before storing. Use a mild soap or detergent to clean soiled jackets.

--NRS
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The best guidelines are in the Coast Guard pamphlet that comes with every jacket when you buy it. Take a moment to read it – most people don’t bother. As to the actual useful life of a PFD, it varies tremendously. It’s all about how you treat it.

It helps to rinse your jacket in fresh water after use. And you don’t have to be paddling on the ocean to get corrosive salt water on the fabric – sweat is pretty salty, too. So rinse and hang it up to thoroughly dry. A damp PFD dumped in the corner of your garage or left in a dry bag is going to have a short useful life. Annually, or more often if you use your PFD a lot, you’ll want to check for rips, tears, open seams, or broken fasteners. Do not sit or kneel on it, either in the boat, during your lunch stop, or around the campfire. Eventually you are going to reduce the buoyancy by crushing the foam. And don’t run over it with your car!

For most paddlers a well cared for PFD can last a long, long time. They might not look very fancy or offer anywhere near the kind of comfort you can get from newer vests, but they are good to have around as a spare. At least, that’s what I tell my wife when we do spring cleaning – it’s hard to throw out a still useful PFD. I’d love to paddle so much that I’m able to wear one out someday!

--Gordon Colby, Palm/MTI
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