Buoyancy Aid Buying Guide

Introduction

When you are out on the water, a personal flotation device (PFD) is one of the most important pieces of safety kit you will need.

Wearing the right buoyancy aid helps you stay afloat if you are separated from your equipment.

Buoyancy aid vs. life jacket

PFD

This is the umbrella term referring to a selection of buoyant safety gear designed to help keep you afloat in water. The two main types of PFD are buoyancy aids and life jackets. These both come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Life jacket

These offer much more buoyancy than other PFDs. They are designed so an unconscious person will not only float but self-right so that their head is face up out of the water. Life jackets are most typically used in scenarios where falling into the water is very undesirable and the user would require quick assistance. Most commonly you’ll find them used for children’s sailing lessons, on commercial yachts, or situations where the user is unable to swim unassisted.

Buoyancy aid

Designed only to assist a conscious person in staying afloat. They require less floatation and are smaller and lower profile than a fully rated life jacket. This has big benefits for active water users such as kayakers and stand up paddleboarders who both greatly benefit from a lack of restriction and good range of movement. As long as the user is a competent swimmer, a buoyancy aid is nearly always the better option for sports such as paddleboarding.

Inflatable buoyancy aids

The vests are packed down and not inflated unless required.

The vests are packed down and not inflated unless required.

This means you have excellent freedom of movement and will usually forget you have a buoyancy aid on at all. This makes the inflatable type an excellent choice for anyone looking for a SUP buoyancy aid.

It is worth noting that inflatable PFDs are less effective if you hit the water at speed. They are suited to slower water sports such as paddleboarding. Each time you deploy the PFD you will need to replace the CO2 cartridge. This makes them best suited for users who expect to use them only in an emergency situation.

Pros of Inflatable PFDS

· Comfort, freedom of movement

· ‌Less coverage so help keep you cool

· ‌Take up little space in storage

Cons of Inflatable PFDS

· Requires inflation to become buoyant

· ‌Cartridge needs to be replaced after every deployment

Foam buoyancy aids

Unlike an inflatable PFD, there is nothing to replace once the jacket has been put to use.

They are generally a bit more sturdy, requiring less maintenance.

Pros of Foam PFDS

Instant buoyancy, nothing to deploy
Require little maintenance
Extra storage pockets

Cons of Foam PFDS

Bulky, might restrict movement
‌Can be too warm on hot summer days

Fitting a PFD

How to fit a hip pack PFD

A hip pack PFD carrying an inflatable buoyancy aid should sit snugly around the waist. It must be easily accessible in case of emergency. It shouldn't be worn loosely, underneath a jacket or slung over a shoulder

How to fit a vest PFD

Traditional PFDs are fitted like a vest. Most will be zipped up at the front, whereas others go on over the head. However, all variations must have adjustable waist and shoulder straps to secure the PFD. Because there is nothing to deploy, they offer excellent protection. This comes with the compromise of being more restrictive than an inflatable hip pack style system.

Children's PFDs will also typically come with a strap that goes between the legs to stop the buoyancy aid riding up. It's important that this is done up and adjusted correctly as it prevents the life jacket from slipping off.

PFD sizing

Most often, if you wear a size medium in a jacket, a medium size PFD would be correct. However, it is important to consider that PFD sizing also needs to take into account the weight of the user and any equipment they may be wearing. Before you make a purchase, ensure you check the appropriate size guide and select the size that fits both your weight and height bracket.

It is essential to ensure that PFDs are correctly sized with a secure yet comfortable fit around the torso. If your PFD is incorrectly fitted then there is a chance it may slip off in the water.

Additional features

Storage Pockets

Depending on your activity, it can be useful to have some storage options on your PFD. Some waist belt inflatable PFDs come with a storage pocket, as do some foam buoyancy aids. Whilst not essential, when combined with a waterproof case a storage pocket can be a really useful place to store keys or a phone.

Visibility

Both inflatable and foam PFDs will usually feature some reflective strips or detailing. These help to increase visibility for evening sessions in the water. If you expect to be out in low light conditions, the importance of reflective detailing is even greater.

Whistle

A whistle is another addition that comes integrated with some jackets. They are a great fallback device for grabbing attention should you find yourself in a difficult situation. Inflatable life jackets are typically more likely to come with a whistle. Some foam PFDs may also feature one.

Hydration Reservoir

Some PFD's are hydration reservoir compatible with a stash section on the back. This added feature is perfect for long days out on the water or touring paddles.

More guides

SUP Buying Guide

This guide will help you narrow down the options and find the right board for you.

Swimming Wetsuit Buying Guide

If you’re new to the sport or considering an upgrade, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Wild Swimming Kit List

Find a full breakdown of all the equipment that you need in our Wild Swimming Kit List.