{"id":11570,"date":"2022-05-13T11:09:54","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T16:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/choosing-the-right-pfd-life-jacket-according-to-your-nautical-activities\/"},"modified":"2024-08-06T12:40:15","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T17:40:15","slug":"choosing-the-right-pfd-life-jacket-according-to-your-nautical-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/choosing-the-right-pfd-life-jacket-according-to-your-nautical-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"What Type of Life Jacket (PFD) Should You Choose According to Your Water Sport of Choice?"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":5291,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65,166,171,175,172],"tags":[348,478,479,480,481],"class_list":["post-11570","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoor-activities","category-kayaking","category-life-jackets-and-accessories","category-life-jackets-and-accessories-paddle","category-paddleboarding","tag-pfd","tag-life-jacket","tag-nautical-sports","tag-swimming","tag-water-safety"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"Planning on spending the summer on the water? Even if you are an excellent swimmer, water safety is a must,<\/b>\u00a0no matter your activity. In order to protect yourself, as well as the members of your family \u2013 including your four-legged friends \u2013 read our tips to pick the PFD that\u2019s right for you.<\/strong>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will learn more about:"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"\u00a0<\/b>To learn more about the different types of paddle boards on the market, shop online or visit your local SAIL store.\r\n

[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/pfd\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Personal flotation devices[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The difference between a life jacket and a personal flotation device","text_content":"

First, what\u2019s the difference between a life jacket and a personal flotation device?<\/h2>\r\nA life jacket offers excellent flotation, is generally orange or red-coloured, and automatically pivots a person for his or her face to face upwards and out of the water. These are often offered on boats and commercial watercrafts.\r\n\r\nThe personal flotation device also offers good flotation, is adapted to your activity, and is designed to offer freedom of movement. Personal flotation devices are generally offered in a larger spectrum of colours like blue, yellow, and even green and purple. When purchasing one, make sure that your device is approved by one of the following associations: Transport Canada, The Canadian Coast Guard, or Oceans Canada."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The personal flotation device for fishing","text_content":"

Fishing personal flotation device (PFD): what should you consider?<\/h2>\r\n\"Fishing\r\n\r\nIf you love to go fishing all summer long, make sure that your fishing PFD<\/a> is lightweight, has pockets (practical for slipping in some extra spoons, line, sinkers, etc.) and have a small piece of fake sheepskin to attach your flies or lures.\r\n\r\nStandard models have flotation panels designed to offer freedom of movement to your arms. Others are self inflating by use of a string that you simply pull. The Salus<\/a> and Mustang Survival<\/a> brands both offer different options, up to you to choose your favourite one."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The personal flotation device for kayaking and paddleboarding","text_content":"

Personal flotation devices for kayaks and stand up paddle boards: what criteria should you consider?<\/h2>\r\n\"kayakIf your dream is to roam upon the water aboard a kayak<\/a>, a stand up paddle board<\/a>, or even a canoe, look for a PFD with tapered back flotation panels centered on the chest so that you have good underarm ventilation and full shoulder clearance for paddling. Test out your jacket by sitting in a kayak to see if your back feels comfortable against the seat.\r\n\r\nYour jacket should stay in place all while allowing good freedom of movement. Select a model that has multiple straps to be able to adjust it to your body, or to wear it higher up on your waist, especially if you are doing a nautical activity where you will be sitting down. Several brands such as SAIL<\/a> and Stohlquist<\/a> offer very functional jackets.\r\n\r\n\"dog\r\n\r\nBringing along your furry friend? Protect your favourite companion with a dog pfd<\/a> including a dorsal handle in case your dog falls or decides to jump into the water without warning."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The personal flotation device for swimming","text_content":"

Personal flotation device for swimming: what criteria should you consider?<\/h2>\r\n\"kids\r\n\r\nFor playing in the water, both young and old must take the proper precautions and wear a life jacket. Particularly if you will be swimming in a river or a lake that will be agitated from the current of motorboats and other watercrafts drifting by.\r\n\r\nFor adults, opt for a PFD that is well fitted to your body. For your little ones, look for kids\u2019 or baby PFDs<\/a> equipped with a harness between the legs, allowing for the jacket to stay in place and prevent from climbing up too high on the body."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable personal flotation devices","text_content":"

What are the advantages and disadvantages of inflatable personal flotation devices?<\/h2>\r\nInflatable personal flotation devices<\/a> are very lightweight and ergonomic, making wearing them even more comfortable. Models with a zipper or with a buckle are available.\r\n\r\nThe inconvenient side rests not only in their more expensive price, but also in the fact that you have to activate the inflation manually on several models. There\u2019s also a style that inflates automatically under the pressure of the water.\u00a0You will also need to frequently validate that the re-arming kit, the inflator, is still functional.\r\n\r\nThese PFDs are not recommended for high-intensity activities in whitewaters activities such as rafting or water skiing.\r\n\r\n