PADDLES/PFDS

Hello all.

So I am making the call today for my kayaks and I want your opinions about the PFD/ Paddle choices for my daughter and I. we will be paddling ocean kayaks, a caper (her) and a malibu two (Me).

my daughter is 95LBS so I need an adult vest so for her:
a stohlquist fishermans PFD (Small)
werner sprite paddle 210cm

me same vest but bigger
werner skagit paddle 240 cm

I was looking at the NRS vest also but the place I am buying the kayaks from have the stohlquist there.  I know we don't really need the pockets but they are the same prices so why not?

Carl

240 may be too long for you.  I only know a few people that use a paddle that long.  You should also consider a higher angler paddle.  You are much further off the water in a SOT than you are in a SIK and that naturally results in a high angle.  Something like the Tybee which is in the Werner Rec Touring high angle category.

-Allen

Allen,

So what do you think 220-230 cm? 

Carl

BTW, big pockets are good.  They can hold you VHF, camera, GPS, and what not.

Standard advice is to start out with a 230 and go from there.  I'm pretty sure I handed you a 230 at the show.  If you remember it having a blue/white blade, then it was 230.  If that felt good, then go with it.  That being said, take a couple sizes for a test drive when you pick up the yaks.  I'm sure they'll have some demo units available.

-Allen

hiya Carl.

Regarding your choice of PFD...Make sure you and your child try it on. Have someone try to pull it UP OFF your shoulders. If it doesnt move it fits properly.

The thing that really gets me lately are the selection of PFD's that are blue or camo colored. Being an ex-Coastie trying to find people in grey kayaks with a green camo pfd in the middle of the ocean is next to impossible. I know my banana colored kyak is not very "macho", but I highly increase my chances of being rescued. Same goes with your PFD.

Lastly, make sure your pfd is comfortable If it isnt you won't wear it. Depending on the age of your child make it a fun game to wear the pfd. Candy works great. When boarding vessels I always gave kids candy who had on a life jacket. OK I'm done preaching. Good luck! -wetwhopper

after reading Pole's post on PFD's I am looking at the Extrasport "retroglide sabre", big pockets, $138.00

I too have been looking at what PFD to get... This is what I have come up with so far...

Kayak PFD preferences:
1) High back to clear SOT kayak back-rest.
2) Does not ride up while paddling.
3) Enough adjustment for summer or winter wear.
4) Good visibility especially in back.
5) Mesh back for summer comfort.
6) Not too much junk on front to hinder wet re-entry of kayak
7) Cost ~ $100 ea.

ExtraSport Solstice – Price $80-$120; Flotation 16lb-8oz ; Sizes: S/M (37"-42"), L/XL (43"-48"); Weight ??

Patagonia (formerly Lotus Designs) Mesh-Back - Price $90-$95 ; Flotation ??lbs; Sizes: M (28"-41"), L (42"-54"); Weight 31oz.

Stohlquist GetAway - Price ~$70; Flotation 16lb-2oz ; Sizes: S/M (33"-39"), L/XL (40"-46"), XXL (46"-52"); Weight ??

Stohlquist ASea - Price ~$80; Flotation 16lb-12oz ; Sizes: S (30"-42"), STD (42"-54"), UNIV (30"-54"); Weight ??

Stohlquist TrekKer Hi-Back - Price ~$90; Flotation 16lb-12oz ; Sizes: S (30"-42"), STD (42"-54"), UNIV (30"-54"); Weight ??

Stohlquist Fisherman - Price ~$100; Flotation 16lb-12oz ; Sizes: S (30"-42"), STD (42"-54"), UNIV (30"-54"); Weight ??

Astral LDB - Price ~$98; Flotation 17lbs ; Sizes: S/M (31"-37"), M/L (38"-44"), L/XL (45"-51"); Weight ??

Here are the others that wouldn't fit above...

I'm kind of leaning towards the Stohlquist ASea at the moment.

-Bill-

High back is a definite must in my book.
High visibility is also a must.  Reflective tape and bright colors.
I also like pocket in front that can fit my VHF in one pocket and my camera in the other.

I use the Extrasport Solstice and it works great for my needs.

-Allen

I think all the jackets highlighted are "quality" brands and would make great pfd's. So many choices to pick from.

WOW!, you know how to GOOGLE! I chose the retroglide sabre for the fact that it is a little more adjustable (so it seems).
I wish we had stores around here to try them on!!!
I will be in Portland in Nov. any stores you know of that carry the Extrasport line? (near the Airport Holiday Inn, or not)
Thanks

I'm with Pole² The Soltice is a solid PFD. Gonna get that when my current PFD craps out.

Z

Boxofrain:

Alder Creek Kayak is up in Jantzen beach, on the Columbia.  Not really close to the airport.  They do carry Extrasport, and many others. 

http://www.aldercreek.com/

I think Next Adventure might be closer.  They also carry Extrasport and many others, used gear (though you may not want a used PFD, but maybe you'll find a new paddle or something), and heavily discounted gear.  Also, Alder Creek's Boathouse store is like 4 blocks away.  Not as big as their Jantzen Beach store, but probably has some PFD's and such. 

http://www.nextadventure.net

There might be some smaller stores around, but I'm not aware of them.  I'm not really familiar with the Portland area too much.  I used to work on the west side many years ago.  I lived in Salem though, so I didn't really venture into downtown or the eastern areas (airport area).

Z, the Sabre is the same as the solstice, with a more adjustable fitting system is the way I unnerstanit

Sabre doesn't have the high back.  Other than that, they are very similar.  I actually like the pocket arrangement on the Sabre better, but opt for the Solstice for the high back.

-Allen