There is a pretty comprehensive range of buoyancy aids on the market and it can be difficult to choose the right one. This guide is designed to help you choose the right one, based on you asking yourself some questions.
What type of water am I paddling on/ what type of paddler am I?
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A Simple recreational paddler mainly practicing on flat water, beaches, canals and lakes may only need the minimum to get going, in which case choose a really simple no frills buoyancy aid, for example the Palm Rec Sport B/Aid. This style will also be the cheapest |
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A touring paddler may need pockets for food/ VHF radio etc, e.g the Peak Sea Zip. |
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A white water paddler may need a rescue belt style harness, e.g the Nookie Rivermonster, as will someone progressing to BCU level 3 Inland coaching. |
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A competitive paddler will need the maximum freedom of movement, e.g the Palm Fusion Vest. Is freedom of movement really important to you? |
To Zip or not to Zip?
This is a personal matter but as a general rule Zip fronted buoyancy aids do not offer the same freedom of movement as a vest style, they are easier to get on and off though. This is because with a Zip front jacket, the zip occupies an area which on a vest, is occupied with foam buoyancy. The balance of foam on the Zip fronted jacket is usually put around the arms, while as there are no zips on the vest, foam can occupy this space, and the result is usually a more cut-away design.
Zip fronted buoyancy aid |
No zip - more cut away |
The downside is that the vest style is more difficult to put on and take off. This ease of access may not be important for a white water paddler, but distance paddlers may relish the chance to sun bathe in their kayak as they tour round the coast and it is much easier to remove the zip fronted jacket when seated.
Harness and Rescue Belt
Recent debate in the canoeing press has highlighted the need to understand the difference between various styles of white water vest. Vests with a rescue belt are useful when engaged in various river rescue scenarios. Vests with an integral 'harness' are designed to be suitable for the extreme environments where you may be force to climb out of a river gorge. They are designed to be as strong as a climbing harness/ helicopter rescue. These 'harness' vest designs are usually more expensive. There is no substitute for a good swift water rescue/ white water safety in order to learn which is the most appropriate style for you. Please consult the staff in the shop if you require more information.