How To Choose a Buoyancy Aid for Kayaking

Choosing the right buoyancy aid is crucial for your safety on the water. An ill-fitting buoyancy aid can hinder your movement, restrict breathing, and even fail to provide adequate support in an emergency. A properly fitted PFD should be snug but not overly tight, allowing for a full range of motion while still providing effective buoyancy. Factors like your size, the type of kayaking you'll be doing, and the water conditions all influence the best fit.

Selection of Whitewater buoyancy aids on display at AS Watersports Exeter

Part of our in-store selection of Whitewater Buoyancy Aids at AS Watersports

What is a Buoyancy Aid?

A buoyancy aid, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD), is an essential piece of safety equipment designed to help keep you afloat in the water. While kayaking it should be worn at all times, regardless of your skill level or the conditions.

Keeping you afloat: In case of a capsize or accidental fall into the water, a buoyancy aid will help you stay afloat.

Making self-rescue easier: If you're able to get back to your kayak, a buoyancy aid will help you stay afloat while you re-enter the vessel.

Choosing a buoyancy aid that fits well and is comfortable is crucial. Various styles of buoyancy aids are available, each offering unique benefits. It's advisable to try several types before purchasing to ensure you get one that meets your requirements.

Always wear a buoyancy aid to stay safe on the water. Never risk kayaking without one.

Life Jackets vs Buoyancy Aids for kayaking

While a buoyancy aid is designed to enhance your flotation in water, it won't necessarily keep your head above the surface. Lifejackets or life vests are designed to keep your head above water, even if you're unconscious, by rotating the body. They are often inflatable, either manually or automatically upon contact with water, but some have foam constructions.

The downside of a lifejacket is that it restricts movement in the water. For kayaking, this can make self-rescue nearly impossible. Self-inflating lifejackets also require re-arming with a gas canister after use.

As a general rule, if you expect to self-rescue and get back on the craft yourself (such as in kayaking or dinghy sailing), a buoyancy aid is the best option. If you are in a situation where you would be rescued from the water (such as yacht sailing or powerboating), then a lifejacket is preferred.

Title

Beginner Kayaking Buoyancy Aids

These are perfect for getting out on the water with minimal fuss at an affordable price. Easy to use and great value, they feature generous adjustability, allowing multiple family members to share the same buoyancy aid. This makes them an ideal choice to keep in your kit bag for when someone else wants to join in.

While suitable for most recreational paddling, their smaller pockets and simpler foam designs might prompt you to upgrade as your paddling adventures become more ambitious!

AS Staff Choice

Palm Meander Womens

"I love my Meander, the women's sizing fits well and the pocket lets me carry a snack for the halfway pit-stop!" - Louise