Buoyancy Aids

A lifejacket is designed to keep a person afloat and turn an unconscious wearer face-up so they can breathe. A buoyancy aid is designed to provide additional flotation, helping a conscious person stay afloat and swim if they end up in the water.

PFD stands for Personal Floatation Device. A buoyancy aid is one of several type of PFD's.

The lifespan of a buoyancy aid can vary due to frequency of use, cleaning and storage. However each manufacturer will have a lifespan for their buoyancy aid regardless of use.

For example, Palm Equipment buoyancy aids have a lifespan of 10 years after which they must be retired, regardless of condition.

Buoyancy aids work by containing lightweight foam that displaces water and create an upward force (buoyancy). This extra lift helps your body float higher in the water, making it easier to breathe and swim.

The size of buoyancy aid you need depends on your chest size and weight. These can vary from manufacturer and model of buoyancy aid so its best practice to visit your local paddlesport dealer to try on a few options.

The type of buoyancy aid you need for kayaking depends on the type of paddling you do. There are specific buoyancy aids for Sea Kayaking, Whitewater, Recreational etc. with different features for each paddling discipline. So the best buoyancy aid is one that meets the needs of your paddling.

After that its a case of deciding which fits the best. This can change between brands so its best practice to visit a store and try them on.

The 50N means the buoyancy aid provides 50 newtons of upward force, which is roughly equivalent to 5 kilograms of flotation. This might seem small but the buoyancy aid does not need to hold your entire body weight because your body already floats to some extent in water. It makes it easier to stay on the surface and reduces the effort needed to keep your mouth and nose above water.

The type of buoyancy aid you choose mainly depends on the type of paddling you do. There are specific buoyancy aids for Sea Kayaking, Whitewater, Recreational etc. with different features for each paddling discipline. After that its a case of deciding which fits the best and is comfortable to wear. This can change between brands so its best practice to visit a store and try them on.

There are SUP specific buoyancy aids which are lower profile with the foam distributed across the full length of your torso. This is due to SUP paddlers being in a standing position so there is no obstruction/ interference from a kayak seat or outfitting. Most other buoyancy aids can be used for SUP paddling so its then a personal preference on the one you choose in terms of fit, comfort and features.

Wash in clean, fresh water after each use to help reduce corrosion or degradation of materials. Dry by hanging out of direct sunlight. Frequent forced drying in drying rooms will shorten the lifespan of the material and foam. Store on hangers through the shoulder straps. Avoid storing wet or damp. Avoid stacking or boxing your PFDs for long periods – sustained compression will damage the foam.