How to Choose a Kayak Life Jacket
There are many accessories available for kayaking, but the life jacket is an absolute necessity. The rules for each state of Australia are different, but at Kayaks2Fish, we highly recommend using a life jacket at all times.
Getting the correct size and fit for your body is essential when you're choosing a life jacket. If the jacket is too big, it will not support your body correctly, and you may slip out. If the jacket is too small, you may not be able to do it up properly. A life jacket that fits incorrectly can lead to problems on the water and ultimately you may decide to stop wearing it, so it's best to measure up and get it right.
When you're buying a PDF or life jacket for an adult, these are measured in chest size. However, a kids life jacket is measured by weight. Some manufacturers of life jackets will make female-specific products (e.g., Ultra Rewa Ladies L50S). Before buying a life jacket, you should measure yourself for the perfect fit.
The personal floatation devices (PFD) you need for your kayak can depend on your particular style. If you've used a specific brand before or while you were in a boat, then you may have an idea of which PFD is best suited for you.
What exactly are life jackets?
You can think of life jackets as seatbelts for the water. If you happen to fall overboard, not having a life jacket on can cause you to struggle to keep afloat. A life jacket is designed to provide enough buoyancy to keep you afloat and hold your head out of the water.
Generally, people have neutral buoyancy characteristics, which means that in most situations, you will not float or sink but remain in the position you find yourself in the water. A life jacket adds to your buoyancy and makes sure that you come to the surface if you happen to fall into the water; this is ideal if you're unconscious. Most life jackets are made in high visibility colours and reflective strips that help rescue teams to locate you.
There is an Australian standard for personal flotation devices, and these are designed to make sure any kayak life vest can keep you safe. Jackets used for kayaking are designed to be put on quickly, and most will come with a quick-release waist belt. These adjustable straps will keep you secure and comfortable to wear during long paddling sessions or white-water rafting. All life jackets are fully adjustable and suitable for use in sheltered waters or the open ocean.
The types of personal floatation devices (PDFs)
A PDF (life jacket, life vest, etc.) is required whenever you head out on the water in a personal watercraft. Personal floatation devices can provide protection and keep your head above water if you happen to fall in.
A quality PDF should be comfortable to wear and not hinder your chosen activity. However, not all PDFs are the same, and there are several different categories. All PDFs will fit into a certain level (previously known as type); these are:
- Level 150 - Offshore Inflatable Life Jacket
- Level 100 - Traditional-style Life Jacket
- Level 50 - Close to Shore Buoyancy Vest
- Level 50S - Aquatic Sports Buoyancy Vest
A life jacket will keep you upright and your head above the water, and it is suitable in all weather conditions, but it may restrict your ability to swim. A buoyancy vest is excellent for manoeuvrability, comes in many different colours and styles, but is considered an aid to swimming more than a survival tool.
The best kayak life jacket
A life jacket is an essential part of your safety gear, and you should choose one that you'll be comfortable wearing.
When buying a life jacket or a buoyancy vest, you can look for one with quality foam panels suited for paddle sports. These types of buoyancy aids will often have many adjustment straps, and they may include open sides with mesh drainage panelling to help keep you dry.
When you're kayaking, it is best to plan for all types of weather conditions. In the early part of the day, you may start with cool and calm weather, but it may turn quickly. In addition to a life jacket, you can also carry with you a hand warmer pouch and a kayak tether to help you stay safe in all conditions.
When starting kayaking, it is best to build your skills and learn how to get yourself out of any trouble. A life jacket can keep you safe on or in the water in an emergency, but you should also take the time to learn how to get back in your kayak and what to do in case you are separated from your kayak.
FAQ for kayak life jackets and vests
Rules for Life Jackets
Do you have to wear a life jacket (PFDs) in a kayak in Australia?
The individual states dictate the rules regarding kayaks and wearing a life jacket. You can check on your state's rules by following any of these links, NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, NT, WA, and TAS. If you're in the ACT, the rules for Lake Burley Griffin are controlled by the National Capital Authority.
Do you have to wear a life jacket on a kayak in QLD?
In QLD, you're required to wear a life jacket in any vessel under 4.8m when you're crossing a designated coastal bar. Also, any child under 12 years old must wear a PFD in any vessel under 4.8m while underway. However, it is still recommended you wear a life jacket at all times.
