Hey guys,

I know the VIC rules re PFDS, 1,2 or 3 if more than 400 metres from land etc etc .
I normally use an (non-approved) impact vest which is perfectly fine day to day if I'm downwinding or whatever.

However, as I'm taking part in the Paddle Across the Bay for Cancer Council Vic on the 6th Feb and thinking it'll probably attract attention from "those that like to fine" I thought it might be prudent to buy an officially sanctioned PFD for the day.

Now, I've seen all the horrendously bulky items that are for general sale, but I wanted to see what you guys may already have. I only want the lightest, most comfortable PFD that has a minimal presence while paddling and that will not interfere with me while on the board in any way.

Given I'm tethered by the ankle to a 290 litre barge I find the whole thing ridiculous but laws are laws I suppose so I need to find the bare minimum legal I can.

Thanks all, appreciate your help.

Dave

Happy to lend you one for the day if you like...

Checkout the waist belts online at Whitworths marine. They have one called SUP/Belt.
This is as unobtrusive as they come and recommended to me in a previously post.

Thanks for the replies guys,
MagillaMelb, I may take you up on that offer thanks. Where are you located?
I must admit the Vaikobi doesn't look too bad, and has the bladder pocket for a Camelbak bladder etc.

Interesting though is the belt one. I know of another guy that uses one, are they actually legal?

The bum bag type is legal in Vic, but not in NSW I believe. Their time being legal in VIC I think will be limited. It's hard to put an inflatable PFD on in the water as it is. More so if you aren't fully conscious.

The Vaikobi could be your best long term bet.

I hope you remember where you bought your downwind board from if you want to borrow that PFD???

Ah ha!!
Yes Indeed I do sir..
Thanks
I have a meeting tomorrow over at the City Council Community Centre round the corner from you. are you in during the day?

redundant given the way the thread has thrud
- but -
the mocke racer pfd is worth a look for those (others) who may be interested in a pfd that is legal, functional, robust, economical, practical, cool, with space for a phone, flares, snacks & a bladder, comfortable when paddling, largely inappropriate at other times.

Hi to all paddling across the bay...

Thought this might be of interest.. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

"Hi Dave,

I asked the event organisers about the floatation device situation and was told as participants shouldn't be any further then 400m off-shore PFD (Personal Floatation Devices) are not compulsory. However it is recommended to have one as an added safety measure.

As it isn’t legally required for the event the one you use would be ok, alternatively to find out information on the best/most suitable type of PFD you can talk to the Shop Supporters:

KR SUP Centre
SHQ Board Sports
The Zu Board Sports



Kind regards"

Brighton to Port Melbourne and they think they can keep all participants within 400m from shore? They're dreaming.

depends on why you wear a pfd...
if it's just to tick event-organisers or uniformed spoil-sports boxes then any old minimum requirement (incl inflatable bum-bag type) does the trick.
if it's to save your life when you are too tired or unconscious to take care of business &/or to get you seen in an emergency/rescue situation -
then something that's bright, properly fitting, with reflective bits, adequate floatation, space for hydration & maybe cell-phone or flares is what you want strapped to you (not your board & not left in the car).
my 2c

Select to expand quote

BerserkWarrior said..

Brighton to Port Melbourne and they think they can keep all participants within 400m from shore? They're dreaming.

Well yeh, that's what I thought, unless of course the plan is to hug the coast..

Hugging the shore is a good option.. and not much further..

Agreed DJ

Given the very broad level of skills some paddles will have (met someone who has only paddled twice before who is doing it) I would suggest that this would be a very smart decision.

Well I had to get a class1,2 or 3 PFD for the charity paddle this Sunday so I got one of these from The Zu to $110 which is not too bad I think considering I won't wear it too often as I don't have a downwinder and really it will be for these paddles anyway. Feels comfortable enough and gets the job done and ticks the OH&S for he organisers.

I'll be honest, I'd much soon wear a bumbag pfd than something like that, I can't ever imaging it being "comfortable" or cool for that matter.
Colours are nice though

Select to expand quote

Stumpi said..
I'll be honest, I'd much soon wear a bumbag pfd than something like that, I can't ever imaging it being "comfortable" or cool for that matter.
Colours are nice though

Hey Stumpi,

well ill I wore it today and it was comfortable on a 3.2 race and I looked good in the colour but yes I was friggen hot half way through and wanted a swim! It surved it's purpose and it won't be worn u til the next charity paddle, I don't downwind!