Hi
Have gone through some of the older posts regarding these pfds.
Just wanted to ask what everybody is finding the best? Is there a pfd with hydration inbuilt. Best place to purchase?
Also if I paddle along the coast staying within 300metres from land, can one not wear the pfd at all?
Have noticed even K1 paddlers on the Yarra wearing PFDs, Seems a bit excessive, I suppose I could run aground onto a log and got A over T and knock my head, Now that would be a good GoPro funny video.
I'm more worried about the falling into chocolate coloured water and the flying rats - (bats)
Hope you all enjoying summer paddling. I've been doing coastal paddles from Fishies beach Mornington to Mt Eliza, so nice to be in clear water, loads of big sting rays, no dolphins yet :( maybe next time
Cheers Thanks in advance for advice
Depends on the laws where you are. Maritime NSW doesn't consider us a vessel that requires it per the link below.
maritimemanagement.transport.nsw.gov.au/lifejackets/index.html
Of course, that doesn't mean event insurers won't insist on an organiser putting it in their race rules to get cover to minimise risk. So it is basically whatever the organiser will accept in order to let you participate.
Real vessels, (we must be figments of their imagination), need to have one on board when they go more than 100m off shore even in the harbour, and wear them in some circumstances such as crossing bars.
Mind you it makes sense to use your noggin' and wear one when risks are higher e.g. when not in a big group, in high winds, well off shore etc. If it's that windy and cold it might just keep you from getting cold or hypothermia too. From my experience, sh1t does happen now and then. Besides, on a slow day Maritime patrols sometimes pull you up to have a chat with you but won't bother if they can see you've got one on.
I've got an Ultra inflatable that goes over the shoulders myself. Folds up quite small, drys easily and can be taped to the deck if you don't need it on you.
I recently bought an MTI Eddy PFD from Mainpeak and am reasonably happy with it. (I don't think I would ever be more than reasonably happy wearing a PFD)
I tried on nearly all of their PFD's and one of the least restrictive (but still bulky) ones was the Eddy which also has provision for a hydration bladder in the back.
I used it for the 20km King of the Cut event and a couple of training runs and pretty much forgot I was wearing it.http://www.mainpeak.com.au/paddle/pfds/mti-eddy-pfd.html
Your Av says you're in Vic so we'll go with that - new Vic marine safety regs came into force in mid-2012, treating SUPs explicitly. The SUPVic website has a summary of the bits that matter:
www.supvic.com/safety-on-the-water/
Full regs can be found here:http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/acts-and-regulations
(note that kayaks and canoes are classified differently to SUPs in the regs, users of those craft must wear an approved PFD at all times, there are sensible exceptions for SUPs)
Personally, I prefer to use a camelbak for hydration and wear a waist-style Type 1 PFD below it when I'm in such waters or events that require it. Fewer folks like the vest-style with sleeve for a hydration bladder, the Ultra range that DJ mentioned seems to be the vest of choice there. They're not hard to find, any marine/kayak/board store in Melb should be able to steer you right.
www.anacondastores.com/fishing
on sale and good value
i have M-L size
I am 95kg and just under 6ft
