GS did that too
Required in Girl Scout camp - before we could even go out in a canoe, we had to be able to strip off sneakers, jeans and a buttoned shirt then have the jeans upside down and acting as floats within a pretty limited number of minutes. I remember that because it took me a couple of tries to get within the time frame.
But would I even think about relying on that one in colder water, or for prolonged times? No way. It was an art form to hang onto the jeans just right so they trapped the air.
And besides that
who wears cotton jeans paddling these days? I say that we advocate paddling with no PFD and wearing cotton.
"Minimal Bouyancy"
I’m sure that you will find you don’t need to aim for some “miminum” amount of bouyancy. Check out the paddling PFDs made by any major brand (See Celia’s first post in this thread). Get one of those that fits properly and you’ll be amazed at how it allows complete freedom of arm and shoulder motion AND how it does not “ride up” when it’s keeping you afloat (a water-skiing PFD does neither of those things). The amount of bouyancy provided is pretty standard (I believe that this is necessary to meet Coast Guard requirements) from one model to the next, unless you are looking at really specialized rescue models and the like.
If for some reason you can’t afford a name-brand paddling PFD, check out the fishing PFDs from any boating or fishing supply place. Bass Pro Shops is a good starting point. Those PFDs won’t “stay put” quite as well when they are keeping you afloat, but the degree of comfort is pretty good, and they will work fine for paddling a canoe. For kayak paddling, a fishing PFD might occupy too much of your lower back (paddling PFDs leave your lower back uncovered), and thus interfere with the seat back, so check that out before buying.
Question 3 Parts
This is actually a 3 part question. Part 1 is a sincere question asking the minimum flotation requirements, recommended flotation requirements, and recommended PFD designs… Part 2 is what is the minimum I can get away with. Part 3 is what and how do I attach my safety equipment to my PFD.
Part 1:
This has been answered with Type III with 22lbs of flotation and always wear it even though USCG may not require it. Check with local regulations. If you pass out for what ever reason in water you will probably drown without a PFD because a rescuer cannot get to you in time. IMHO inflation devices for MOST paddlers should not be used. The Tuilik can be used with considerations. Most groups require you to were a PFD at all times. Various PFD designs offer freedom of movement and cooling. Demo friends PFDs and try them on at kayak shops. My grandiose self valuation is more than $100. Though some would say $1.
Part 2:
What can I get away with? Paddle deep water with cement blocks and strong rope tied to your legs. It should work.
Part 3:
What safety equipment and how should I attach it to my PFD. This is a different thread and very important.
Momma told me not to suffer fools and an idiot only argues with an idiot.
JimZ
I think what you really want
is a paddling PFD (Type III). Lots of them for lots of different builds. What is comfy for me (Astral LDB) may not be for you. Find a local shop or a club and try before you buy if possible. Astral, Stohlquist, and others make some great products that are well worth the $100 or so.
And don’t be overconfident in your swimming abilities. When the water is 50 degrees, some of the best swimmers will struggle to make 100 yards. In 75 or 80 degree water you can rely on your swimming skills a little more. Unless you get a cramp, or an injury, or you are unconscious, or …
jim
also suggest
a regular kayaking PFD… My Astral is comfortable… I can swim very well … but am usually far enough away where I want a PFD and VHF on me…
I knew a few Girl Scouts
who must have taken that course …
jeans, sneakers, and a buttoned shirt off in record time!
G K Had a plan.
But seriously not all of us are Marine Commandos or serve with the SEAL’s.
I have no idea where the poster is but if he swims here, right now without a PFD he will die.
Getting into a PFD in a pool is a neat trick (I learned) but it was hard. Add 4 foot waves 5 degree F water (F is for Fahrenheit not…the other f.)
The inflatables have to be worn at all times here, as opposed to stowed.
Too many things can go wrong with them and they are not immediately apparent.
I would suggest you get a decent PFD and wear it.
Marines have it good. If things go wrong they can swim for a while…
I was Airborne and I can’t fly a lick.
Hey have fun with it. We had a guy, Georgia Kayaker, on this group. He never wore a PFD…
I did CPR on a drowning victim for 35 minutes and I have hunted for bodies.
Wear the PFD!
I use an inflatable in hot weather
I think they are the obvious hot weather solution.
PFD
This is a quote that was on a sign:
A life jacket wont ruin your tan
as much as a body bag will…
I want to switch it around and say
A PFD wont ruin your float as much
as a body bag would…
I’ve seen that, too, but…
…did you have to hold onto a kayak and a paddle while doing it?
When push comes to shove, breathing trumps all else and survival skills become key, but you don’t want to get into that situation if you can avoid it. Ditching your boat and paddle in favor of putting on a PFD is a choice you don’t want to have to make, as it leaves you largely helpless, especially if you don’t have a VHF radio on/in your PFD.
I got an Astral V-8 for Christmas.
Very comfy and minimal. Have not worn it paddling yet but supposed to be cool in hot weather.
Thank you very much
I have a much better idea of what is available now. I have been off canoes for years so had no need for anything but my mae wests and water skiing vest, but now that I have my solo canoe and just bought a sunfish, I really need a nice pfd that is cool and not bulky.
Personally I am well aware of how dangerous and deadly hyperthermia can be. I live in New England and it is a big safety issue around these parts.
The state I live in requires a pfd type l, ll , lll, V or V hybrid. They must be worn from Oct 1st to May 31st.
I did the jean thing during Red Cross lifeguard training at age 15 lol I have just about lived in the surf, lakes and pools all my life. I think I have a petty good idea of my limitations ( and they have gone downhill with age lol )
The reality is that
hypothermia doesn’t kill that many people because those who aren’t wearing PFDs will drown well before hypothermia would cause them to go into cardiac arrest.
Google “Cold Water Boot Camp” and watch the 10 minute video for more info. Pretty interesting stuff.
jim
Manual 3F Inflatable PFD
I love my Mustang Survival inflatable. Very comfortable and cool in the summer.
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/mustangpfd.html
Big PFDs
The below NRS site has a collection of PFDs to compare. The biggest problem I have is properly carrying all my safety gear.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=951
How about this:
Enjoy your paddling experience
in a PFD not a body bag.
Can you answer yes to the following questions?
I have skills so I will never drown.
I can always inflate my PFD so I will never drown.
I will never cause someone to lose their life trying to rescue me.
If so make sure your name is on the Darwin’s Awards list.
JimZ
Bell-botoms
That’s exactly why the navy had the sailors wear bell bottoms.
Minimal PFD
The most minimal PFD is decomposition body gases collecting in your gut. I don’t recommend that you use this type of PFD. Find one you like and wear it.
pfd
If you wear it every time you paddle, regardless of the season, after awile you never notice it’s on and feel uncomfy in the boat when it’s not on. Proper fit makes all the difference.
It’s a CG requirement that you have one in the boat it’ll do no one any good at all having it attached to the boat or stuffed into a hatch, if you need it, you need it on.
Bill H.
minimal?
Why would you want minimal? For what its worth (ok, not much!) I started wearing a NRS Anti-gravity shirt that gives you 10lbs of flotation. BUT - I wear it UNDER MY PFD for a total flotation of 26lbs!
Not to mention - it gives me that “Batman” body armor look that will make my gal happy! heheheheh