Do you have to wear a life jacket in a kayak NSW?
The life jacket rules for kayaking in NSW are to wear one whenever you're alone on your vessel. This rule includes travelling with a child under 12 years old. If you're operating a double kayak with another adult, you still should wear a suitable personal flotation device.
Is it illegal to kayak without a life jacket?
There are penalties for not wearing a life jacket while you're kayaking in most states; this may include wearing one, but it is not done up correctly. It may also include not wearing an appropriate life jacket for the area, such as if you're more than 200m away from the shore but only wearing a level 50 buoyancy vest.
Choosing Life Jackets for Kayaks
What PFD do I need for kayaking?
The best kayaking PFDs will provide suitable floatation while remaining comfortable. The vest style life jacket or an inflatable jacket (e.g., Crewfit 165N) are the PFDs most suited to kayaking.
What is the best kayak life vest?
The best way to choose a life vest is to measure yourself and one that fits. Life vests are available in different sizes will have a size guide to help you choose the correct one. However, some life vests are considered a one-size-fits-all. If many different people use your kayak, an inflatable vest may be the best option.
Which life jackets are suitable for kayaking?
If you're a strong swimmer, then you may only require a 50N buoyancy aid (available in blue or green). For anyone not that comfortable in the water, a 150N PFD may be a better choice.
Will a 50N buoyancy aid keep you afloat?
A buoyancy aid is designed to assist you in keeping afloat if you're conscious and treading water. These devices are suitable for kayaking as they'll help you tread water if you fall into the water. If you have a medical condition that may cause you to be unconscious, you may be better off choosing a 150N life jacket.
Are inflatable PFDs suitable for kayaking?
Inflatable PFDs are an excellent choice for kayaks, as they are lightweight and will not cause an issue when you're paddling. These manually inflate via a tube or a CO2 canister. The Co2 canister can be replaced, and they are ideal for fast inflation situations. However it is worth noting the inflatable PFD's are required to have a service done after 3rd year from purchase, this may change depending on regulations at the time.
How do I register or service my inflatable PFD?
When purchasing our Crewfit inflatable lifejackets, you will automatically receive information from our team to help you register through the link and provide with self-care & maintenance information below.
To register - https://crewsaver.com/au/product-registration/
As per manufacturer declaration ' for leisure use only' these range of lifejackets requires a full service only every 3 years, as long as a Self-care and Maintenance cycle has been performed every year by the user following the instructions. For commercial use AMSA requires a yearly service.
For warranty purposes, please keep the purchase receipt for the first 3 years. Write purchase place and date on the service label folded inside the hidden pouch on the back of the jacket, you will have to write your name and date on that same label at every Self-Care & Maintenance cycle you perform at the end of every year.
Self-care & Maintenance instructions of every jacket information below.
Crewfit 150N Junior https://crewsaver.com/media/5469/crewfit-150-junior-self-care-and-maintenance.pdf
Crewfit 165N Sport https://crewsaver.com/media/5470/crewfit-165-sport-self-care-and-maintenance.pdf
Crewfit 180N Pro https://crewsaver.com/media/5472/crewfit-180-pro-self-care-and-maintenance.pdf
At the end of the 3rd year you will need to perform a full official service of your jacket. The official service can be done by SURVITEC Group (by calling 1800 646 086) or by any authorized Crewsaver Service Centre; you can find the closest Service Centre to you at the following link https://crewsaver.com/au/find-a-stockist/
Where to buy life jackets and vests near me
At Kayaks2Fish, we have an excellent range of personal floatation devices for sale. These jackets and vests are ideal for wearing while you're paddling your kayak on any local waterways. You can look through all the jackets we offer and then measure yourself to get the perfect fit. If you have children, you'll need to weigh them and then choose an appropriate vest to keep them safe on the water.
A life jacket is an integral part of your kayaking gear, and you should buy one that is comfortable. All water sports enthusiasts will prefer a specific type of PFD, and you can ask other people which jacket they think is the best for kayaking.
If you're looking for a jacket with features such as pockets and additional storage to help with your fishing adventures, we'd recommend the Prowler Camo Vests. After your life jacket purchase, you can choose our delivery option or collect it directly from our warehouse locations.
If you need any assistance in choosing a personal floatation device, you can phone through to your local store, and we'll give you the best advice, or you can send an email enquiry, and we'll respond as soon as possible.
