How To Choose A Paddle Board Life Jacket (A-Z Guide)
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Deciding on the right paddle board life jacket is a key step to staying safe on the water. Surprisingly, even strong swimmers need a well-fitted personal flotation device (PFD) while out on their boards.
Our guide will clear the confusion and walk you through selecting the perfect life vest for your SUP adventures.
Get ready to float with confidence! 🏄♂️
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Table Of Contents
- Types of Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding
- Top 9 Best Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding
- Belt Life Jackets
- #1: Onyx M-16 Belt Life Jacket
- #2: BOTE Belt Life Jacket
- #3: Bluestrom Cirro Belt Life Jacket
- Foam Vest Life Jackets
- #4: Onyx MoveVent Life Vest
- #5: Zeraty Impact Life Jacket
- Life Jacket #6: O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Jacket
- #7: O’Neill Mens Superlite Life Jacket
- #8: Airhead Kwik-Dry NeoLite Life Jacket
- Inflatable Vest Life Jackets
- #9: Onyx A/M 24 Life Jacket
- Paddle Board Life Jacket: Other Key Information
- Conclusion
- Paddle Board Life Jacket FAQs
- What size paddle board life jacket should I choose?
- Are there different types of life jackets for paddle boarding?
- How do I know if a life jacket is Coast Guard approved for paddle boarding?
- Can I wear any type of vest as a replacement for a proper paddle board life jacket?
- What features should I consider when choosing a life jacket for paddle boarding?
Types of Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding
There are different types of life jackets for paddle boarding, including inflatable belt life jackets, inflatable vest life jackets, foam vest life jackets, and other options to consider.
Inflatable Belt Life Jackets
Inflatable belt life jackets offer a unique blend of comfort and convenience for stand up paddle boarders. They are perfect for those who find traditional vests bulky or restrictive while paddling.
Designed like a belt, these PFDs sit comfortably around your waist, staying out of the way until they’re needed. With just a pull of a cord, the jacket inflates instantly, providing buoyancy to keep you safe in the water.
They are USCG-approved wearable personal flotation devices that are lightweight enough not to interfere with your mobility or range of motion.
Paddle boarders appreciate inflatable belt life jackets because they allow for full freedom when performing various manoeuvres on the water. You can easily paddle, turn and navigate without feeling constrained by your safety gear.
These belts come in adjustable sizes, ensuring they fit snugly around different body types. Some models even include features like a pouch for essentials or attachment points for safety whistles required by boating laws.
However, bear in mind that this type is best suited for strong swimmers and should be used where rescue would be quickly available if necessary.
Inflatable Vest Life Jackets
Moving from the slim profile of inflatable belt life jackets, let’s shift our focus to inflatable vest life jackets. These vests provide a balance of comfort and safety for paddle boarders seeking more substantial flotation without sacrificing mobility.
Unlike foam vests, these PFDs lie flat against your body until you need them to inflate. With a tug on the cord or upon hitting water for automatic models, they quickly expand to offer buoyancy.
Inflatable vest life jackets are ideal for strong swimmers who prioritize ease of movement and a non-restrictive fit while engaging in paddle boarding or other water activities. They comply with USCG regulations as Type III life jackets, ensuring they’re recognized as legitimate safety gear.
Plus, their sleek design means they won’t get in the way when you’re paddling around Arizona’s picturesque landscapes or navigating through vibrant rivers. Always have your personal flotation device ready; an inflatable vest can be the difference between an inconvenience and a serious emergency on the water.
Foam Vest Life Jackets
Foam vest life jackets are a classic choice for paddle boarders who crave durability and reliable performance. Unlike their inflatable counterparts, foam vests don’t require any manual inflation, providing immediate buoyancy and peace of mind as soon as you hit the water.
These life vests come in various shapes and sizes to suit everyone from kids to adults. They ensure floatation without the need for additional action, making them ideal for those not confident with on-the-spot inflation or maintenance.
These PFDs are designed with armholes that offer a wide range of motion, essential when paddling through tranquil lakes or maneuvering along vibrant rivers. With a secure zip-front design and adjustable straps, they provide a snug fit which is crucial for safety while participating in water activities.
Since all vessels must carry an approved wearable PFD according to USCG regulations, choosing a foam vest can be one less thing to worry about during your paddling trips.
Top 9 Best Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding
Let’s take a look at the 9 best paddle board life jackets on the market right now. I have broken them down into their different types for ease of use.
Belt Life Jackets
#1: Onyx M-16 Belt Life Jacket
| My Top Pick For Belt Life Jacket |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Belt
– Weight: 7.2 ounces
– USGC Rating: Type V
| PROS | CONS |
| – Tiny and non- restrictive (you hardly feel it on) – Great for intermediate paddlers or confident swimmers – Easy and fast to inflate in the water | – More expensive because of its small size |
The Onyx M-16 is hands-down the best belt paddleboarding life jacket that I’ve ever seen. It is small, non-restrictive and it feels like nothing is on you when you’re paddling. But if you ever have an instance where you fall into the water then you can rest easy knowing that it’s there for you.
