Wearing a SUP flotation device is more than a good idea. The Coast Guard now considers paddle boards that operate outside swimming or surfing areas to be vessels. So if you paddle outside a swimming or surfing zone you are required to wear or have a PFD on your paddleboard.
A SUP PFD belt (waist PFD) is my favorite type of flotation device for stand up paddling. Life belts for paddleboarding are best suited for experienced riders and offer unrestricted movement.
There are also suspender types and the more traditional life vests or jackets. The life jacket or vest offers the most protection. Even the most experienced rider should wear a stand up paddleboard life vest when traveling far off shore or in gnarly conditions.
There are five types of personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. In this article we will focus on the ones commonly used for SUP boarding.
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Best for experienced paddlers and decent swimmers over the age of 16 years.
Stearns 16 Gram Manual Belt Pack
Specs & Features
USCG Approved Type V (Belts must be worn to fulfill Coast Guard requirements)
Performs like a Type III PFD when inflated
For adults over 80lbs with chest size 30-52″
Min. 22.5 lbs. buoyancy
Emergency oral inflation tube
Low profile
Very lightweight
Comfortable
Small zippered pocket about the size of a credit card
D-ring for water bottle, etc.
Bright gold, light blue & red color options improves visibility
Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack
Specs and Features
Min. 22.5 lbs. buoyancy
Emergency oral inflation tube
Comfortable
Lightweight
Low profile
D-ring attachment for accessories
Marine whistle included
Small zippered pocket for storage
The Onyx M-24 also comes in a version with a handy rear water bottle pouch. The pouch holds a 20 ounce water bottle perfectly. The rear pouch will add a bit more bulk but the extra storage is a good trade-off in my opinion.
Belt with Hydration Pouch
Onyx M-24 Insight Man Sup Belt Pack with Rear Hydrate Pouch
Standard Life Vests
Best choice for paddlers who want more protection without lots of bulk
Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket
Spec & Features
Ergonomic – Contours to the natural shape of the body allowing for optimal comfort
Extra wide armholes for maximum mobility
Extra soft, premium foam and mini-ripstop nylon shell
Shoulder straps articulate away from the neck to reduce chafing
Unisex Design
Low cut, offset front-zip entry
Roomy, top loading front pocket
High visibility 3M reflective accents
Mesh sides for maximum ventilation
Best Value
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
(The vest I use)
Spec & Features
U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type III Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Three sizes to fit anyone over 90lbs
Unisex design
Easily adjustable and flexible design conforms to your torso and stays in place
Soft, lightweight flotation foam
SOLAS grade reflective material for visibility
Zippered pocket with mesh drainage
Durable 200 denier nylon
Lash tab for small accessories
Drying loop on back
Attached whistle for safety
Ventilation in front and back to keep you cool
Comfortable neoprene shoulder pads
Strong, durable zipper closure
Women’s SUP Life Jacket
Stohlquist Women’s Flo Life Jacket
Specs & Features
High performance economical equivalent of Stohlquist’s Cruiser vest
Ultralight and ultra cool with open sides and mesh shoulders and back for ventilation
Cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up and built-in supportive inner cups
Large bellow pockets
400 x 200 denier ripstonp shell and 210 denier oxford liner
Lightweight PE Foam with inner mesh lining for coolness and wearability
Every paddler at all times should wear a paddle board leash. A leash is worn around your ankle and connects you to your paddle board. If you fall off your board (you probably will) wearing a leash will guarantee your board is close by. Your paddle board is a great flotation device that you never want to be separated from. If your board did not come with leash be sure to buy one and wear it every time you paddle.
Standard PFD or Inflatable? What’s Better?
Standard Life Vest – Pros & Cons
Standard PFD
Pros
Don’t Need to Manually Activate
Require Little Care
Multi-Purpose
Can Have More Pockets
Cons
Can Be Bulky
Can Be Hot
A bulky life vest
can make it hard
for
some people
to pull themselves back up on a paddle board
after a fall
Standard PFDs are the most common type of flotation device. They are defined as Type III U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs. They are naturally buoyant and often made out of foam. Being naturally buoyant they don’t need to be activated like an inflatable. You just wear them and you are protected.
Standard PFDs don’t need any real maintenance. Just keep them clean and store them out of direct sunlight.
A standard PFD can be used for any water sport activity from kayaking to water-skiing and fishing. Since they are built like a vest you can find models with nice pocket options. Perfect for the paddle board fisherman.
On the negative, standard PFDs can feel bulky and restrictive. Some people may find the extra bulk makes it hard to pull themselves back on a paddle board after a fall.
And they can be hot in warm weather. However, during the winter, when you are wearing a cold water wetsuit a standard life vest will help block the wind and keep you warm.
Inflatable PDFs – Pros & Cons
inflatable pfd
Pros
Unrestricted Movement
Comfortable
Cool
Cons
Not For Non-Swimmers & Children
Must Be Manually Inflated
Maintenance Needed
Inflatables can be vests or waistpack belts and are defined as Type V Coast Guard approved PFDs.
Inflatables come in two types: manual or automatic. These PFDs are inflated with a C02 cartridge. Once inflated the C02 cartridge must be replaced.
Manuals inflate when you pull a cord. Automatics inflate when submerged with water. So for paddle boarding you want a manual type.
Inflatable PFDs offer unrestricted movement. They are more comfortable than a standard vest PFD and won’t make you feel hot. They are often preferred by the big guy paddle boarder.
However, inflatable PFDs are not for everyone. They are not to be used for whitewater paddling. And they should not be used for non-swimmers and children under the age of 16.
SUP inflatables need to be manually inflated. This can be a problem if you are injured or knocked unconscious.
Also you need to check your inflatable PFD before you go out to make sure it is operational and if inflated the cartridge must be replaced. C02 cartridges cost approximately $15 each.
Here are the US Coast Guard regulations regarding paddle boards and flotation devices…
Life Jackets:
Each paddler 13 years of age or older must have a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or appropriate Type V (see below) life jacket. It doesn’t have to be worn, although that’s certainly the wisest plan, and one which we strongly recommend.
A child 12-years old or younger must wear their USCG-approved life jacket.
The jacket must be in “serviceable condition,” without rips, tears or deterioration that will diminish its performance.
The jacket must be of an appropriate size and fit for the wearer.
A Type V jacket can be used as long as it’s USCG-approved and applicable for the activity.
Belt pouch-type inflatable PFDs, such as the ones we carry, must be worn on the person to meet the life jacket regulation. For other types of inflatable PFDs, check the approval description printed on the unit for restrictions.
For all life jackets, be sure to read the label to know if special requirements pertain to that device.
Other Required Gear:
A whistle or other sound producing device must be carried to warn other boaters.
If you’re on the water after sunset, you need to have a flashlight, or similar lighting device, to warn other boaters.
