Girl Gear?!

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Permalink Reply by Geoff Jennings on September 25, 2008 at 7:27am

PFD's should be about fit first, then features, then price. Unless you need (and are trained to use) a rescue vest, most PFD's offer a similar feature list, varying by pockets here and there.

I've got a TON of experience with PFDs, having guided, worked in a shop, and worked for a PFD manufacture for many years, I've fitted hundreds or thousands of people with their first PFD.

You will want to get a kayak specific PFD. they are typically cut with wider shoulder openings than other types of PFDs, and are cut shorter in the torso. Imagine sitting in a kayak, especially with a skirt on, and picture the distance from the top of the skirt to under your chin. For most people, especially women, it's not very far. most waterski type vests would be pushed up.

Best thing to do is to head to a store with a good selection of vests. (ahem, The River Store is a site sponsor and a great shop, plus Robin or Gigi are most often )

Permalink Reply by Geoff Jennings on September 25, 2008 at 7:35am

Try on lots of vests. Make sure it stays in place even if you pull on the shoulder straps.

Kokatat and Astral are great brands, so is Patagonia/Lotus Designs if you find any of their vests around (they stopped making them).

I'd buy new. It's a critical piece of safety gear, and I like to know mine wasn't abused.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Maya on September 25, 2008 at 9:00am

Thanks for the tips. I was at The River Store for a lesson last weekend and looked at one. At this point in the season there wasn't a lot left in stock. I've been thinking about the Astral Wonderjacket. I like the cut and look. Has a lot of features. Made for a woman. The blue is pretty, but it seems like the yellow would be a better idea, for visibility. Good to hear it is a respected brand.

Now, picking a boat. Not gunna be so easy. I think I'll just keep test driving for a while.