In a few moments you could have a paddle board life jacket when you need it. This is perfect for confident swimmers and experienced paddlers because it’s so small and unassuming. If you’re more of a beginner then it can also work, but just know that you’ll have to inflate it in the water with a CO2 cartridge
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
#2: BOTE Belt Life Jacket
| My Second Best Pick |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Belt
– Weight: 0.41 kg
– USGC Rating: Type V
| PROS | CONS |
| – Easy to inflate in the water – Small and non-restrictive when it’s on. – Cheaper option than the Onyx M-16 – High quality product | – Not much – this is a seriously good product. |
This BOTE life jacket is a game-changer for paddleboarders. It’s a manual inflatable life vest designed as a convenient fanny pack, making it super easy to wear and carry around. With its universal adult size, it fits a 24-52 inch waist and includes a 16g CO2 cylinder for quick inflation.
The nifty 6F Mini Inflator mechanism and extra CO2 storage pocket add to its practicality. When inflated, it offers impressive buoyancy of up to 29.5 LBS, ensuring your safety on the water.
Plus, it’s US Coast Guard approved for those 16 and older, weighing over 80 LBS. It’s a reliable, comfortable, and legal safety solution that won’t hinder your paddleboarding fun!
Honestly the reason that this isn’t my top pick is because I have spent far more time with the Onyx M-16 but there is no other reason so you’d love this life jacket.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
#3: Bluestrom Cirro Belt Life Jacket
| More Budget Friendly |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Belt
– Weight: 1.7 lb
– USGC Rating: Type V
| PROS | CONS |
| – Its minimalist design is so lightweight, it almost feels non-existent – It’s really easy to see on the water even in low light conditions – Features a D-ring for conveniently attaching accessories to the life jacket. | – Not as buoyant as the Onxy or BOTE belt life jacket. |
The Bluestorm Cirro 16 life belt is really impressive. It’s crafted specifically for paddleboarders. Its standout feature is high visibility in even the dimmest light conditions. The comfortable and minimalist design ensures it’s unobtrusive, allowing for unhindered paddling.
With full adjustability, it guarantees a perfect fit, and the ‘jerk to inflate’ cord is remarkably quick, inflating in just a few seconds. For anyone in search of a dependable belt life jacket for paddleboarding, this makes for an excellent choice.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
Foam Vest Life Jackets
#4: Onyx MoveVent Life Vest
| My Top Pick For Foam Vest Life Jacket |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Foam Vest
– Weight: 1 pound
– USCG Rating: Type III
| PROS | CONS |
| – Great for beginners and kids – Very comfortable and the cut off shoulder allows for easy movement – Comfortable and doesn’t chafe | – Not as mobile as a belt life jacket |
After trying countless life jackets – I consistently suggest this one for people that are just starting out in paddleboarding. It excels in buoyancy, offers comfort, and remains highly visible in the water, even in dim conditions.
Although it is bulkier compared to a belt paddle board life jacket, its size contributes to the extra buoyancy beneficial for beginners.
For experienced paddlers, it might not be the ideal choice. However, for newcomers seeking reassurance in both safety and comfort, this life jacket is an excellent choice.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
#5: Zeraty Impact Life Jacket
| Great For Surfing |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Foam Vest
– Weight: 0.9 lbs
– USCG Rating: Type III
| PROS | CONS |
| – Not ultra buoyant so it won’t stop you from duck-diving when surfing. – Great for impact protection – The side straps let you fit it to your unique body shape | – Make sure you get the sizing right or else it will fit weird – Not really an everyday SUP life jacket – it’s more for surfing |
For those venturing into paddleboard surfing, this option stands out as the best due to its combination of impact protection and buoyancy. This feature is crucial for surfing, where wipeouts and impacts with sandbanks are more intense.
The reduced buoyancy compared to other paddle board life jackets is a plus, ensuring you stay afloat without hindering your ability to duck-dive. Its comfort and snug fit, once properly sized, meet its intended purpose precisely. An added advantage is the sun protection it offers.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
Life Jacket #6: O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Jacket
| Great For Kids |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Foam Vest
– Weight: 0.9 lbs
– USCG Rating: Type II
| PROS | CONS |
| – This is a really solid life jacket for kids – It’s lightweight and small – Gives a lot of room for movement without chafing or unnecessary friction – Very buoyant in the water | – Maximum weight of 90 pounds so your child could grow out of it. |
If you’re in need of a child’s paddleboard life jacket, look no further! This option is a standout in the market, sure to make a significant difference for young paddlers. Featuring a compact and minimalist design, it offers unrestricted movement while maintaining high buoyancy.
The fit is snug, enhancing mobility for paddling, and the quality is top-notch, as expected from O’Neill’s expertise in watersports gear.
