Tips to Choose the BEST PFD for Kayak Fishing
Join me this week as I travel to California and Canoe and Kayak in Redwood City to discuss tips to help you choose the Best Personal Floatation Device (PFD) that will fit your needs. I am joined with Sou (CCK program director and CCK Fishing Team member). Sou provides helpful tips should be considered before making a PFD purchase.
Before going forward this article/blog, I would highly recommend you read and watch the Kayak Fishing Essential skills and accessories. That articles covers a range of topics such as: Kayak fishing essential gear (PFD included), Types of Kayaks, Essential Kayak Skills, and attire. This will be useful starting point especially if you are a beginner.
Coast Guard PFD Designations
Types of PFD
- Type I PFDs are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take a while. Though bulky, they have the most buoyancy and will turn most unconscious people into a face-up position. They are the kind of PFD you’ll likely find on commercial vessels. Type I PFDs are available in inherently buoyant, inflatable or hybrid designs.
- Type II PFDs are intended for calm inland waters, where fast rescue is likely. They have a very basic design that is less bulky than Type I, and typically less expensive, but they are not as comfortable as Type III. They will turn some unconscious wearers to the face-up position. Type II PFDs come in inherently buoyant, inflatable or hybrid designs.
- Type III PFDs are suitable for most paddlers where there is a chance for quick rescue. They offer freedom of movement and comfort for continuous wear. These PFDs are designed so wearers can put themselves in a face-up position, but they may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in water. Type III PFDs come in inherently buoyant, inflatable or hybrid designs. (Discussed in Video)
- Type IV PFDs are flotation devices that are meant to be thrown to a conscious person who is in trouble and provide backup to a PFD. Examples include life rings and buoyant cushions. Type IV PFDs are not meant to be worn and they are not required for canoes, kayaks or SUPs.
- Type V PFDs are considered special-use devices and intended for specific activities. To be acceptable by the USCG, they must be worn at all times and used for the activity specified on the label. Varieties include kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, deck suits and hybrid inflatable vests. Type V PFDs come in inflatable or hybrid (inherently buoyant and inflatable) designs.
Reference: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/personal-flotation-device.html
Video Transcript
Hello, My name is Sou Saephan.
I am the Program Director for California Canoe & Kayak
Today we’ll are here to talk a little about Life Vest, Life Jackets, Personal Flotation Device aka PFDs. For today purpose I will use PFD to describe this item. We will talk little about Type, Style, Sizing and Price.
Type and Style
For Type: The US Coast Guard has 5 different designations to PFD. They are Type I – Type 5. For kayaking activity. We’ll focus Type III PFDs. If you want more information on The Coast Guard type designation, please go to the link.
Let’s get into style to PFDs:
- Front Entry
- Side entry
- Pullover
These PFDS are for general boating usage: sailing, canoeing, kayaking or water skiing. Wearer of this type of PFD should have a good change of fast rescue. Thus, when you out on the water please wear your FPD.
I am often asked who make the best pfd. I believe the best PFD is the one that fit you well and comfortably. Each maker cut their PFDs differently. From Infant to Larger sizes. Many manufacturers cut them in combination sizes: such as XS/SM, MD/Large or a combination.
The size has to do with the strap length and not the floatation of the PFD. I generally follow my clothes size. Since most manufactures make combination size PFD’s, If you are a large a Lg/XL or MD/Large will fit. Remember Floatation from XS-XXXL are the same, the length of the straps are the differences. The best way to get your fit is to put them on you.
Price
Now that we have talked about sizing, a common question that I am often asked is “how much does a PFD cost”. PFD’s ranges go from $40 up to $300, however, all PFD’s sold by CCK are coast guard approved.
Let’s look at a few examples from different price points that we carry here at CCK. The first one is a $45 PFD by stohlquist it comes with buckles, no pockets, fits most people, is coast guard approved and is a designated type 3 PFD.
Here is another example, this NRS Chinook PFD, that retails for $149. This particular model is very popular in the kayak fishing community. This is a type 3 PFD, it comes with two large pockets and has multiple areas where you can store fishing accessories such: pliers, knives, or tackle.
These are two examples at different prices points for PFD’s but there are numerous variations in prices and design. It’s best to come in to see the PFD that fits your need and price points.
Conclusion
Often, I am asked for a PFD recommendation. I recommend the best PFD is: one that fits you well, fit your needs, US coast guard approved and serve the purpose of your activities. Now you know about TYPE, STYLE, FIT and Prices for PFD’s. If you need further help, come into one of your shops and ask any of our friendly staff for assistance. I hope you enjoyed this week’s video, and we will see you safely on the water.