Looking at getting into some downwinders and racing soon and as most of the races require a type 3 PFD, I've started looking into them.
I tried a few on last weekend and found them to be fairly restrictive and can imagine they would cause a bit of chaffing if your paddling for long distances.
I've had a read through the forums and seen a few posts and suggestions but would be great if I could get a few more options and opinions.
Naish do a sup vest that looks like the fit might be better and offer more freedom but it does not say if it is classed as a type 3 pfd.
A PFD 3 is a inshore use jacket , water skiing ect , I'm pretty sure you'll need a PFD 2.
Check out this link http://www.ultrapfd.com.au/default.asp?PageID=46
This is a waist band mounted, manual inflating ( pull a lanyard and up she goes)type 1 PFD. The pfd pulls out of the pouch and over your head before inflation.
Low volume, light, and no restriction on the upper body. I think it even has a pocket for a small epirb or flare.
Astral Willis and Sea Wolf are great low restriction, very lightweight and cool (temperature) pfd's with hydration pocket.
I used the ultra waist pfd at the king of the coast didn't even know it was there apparently at some of the other races they just tape them to front of board
Just got a Ultra PFD and had my first downwinder during the week
Had no issues with restriction or hassles at all, I didnt even realise it was on as I was concentrating that hard on staying upright and trying to figure out downwinding
...A lot harder than I thought...
Theres no way I am going out kilometres off the beach without one, it also has a bladder so I have water available when I want it
Good product, its a "50" which is equivalent to a type 2 PFD so says the label
Just checking the ocean series rules it says "The minimum requirement is a PFD type three and must comply by Australian and Overseas standards."
So does that mean type 2 and better than type 3 and type 1 is better than 2 and 3?
How do you find out what type they are?
This one interests me as it looks comfortable but no info about it's specs.http://www.naishsurfing.com/2012/soft-tech/accessories.html
Ultra looks good but if you get knocked of and knocked out it's not much use.
Hi Mark, the standards are listed here:http://www.nmsc.gov.au/recreational_boating/index.php?MID=82&CID=77
Type 1 is safer than type 2 which is safer than type 3. In practice the only difference between types 2 & 3 is colour, so you might as well go type 2 (bright colours).
The hard part is working out the minimum standard each races will allow. Some may not allow pfds in a bumbag or pfds you have to inflate in an emergency. Then again I've seen plenty of competitors just putting a camel-back under their race jersey and passing that off as a pfd.
I've got an ultra trek pfd from my jet ski days, and it's surprisingly comfortable for SUP races, if a little hot. Thinking of getting something more minimal, and more easily removable - if I'm conscious the first thing I'm going to do in an emergency (if I've lost my primary pfd - the one attached to my leg rope) is take it off and start swimming.
p.s. that Naish one doesn't look like an official pfd. it looks like something for big wave use/ tow-in surfing etc. offering some physical body protection as well as a little flotation. But I could be wrong.
and still take home the prize money 
