# Help me pick a PFD & Paddle **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 12, 2002, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982 "2002-10-12T18:24:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982/1 "2002-10-12T18:24:32Z")
I’m nearly done with my kayak [http://hosting.acegroup.cc/~brianm/kayak](http://hosting.acegroup.cc/~brianm/kayak) and I need to get a paddel and PFD. For the PFD, I’m leaning towards a Lotus Rio Grand, tho I’m a bit worried it may go a bit low on the back. (The local place doen’t have any-not a large selection this time of year). I DO NOT like the zip on the side models, tho I recognize they have advantages. I prefer a wood paddle to go with my wood boat. the Bending Branches journey [http://www.paddlers.com/product.asp?pid=1000315](http://www.paddlers.com/product.asp?pid=1000315) appeals to me (with its narrow blades-closer to Greenland paddle yto go with my quasi-Greenland hull) A bit heavy tho. I’ve googled reviews, but I’d like to see what the SMDB people say. thanks, Brian ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982/2 "2002-10-12T19:06:55Z")
Far be it from me to pass up a kayak thread, even if I do just have a sit-on-top! I’m using an MTI Adventurewear PFD that I picked up at REI. I got it because I liked the yellow-and-black design. It’s a Type III and states “Intended use: Kayaking and sailing vest”. My paddle is an Aqua Bound Expedition AMT with asymmetrical blades, three-position feathering, and a fiberglass shaft. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982/3 "2002-10-12T21:26:04Z")
Since you are new to kayaking and are in a stripper, I expect that you will be paddling in calm waters where impact protection is not needed and where you will be able to assist in your own rescue. For such circumstances I recommend [Mustang’s inflatable pouch](http://www.mustangsurvival.com/catalog/SingleProduct.asp?ProductID=176). It is an inobtrusive pouch mounted on a nylon belt. Operate it by pulling a rip cord and pulling it over your head. [Richard Culpeper](http://www.tbaytel.net/culpeper/) Kayak instructor, wild water and sprint racing ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982/4 "2002-10-12T21:52:46Z")
If you intend to move into rough conditions, the surf zone, or wild water, look for kevlar and foam impact protection for your guts and ribs, over the shoulder webbing for pickups, a quick release webbing belt for pickups and towing, a knife sheath attachment, a weak link tow line attachment, a throw bag attachment, and a first aid kit and survival kit pouch. Keep to bright, visible colours. Search on “Rescue PFD”. [Here](http://www.stohlquist.com/Pfdmainfrm.html) is a good one. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2002, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982/5 "2002-10-13T00:14:43Z")
Atcually, It is a stitch-and-glue, not a stripper. But yes, mostly calm waters. (might take it into Lake Michigan harbors) thanks, Brian ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2002, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-pfd-paddle/131982/6 "2002-10-13T00:21:50Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by N9IWP \* \*\*Atcually, It is a stitch-and-glue, not a stripper. [QUOTE] Sorry. I should have read your page more closely.