Why a women's specific buoyancy aid
A women's aid is not just a men's aid in a smaller size. The foam is shaped and positioned around the chest, the torso is shorter, and the adjustment is arranged to suit a woman's build. The result is an aid that sits flatter, is more comfortable to paddle in, and is less likely to ride up.
The Palm Meander Women's is the buoyancy aid we sell more of than any other. The Peyto Women's is close behind for anyone who wants more pocket space, and the Tika is a popular all-rounder.
Getting the fit right
Two mistakes come up again and again: buying a size too big, and not doing the side adjusters up properly. Either one lets the aid ride up round your ears once you are in the water. Tighten the adjusters from the bottom ones upwards, which pulls the aid down and keeps it sitting low on your body. When it fits, you should be able to pull up on the shoulders and it should not move past your chin.
Related collections
Several of our touring buoyancy aids and whitewater buoyancy aids come in unisex fits that suit some women well, so they are worth trying too. Or go back to all buoyancy aids.
Read more
Our guide How to Choose a Buoyancy Aid for Kayaking goes through fit, flotation and features in more detail.
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