Any kiyakers here? Need advice on life jackets please

[ssd]

I have one, but as I'm only 5 ft it comes way up over my shoulders when its on in the kayak. Im also very busty so need something with room there!
Has anyone got any advice?

Bump

And i spelt kayak wrong in thread title oops

Crotch straps. Easy to make some if you have some webbing and quick release buckles.

Following as I have the same problem!

They aren't life jackets, they are buoyancy aids i.e don't flip you onto your back if you are knocked out.
Life jackets are too bulky for kayaking and are very hard to swim in, a BA will allow you to do this.

Go to a proper kayaking shop and or try ones from Nookie, Yak or Palm etc, BA's are low cut for freedom of movement in white water and in playboating.

I ve a couple of friends who run kayak equipment outlets, so will ask for their specific advice for you.

What type of kayaking are you doing? There's different styles for different types, but you might find a lower profile one more comfortable, but more expensive, or there are kids ones at decathlon which might work if you are within the weight range. I get stuff online but you would be better off going and trying a few if you're struggling because it's not just about your height.

Something like this might suit you, and as Alexandra says make sure you are looking at BAs no life jackets.

You really mustn’t wear a life jacket in a canoe or kayak, if you capsize it can cause you to become trapped.

You need a buoyancy aid, the brands suggested above are a good starting point. Go to a watersports shop and try on.

Make sure it’s properly adjusted so it’s tight but not at the point of impacting your breathing. You should be able to be picked up out of the water by the shoulder straps.

Actually, they are called ‘personal floatation devices’ or PFDs, a specific type of buoyancy aid.

I am also rather, ahem, curvy, and only 5’2”.

You need to specifically search for women’s fit. Not everyone makes them or stocks them.

My favourite was bought from Palm. It was ages ago so I can’t recommend the same model but when I was looking, I did find their range to consistently be the most comfortable for me. I have a rescue one that I use in all circumstances and it is such a good fit for me that it is actually comfortable to wear and I don’t even notice it.

If I needed to replace it now, I would buy this one: Nora PFD. It is not by Palm but it is very similar in cut and style to my existing one. Palm Equipment Europe

On an equipment related note, I highly recommend this shop - Mountain Equip Co-Op - I have bought from them a few times and they ship to the UK.

Being short and curvy, I need bra sized swimwear to be comfortable. A bikini or tankini are better options than an all in one swimsuit. Or wetsuit for that matter. MEC sell neoprene shorts and trousers which are designed for paddling (they don’t ride down at the back) but I have also used them for other water sports. Always go for separates if you can - makes bathroom breaks and getting changed by the side of the river/road so much easier!

Actually, they are called ‘personal floatation devices’ or PFDs, a specific type of buoyancy aid.

I wouldn’t normally correct someone, but you are wrong. PFD is an umbrella term for different types of floatation device, including life jackets buoyancy aids and other types of floatation aid like lifebuoys, anything that’s designed to keep an individual afloat really.

Telling someone to buy a PFD could lead to the buying the wrong thing and could potentially be dangerous.

The only time a paddler should wear something other than a BA is in very specific circumstances, like a non-swimmer in a closely managed environment or someone be with a medical condition that could render them unconscious.

I can only think of one student in the past 15 years who has worn something other than a BA for kayaking or rowing.

Maybe a point of confusion is that some advanced white water BAs with harnesses are referred to as PFD as the perform more than just a BA function but that’s a bit niche.

www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/safety/look-after-yourself/buoyancy-aids-lifejackets

rnli.org/safety/lifejackets

@ssd

Palm equipment is what both said.

@RestingPandaFace I am sorry and you are absolutely correct. I was confusing myself when I typed that and thought I had deleted it!

However, I will say that most (if not all?) kayaking buoyancy aids are marketed as PFDs so the OP will almost certainly enough with something called a PFD.

Enough = end up with

Sorry, complete lack of sleep!