A few months ago there was a forum on PFD's for SUP'ing, some wanting hydration bladders built in; I know I'm a bit slow but I have found a mass produced one designed for paddling.

If you could buy a PFD specifically designed for SUP'ing what features would you want it to include?

Are the existing PFD flexible enough - with the twist and bend action of paddling?

What percentage of paddlers wear PFD's?

J

I just picked one up the other day as we can no longer do a time trial in winter without a PFD. The one I grabbed from Wetspot is really minimalist but has a space for a hydration bladder. Will tell you what it is like to paddle in after Sunday.

The world has gone safety mad - surely being leg roped to a sup you are unlikely to drown in a time trial. I am all for people who want to wear them but they should not be regulated.
The nanny state rules again

I bought an MTI Eddy PFD for The Doctor last year that has provision for a hydration bladder.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MTI-EDDY-PFD-Canoe-Kayak-Life-Jacket-/221058917377

Whilst it is bulky there is heaps of shoulder room and long straps so that you can wear it low and it didn't really get in the way at all, I put a 2ltr bladder in it.

I can see why you might be required to wear one on an open ocean race but for enclosed flat water it is overkill surely.

I have one of the ocean paddler pfds in the last post and I think it's great. Comfortable, takes a hydration bladder and has a handy pocket in front. Doesn't impede paddling at all.