How To Choose A Life Jacket For Kayaking - My PFD For 2022 

solid hour lining stuff up? Tell me EVERYONE in world hates you without telling me.

Thanks Vernon! Appriciate you always checking in.

This Bama fan agrees. Man, maybe world peace IS possible.

@@timshelton7905 Maybe so, War Eagle! 😆 (At least you're not an Ohio state fan)

No RU-vid videos about sailing, but if your on IG check out my personal page @dan_arbuckle and @sv_sami1280 which is my boat

Thanks! Me too. That was Seths handy work. Adding him to the team has been a huge step up in quality.

@@HeadwatersKayak SETH ROCKS! First saw him with the Scupper 12 & 14 vids, and I was like, "Where's Dan? Who's this guy?" But I watched and he did fantastic reviews! you guys are killing it.

The Ronnie Fisher is super nice. I've been using it now for a few videos and I'm really impressed.

Yea when your tall PFD’s can be awkward. I really like thin backs. Try the Ronnie.

Also over 6'4" and I feel you brother.

Yes I plan on getting a Green Jacket for WW use. Hows Clear Creek flowing? I think I'm ready to head back out there.

@@HeadwatersKayak Nothing moving right now. Except summer flows on the Trinity. Anything else you have to head way.... north.

R&R flows through Jelly's Ferry to Bend bridge.

That place is a paddlers Paradise. Tell ‘em Dan sent you!

I actually switched out for the E Ronnie and I’ve loved it.

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks, do you believe the E ronnie is just as comfortable even though it is a front zip?

It’s a very cool store

Bit late to your comment. But based on my experience with their MoveVent Dynamic PFD, I'd say they're far from junk. Had it for almost 2 years now (don't remember which store it came from), and its been comfortable and reliable for me. There's definitely better out there, but for the money I'm quite happy with it. I know they offer products from bargain bin price range up to $300+ , so it really comes down to which model(s) you're looking at and what features and level of fit/comfort you expect for your money. If it's a couple times a year something like the one I bought or a little cheaper will be fine and offer decent comfort, giving you years of service. If you're going to be hitting the water on a regular basis then you'll probably want something with better features and more durable materials (if you want many years of service). Also the fit/comfort should be of utmost concern as the more comfortable it is the more likely you're actually going to use it, and a PFD that isn't comfortable to wear is a PFD that doesn't get put on, and those do you absolutely no good. Keep in mind what fits one person like a glove may be uncomfortable and ride up on another, best to try a variety on beforehand if it's an option.

My iPhone is waterproof ish. But don’t take my advice. I average one phone per year in the lake.

Maybe you could put your phone in a plastic bag and keep it in you’re life jacket?

Most phones are pretty water resistant now, that is why they are glued up(can't get to the battery anymore) if you are concerned you can get plenty of dry boxes, or bags to put it in.

Thanks Man! It’s been a great move coming to Redding and stepping away from the retail shop.

I can’t imagine that ever happening.

@@HeadwatersKayak lol Guess I have to move up North.

Just to be clear I closed my shop in lodi and the shop is Redding was sold to our friend Bryan. We still work closely and a some of my old staff works there now.

By not flipping over. 😂 I have an iPhone and it sometimes gets a little wet, but I’m not usually doing whitewater of the type of paddling that would cause me to get wet to my chest.

Paddling PFD’s are not designed to float you face up. They distribute thee buoyancy evenly to make it more comfortable for paddling. So worst case if you got knocked out you’d have a 50% chance of being face up.

Not for me. People use them, but not useful for the type of paddling I do.

Buy a good life jacket that doesn’t ride up. And don’t be a tool. 😉

@@HeadwatersKayak Thank you. I'll try better to not be a tool. Thank you for responding. I went to Manhattan Kansas to buy a boat. I left with an amazing life jacket. I have been watching your video's to see what boat I should get. Like most most I put the cart before the horse. Purchased Bending Branches Angler Pro plus for $275. Looking to purchase a Wilderness Systems 125 Pungo. Finding this in Wichita Kansas , well it's not available. I would rather purchase from a small business, over REI, or Scheels . Again thank you for your response. I always strive to do better.

I think Stohlquist honestly has the best cinch system to keep the PFD from riding up. A strap that goes from your chest to your lower lower back. Check out the Ebb.

Great feedback. I will get on this

I agree, I'd love some guidance on choosing a PFD! Being a heavier, short woman I've tried half a dozen PFDs and they ALL ride up so high on me the second I sit in my kayak that it makes paddling difficult.

Please help us girls pick a jacket .

Second person to say that. I really haven’t lost a whole lot of weight, but I’ve been paddling hard, so maybe it’s migrating into muscle. 🤷‍♀️

Now with the knife, I carry on land, sea, air daily and it's not a knife. Again it's a floatation device, but hey you look good in the store wearing it. Let's try it, in the water, by all means talk about your phone if it makes you feel better while your in the water.

@@Cornfed41 get a life. I've been wearing PFD's and doing open water rescues for 30+ years. I've taught hundreds if not thousands in my life to do rescues and reetries, and yes I also bring my phone to take photos and film for my RU-vid channel.