This is a buoyancy vest–not a life jacket. It will provide less buoyancy than a PFD type 1 but is sufficient to keep your head above water. Like a PFD type 1 they are manufactured in high visibility colours such as yellow and red. 

We use and recommend a PFD Type 2 for adults sea kayaking, recreational kayaking, kayak fishing, white water and surf ski paddling - the best combination of comfort, visibility and buoyancy on the water. They are appropriate for canoeing and kayaking activities and allow you to undertake self or assisted rescues.

Sea Kayaking PFDs ideally have a variety of pockets so you can keep snacks, communications and safety gear close by. Some have hydration pockets on the back for a water bladder The Ultra Trek and Kokotat Outfit Tour are good examples that we use and recommend.

Surf ski paddlers tend to favour shorter, more intense workouts - a more slim-line PFD is preferred, such as the Mocke Racer PFD and Vaikobi V3 Ocean Racer.

For kayak fishing, again you want plenty of pockets - a typical sea kayaking PFD may be fine, although some fishing kayaks have a high backed, comfort seat, so specialty Fishing Kayak PFDs such as the Kokatat Bahia Tour have the buoyancy up high, with just a mesh lower back.

Rescue PFDs for white water and swift water rescues differ from sea kayak PFDs by the addition of a quick-release waist belt and Bungee Tow (Cow’s Tail) - the Kokatat Guide or Ronin Pro, Sea To Summit Leader and NRS Zen Rescue PFDs are good examples of these.

This is a recognised ‘life jacket’. A PFD type 1 will provide a high level of buoyancy and keeps the wearer in a safe floating position through the use of buoyancy behind the head. They are made in high visibility colours with reflective patches.

PFD Type 1 (Level 100 or greater) are designed for survival situations (and boating!) and can make performing activities such as paddling and self and assisted rescues more difficult.

Inflatable Type 1 PFDs are designed to be less bulky and offer no immediate buoyancy until inflated, so people are reluctant to inflate them. Generally when you capsize, buoyancy gives you the opportunity to resolve the immediate problem (keep contact with your kayak and paddle), recover and undertake a self or assisted rescue. We do not recommend these for paddle sports either, due to the annual maintenance requirement and if deployed their bulkiness in the chest region makes self and assisted rescue extremely difficult. If you do utilise this PFD we recommend training in it and understanding its capabilities.

Children's PFD's are Type 1 (Level 100). They are available sized according to age (years 1-2, 3-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 12-14) and provide the higher level of floatation in a safe floating position. Smaller sizes for toddlers have an additional strap between the legs to stop smaller children from sliding out.

This is a buoyancy garment – not a life jacket. They have similar buoyancy to a PFD Type 2 but are manufactured in a wide variety of colours and are shaped or equipped for particular activities, eg. camouflage colours. Their visibility for paddle sports is not always sufficient, hence we prefer Type 2 PFD which are in high visibility colours and have reflective strips.

Don't forget about your best friend when you are out on the water! PFDs for dogs (or is that a CFD - Canine Floatation Device) are now available and in a range of sizes to suit your dog. They have a handle on the back so that you can retrieve them when they get overexcited and jump overboard.