So I have to wear a PFD if I go more than 300m offshore now in France. Its actually been the law for awhile but they are checking now.
I bought one of these from Decathlon. Its half the price of the brand ones. Pretty happy. Didn't find it uncomfortable. Has pockets and a pocket for a water bladder on the back.
Probably a good idea as I do paddle by myself a lot.

Looks good and definitely a good idea.

Wearing a PFD saved my life once.

Once is enough! Money well spent.

Always wear one when winging or foiling.

I got too over confident when I started winging,went out in 25knt plus, in the river,with a 5 metre.

Outgoing tide ,got myself into a lot of trouble,only the vest saved me ,kept me afloat until help arrived.

like you said once is enough,it paid for itself

Im looking also, can I ask why you went that one over this one??? decathlon.com.au/products/wairgo-hydratation-buoyancy-vest-50n-163601?

a few of us here wear jetpilot vests

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bomberdave said..
Im looking also, can I ask why you went that one over this one??? decathlon.com.au/products/wairgo-hydratation-buoyancy-vest-50n-163601?

It is heavier because of the gas cylinder. It also doesn't have adjustment on the shoulder straps. You would have to try them both yourself though.

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Fitzsup said..
a few of us here wear jetpilot vests

I looked at these but the ones I saw aren't certified. I need it to be legal. Didnt try one but the front seems very long. The one I bought the front flotation part is very small and with the adjustable straps you can put it where you want.

While not an "approved" PFD, when well offshore, I wear a wake vest. A lot of my pronie former friends have given me grief about it...but I find myself really liking it. It hurts a lot less when you hit the water hard, and it's amazing how much quicker you come back to the surface after a wipe out. I even find it more comfortable to prone paddle, as it keeps the sternum off of the board. I'm so over putting style over comfort and functionality. As far as approved vests go, when sea kayaking, I wear the NRS Ninja. So low profile, you just don't notice it. On multi-day or island hopping, I'll wear the NRS Zen Rescue vest, but that's probably way too much vest for SUP.

Check out "PFDs" in an earlier thread. Might be of interest.

Decatholon actually makes great SUP long pants that are thermal, with the PDF I wouldnt skimp on price. I like the yak's although I am too big. I have two seek ones, one with full survival gear. I bought my brother who is an accident on legs a top of the line KONAI I think, SUP vest the pros use. This year he got caught out in the lake and drifted 34km without anyone knowing. So if you are accident prone pay the big bucks. Its like insurance, you pay over 1000 bucks for your sup, invest over 200 in your life vest. Personal locator isnt a bad investment either.

Just remember it is next to impossible to actually swim in a PFD . It is a superb first line of defence if you go in. But if you lose you paddle, or the leash detaches ( you ARE wearing a leash) , you may have to remove the pfd to catch you board. That may be impossible so you have to make a decision to risk removal ( and the time taken) against not catching the board. At least practice removing the pfd in the water before you use it on the board, as they are very difficult to remove in the water.