So, even if you weigh 200 pounds, your life jacket only has to support a total of 10 pounds in water a Type III PFD, with a 15.5-pound (70 Newton) buoyancy rating, is more than adequate. Now that you know how much of your body’s weight is water and fat, you can subtract these numbers from your initial weight:Ģ00 pounds (bodyweight) – 160 pounds (water) – 30 pounds (fat) = 10 pounds.The more physically fit you are – and the lower your body fat percentage – the more buoyancy you’ll need. Next, if you factor in the body fat percentage of 15-percent and use a similar formula – 200 x 0.15 – your body’s weight in water drops by another 30 pounds of fat.For a 200-pound individual – the average weight for US adults – that amounts to 200 x 0.8, or 160 pounds of water. The calculations rely on the premise that the human body is 80-percent water.Here’s how to calculate the PFDs required buoyancy rating based on your weight in a few quick steps: But how do you know that you’ll float for sure? That’s why what works for my four-year-old son buoyancy-wise would never work for a 230-pound guy like me.Ī flotation rating of 7 to 12 pounds (31 to 54 Newton) should be more than enough to keep an average adult’s head above water. Multiple factors are at play here, including your weight, body fat percentage, water conditions, and the actual construction of the PFD. The minimum amount of flotation isn’t a single, universally-applicable number. Top Tip – Type IV PFDs are a wise investment when kayaking in open water because they can be strapped to bow with bungee chords or thrown to someone (including pets) who’s fallen and become separated from their kayak. Special-use devices that are designed for specific on-the-water sports and activities. Throwable flotation devices and buoyancy aid, that are thrown into the water as back-up for a life vest. Near-shore buoyant vests, that are typically used in calm waters.įlotation aid often used by fishermen and those who participate in on-the-water sports, such as kayaking. Offshore life jackets, that are commonly found on larger-sized, commercial boats. Its important to fully understand the different types of personal floatation devices, and their purposes, in order to make an informed decision about which type is right for you. It has nothing to do with comfort and fit – and everything to do with the quality and performance of your life jacket.Īlso, the US Coast Guard categorizes PFDs into five distinct categories based on intended uses and buoyancy ratings keep an eye on that, too: Only go with a Personal Floatation Device that complies with the rules and requirements put in place by the US Coast Guard – make sure you look for the label that says US Coast Guard Approved. How to Choose the Best Kayak PFD: Everything You Need To Know Period.Įven if the water is perfectly still, even if you’re a strong swimmer, even if you’re okay with violating PFD regulations – please, wear one. If you’re heading out on the water, you have to wear a PFD. I don’t mind repeating this a thousand times more if it could potentially save someone’s life and is one of our top kayaking tips: If there is one kayaking rule or regulation to follow – make it this one. It’s our duty as responsible adults to play our part in setting an example for others – especially kids and teens – who are showing interest in on-the-water sports. If appearances are what you’re worried about, you pretty much have no excuse not to wear one. You want to look cool – and an image of an overly bulky, awkward-fitting, orange over-the-neck vest couldn’t be further from it.īut PFD designers have been pretty busy these last couple of years, coming with super-sleek, high-performance, sports-optimized PFDs that would blow your mind! I may come off as blunt – or even flat-out harsh – but I’m sure you’ll agree that safety shouldn’t be a debatable topic. Out of all the drowning victims in fatal boating accidents that occurred in 2021, a staggering 82 percent weren’t wearing a PFD, as reported by the United States Coast Guard’s annually published statistics. Kayaking can be dangerous, especially when not using the correct safety equipment. Kayaking Safety 101: Do You Need A Life Vest For Kayaking? Features a zippered pocket with mesh drainage and a lash tab.Three available sizes and six fit-adjusting straps.SOLAS-grade reflective material for visibility.High-back cut with a lower-back mesh panel.Durable 200-denier nylon construction with neoprene shoulder padding.USCG-certified Type III PFD with a 15.5-pound buoyancy.Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
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