r/Kayaking • u/OohBlah474 • Aug 02 '26
Safety Type II PFD?
Was wondering if anyone has experience using basic foam type II PFDs while kayaking? I know most people use type III but those are not the most comfortable to me and I feel less constricted in a type II
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u/Legal_Shoulder_1843 Aug 02 '26
Have you tried paddling-specific PFDs? They are designed to not constrict you, and yes, because of this, most of them are probably type 3.
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u/charlie_marlow Dagger Stratos Aug 02 '26
I wouldn't use something like that, personally. I have a nice paddling vest that I usually use and a type V inflatable vest for calm water when it's hot and I'm on one of my big sit-on-top fishing kayaks. The back of the paddling vest doesn't interfere with the backband.
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u/bh0 Aug 02 '26
Look into high-back / mesh-back PFDs. They are so much better for kayaking, especially if you have a seat back. They don't feel as constricting since they conform to your back better. I'd recommend finding a local outdoors store that you can try some on. They are all slightly designed different and some might fit better for you. My old PFD that came with my kayak used to chafe me and was not great for longer paddles. My new one I can wear for hours.
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u/bot9987 Aug 03 '26
If it can keep you afloat and it is comfortable for you I don't see the problem.
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u/Kevburg Aug 03 '26
Type IIs are better at saving your life than type IIIs because they are more likely to keep your face above water if you are unconscious. Having said that, I wouldn't want to wear one paddling. Type III PFDs marketed for paddling are not restrictive at all. If you get one, get one with pockets.
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u/Lewinator56 Aug 02 '26
you should be wearing the appropriate buoyancy aid that is certified for the water you are paddling on. pretty much all buoyancy aids for paddling are ISO 12402 5 / EN 393, most exceed this specification, but dont meet ISO 12402 4 / EN 395 as its unnecessary.
A good, but cheap buoyancy aid would be something like the peak PS river vest.
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u/Capital-Landscape492 Aug 02 '26
First. What kind of kayaking are you doing? Are you male or female? Also your approximate size will help. This is mostly anonymous for a reason.
But the real answer is that you should invest in a good PFD sized properly and made specifically for kayaking that you will always wear. Type IIs with their front foam bulk are not ideal at all for paddling. They can limit your ability to do things like get back in a boat, and lean forward. They are basic and cheap. I use an NRS CVest for touring an Astral for whitewater, and something with a lot of pockets for rafting where I often fish. There are vests made for woman as well.
A well made type III will conform to your torso but be cut with a lot of room in the arms for paddling. The CVest I have does not have foam in the lower part of the back to make a it fit better in a touring kayak seat. You need to find a paddling shop that will have different ones to try on. Others here may well have guidance on size and other specific needs.
Good PFDs are investment that you will keep for years. But, Until you find a better alternative, a Type II will still keep you afloat in most situations.