Inflatable PFD

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simisteven

New member
I find my PFD doesn't help much bringing me up to surface when I get dumped by a heavy wave in deep water. I think I may be too large for this particular PFD. (comments on beached whales notwithstanding) I recall a topic on this website about inflatble PFDs but cannot find it.
Anybody got any insight into this topic?
 
F

Fanie

Sealiner
Hi Steven,

It's not a matter of being too big, you're just not hollow enough !

Life Jackets Contact Gordon gordon@trippersFanieports.com 031 209 3649

Maybe he can help you.
 
M

Malgas

Senior Member
Simisteve, hi, I trust you are well, wore them on the loughs in Ireland recently but did not have the reason to use them. They are nice and compact (looks more like a folded harness)and could even go over a normal PDF wthout feeling any difference. As soon as you are in trouble you pull a release and a little built in gas bottle automatically inflates the life jacket- pretty cool. Check out some of the Irish Kayaking sites under accessories as a starting point - may help you to find what you are looking for.
 
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Psy

Sealiner
This type of life vest is costly in the long run. It is activated by a dissolving tablet which will in turn trigger the release of Co2 gas which is housed in a small cylinder, which in turn will inflate the jacket.
The issues are that once inflated:
A)it cannot be deflated quickly and you will no doubt feel uncomfortable wearing it while sitting on the ski,
B)it becomes a mission to deflate it and
C)one has to replace the tablet and the Co2 cylinder,and D)will have to be re-certified after a certain period of time normally about two years depending on manufacturers instructions.

Any/all life vests are designed around the wearers weight. This may be your issue firstly. I suggest looking for and or purchasing a PFD that suits your pocket as well as is suitable for your body weight. A well constructed PFD will also have supports/straps fitted which prevent it from 'riding' up toward your neck once you are in the water.
 
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FAULTY

Senior Member
simisteven wrote:
I find my PFD doesn't help much bringing me up to surface when I get dumped by a heavy wave in deep water. I think I may be too large for this particular PFD. (comments on beached whales notwithstanding) I recall a topic on this website about inflatble PFDs but cannot find it.
Anybody got any insight into this topic?
Click to expand...

I ust Trippers hydration jacket with the built in bladder for additional buoyancy....inflate the bag before beaching & you have extra buoyancy . The bladder is built into the jacket at the back.....it would be better for the extra buoancy to be built into the front so that you float chest up if you take a knock

Sppeak to Gordon at Tripper Sports...
 
F

Fanie

Sealiner
I can perhaps say that Gordon seems to have the right idea(s) regarding life jackets and he is prepared to make alterations where needed to suite the various demands.
 
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