27th Apr 2023
Paddle boarding is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors, but safety should always be a top priority. One of the most important safety measures for paddle boarding is wearing a floatation device. However, with so many different types and styles available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this buyer's guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to select the best paddle board life jacket for your needs.
When purchasing a paddle board life jacket, there are three main criteria to look out for:
Comfort:
To get the most enjoyment out of paddle boarding, you'll want a floatation device that provides you with excellent freedom of movement and fits snugly, but not too tight. Buoyancy aids are designed to offer as much freedom of movement as possible, whilst keeping you safe.
Visibility:
Many paddle board buoyancy aids are available in striking colours such as yellow and orange to help you stand out should you get into difficulty. In addition, certain floatation devices feature reflective piping that increases your visibility in low light.
Additional Features:
Many paddle board floatation devices have various pockets that enable you to keep your valuables such as keys, phone or PLB close to hand. This is not only convenient, but great for your safety too.
Life jacket or buoyancy aid for SUP
When paddle boarding, we recommend you wear a buoyancy aid as buoyancy aids are designed for activities where you may be in and out of the water regularly. Buoyancy aids use closed-cell polyethylene foam to provide the buoyancy required, where-as life jackets use a CO2 cylinder which will need to be replaced after each use.
Should you wear a life jacket when paddle boarding?
If you are going to wear a life jacket when paddle boarding, we recommend wearing a manual life jacket. Unlike an automatic life jacket, a manual life jacket will only activate if you manually pull the toggle, so if you do fall in and are not in immediate danger, the life jacket will not inflate, and you will not need to replace the cylinder. This is something we discuss further in our life jacket guide.
Paddle Board Life Jackets
Spinlock Alto 75N Belt Pack Floatation Aid bridges the gap between a buoyancy aid and a life jacket. The floatation device is worn around the waist, providing unrivalled freedom of movement, whilst operating like a manual life jacket. Should you fall into the water and get into difficulty, pull the manual toggle and an inflatable tube is released which then supports you around your arms and chest.
Paddle Board Buoyancy Aids
SUP buoyancy aids are designed to provide superb comfort and offer excellent freedom of movement. A great buoyancy aid will fit snugly but not be too tight, and should not ride up or shift around when you move.
Gill Pursuit Buoyancy Aid has a lightweight design with minimum bulk and a front storage pocket for any valuables, making it perfect for paddle boarding. The adult buoyancy aid has a close fit with low volume and bulk, plus an adjustable shoulder length. Another excellent choice is Crewsaver Pro CZ 50N Buoyancy Aid, owing to its unique body shaping foam that adapts to your body, providing unrestricted comfort and performance.
Allow us to introduce ourselves..
Founded in 1991, we're Kent's largest chandlery with two stores. Our Rochester store is one of the largest chandlery stores in the UK, and we also have an additional outlet store located within Gillingham Marina. We supply everything you need for your next paddle boarding adventure! From the paddle board itself, to men's wetsuits, women's wetsuits and junior wetsuits - plus the hugely important buoyancy aids to keep you safe.
If you have any questions about paddle board life jackets, or anything else for that matter - do not hesitate to contact us. Call us on 01634 295 233, email customerservices@piratescave.co.uk, or visit us in-store!
