life jackets or vests
- Thread starter yankee
- Start date
pklonowski
Unrepentant Canoeist
I'll suggest going to a paddlesports-specific store, if you can find one not too far from you, and try a bunch of them on. Paddlesports expos are great for that, too: we're three weeks away from Canoecopia (http://www.canoecopia.com/ Madison, WI), two weeks from the QuietWater Symposium (http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/ East Lansing, MI)... I know there are similar events in Maine and New Jersey, try googling them?
Andre Cloutier
Firestarter. Wicked Firestarter.
Trying on like Paul suggests is the best idea, they're like bicycle seats and highly individual; although i prefer to kneel on a jacket
pklonowski
Unrepentant Canoeist
I kneel on a knee pad... it's much cheaper than life jackets! 
The fit of a life jacket is very personal so I second Paul and Andre's suggestion of trying on several to find the one that is best for you. There in a thread at http://forums.wcha.org/showthread.php?3473 about making your own which might help if you can't find one that you like. My personal favorite is a Flotherchoc vest from France that was made in the 1960s. I also carry (and occasionally kneel on) a modern Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) to comply with the law.
Your reply to the webmaster indicates that you are in a remote part of Northern California so may have to make a mail order decision. NRS offers a good assortment at http://www.nrs.com/category/2547/life-jackets/ and their dealer locator at https://www.nrs.com/services/dealerlocator.asp?Action=State&State=California may also help.
Benson
Your reply to the webmaster indicates that you are in a remote part of Northern California so may have to make a mail order decision. NRS offers a good assortment at http://www.nrs.com/category/2547/life-jackets/ and their dealer locator at https://www.nrs.com/services/dealerlocator.asp?Action=State&State=California may also help.
Benson
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JClearwater
Wooden Canoes are in the Blood
If you are within striking distance of Somerset, NJ there is Paddlesport coming up on March 27-29. There certainly will be a wide assortment of PFDs to try on. Because kayaks are so much more popular these days than canoes most of the PFDs offered are intended for kayaks where you are sitting and leaning back on the seat back rather than kneeling or sitting on a canoe seat. The freedom of movement required for single blade vs double blade kayak paddle also effects how comfortable the PFD will feel. If the PDF is not comfortable you are less inclined to wear it. Kids especially will fight using it if it's not comfortable. So as others have said, go try them on.
Jim
Jim
sam.p
Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes
Go to REI. There are several in Jersey. Great Selection. Fun Store. And it operates like a co-op you pay $20 to be a member and get back a percentage of what you spend each year. They have great sales. I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I just like their stuff.
cordially
sam
cordially
sam