The only drawback is its weight limit of 90 pounds, meaning it may be outgrown quickly by growing youths. Apart from that, it’s an ideal choice.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
#7: O’Neill Mens Superlite Life Jacket
| Great Everyday Life Jacket |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Foam Vest
– Weight: 1.27 lbs
– USGC Rating: Type III
| PROS | CONS |
| – High quality material that dries really quickly – Multiple straps let you fit it to your body shape – Open shoulders allow for maneuverability on the water. | – Not much, this is all around a great life jacket |
The O’Neill Men’s Superlite USCG Life Vest is a must-have for paddleboarding. It’s a US Coast Guard approved Type III nylon PFD, ensuring you meet safety standards while on the water. Unlike regular clothing, its size is tailored to fit your actual chest and belly measurements, offering a secure fit.
The vest is designed with a coated nylon outer shell, making it lightweight and comfortable against your skin, so you won’t feel scratchy or uncomfortable during your adventures. The anatomically cut, closed cell marine foam flotation provides excellent buoyancy without bulk, allowing you to move freely.
Plus, the four heavy-duty webbing belts with quick-release buckles make it super easy to adjust and fasten, offering both safety and convenience. This life vest is a blend of comfort, safety, and practicality, perfect for any paddleboarding enthusiast!
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
#8: Airhead Kwik-Dry NeoLite Life Jacket
| Great For Smaller Women |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Foam Vest
– Weight: 1.7lb
– USCG Rating: Type III
| PROS | CONS |
| – Very soft and comfortable – Wicked material is really quick drying in the sun – Will give you a snug fit and mould around your body. | – Women’s life jacket sizing only |
Airhead’s reputation for crafting excellent life jackets is well-earned, and this ‘kwik-dry’ lifejacket is a testament to their expertise. It’s incredibly user-friendly, crafted from a soft fabric that dries quickly and remains comfortable throughout the day.
The adjustable belt straps are a great feature, allowing for a custom fit to your body shape while ensuring the jacket stays in place in the water, rather than riding up over your head. The primary limitation is that it’s designed specifically for women, so men might need to explore other options.
However, for women, this life jacket is an outstanding choice.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
Inflatable Vest Life Jackets
#9: Onyx A/M 24 Life Jacket
| Best Inflatable Vest Life Jacket |
Where To Buy: Amazon
Key Features:
– Style: Inflatable Vest
– Weight: 1.7lb
– USCG Rating: Type III
| PROS | CONS |
| – Very comfortable and lightweight – Worn by the US Coast Guard (so you know its good) – Made with really high quality materials | – You can get really weird tan lines with this. |
This paddleboard life jacket is exceptional. Its use by the US Coast Guard is a strong indicator of its quality and safety. Although it’s not my top choice solely because I favor smaller designs like the Onyx M-16, this doesn’t detract from its impressive features.
I can recommend it without reservation. It boasts a lightweight and slim design, ensuring comfort during use. Additionally, should the need arise to inflate it, the process is quick, taking just a few seconds.
| Check Price ➡️ Amazon |
Paddle Board Life Jacket: Other Key Information
Life Jacket Sizing
Choose the correct PFD size by measuring your chest at its widest point, and then refer to the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations. Consider weight range, as different PFDs are designed for various body types.
Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for safety and comfort while paddle boarding. Size charts and weight guidelines provided by manufacturers offer guidance on finding the right life jacket for your water adventures. Ensure that you measure your chest accurately, considering both broadness and circumference when choosing a PFD size. It is also important to follow USCG
PFD Classifications by the U.S. Coast Guard
Type I
Type I PFDs, or Off-Shore Life Jackets, offer the highest level of buoyancy. They are best suited for open waters and rough conditions, especially where rescue might be delayed. These PFDs can turn an unconscious person face up in water, enhancing survival chances.
Type II
Type II PFDs, or Near-Shore Buoyant Vests, are designed for calm, inland waters where quick rescue is likely. They are less bulky than Type I PFDs and can also turn an unconscious wearer face up.
Type III
Type III PFDs, known as Flotation Aids, are for activities like water skiing, fishing, and kayaking. They balance flotation with comfort, allowing easy movement but do not turn an unconscious person face up.
Type IV
Type IV PFDs are throwable devices like seat cushions or rings. These are backup devices, not for children, non-swimmers, or the unconscious. They are mainly for emergency use to aid others in water.
Type V
Type V PFDs are Special Use Devices, tailored for specific conditions or activities. These may require mandatory wear or be carried on a vessel for legal compliance. In this article, featured inflatable devices are Type V PFDs that must be worn at all times.
What Are The Actual Regulations For Life Jackets?
Regarding paddleboard life jackets, the U.S. Coast Guard’s regulations classify stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) as vessels, requiring specific safety measures. Children 12 and under must wear an approved Type I, II, or III flotation device while paddling.
For those 13 and above, they must either wear or carry an approved Type I, II, or III device, or wear a Type V device continuously on the board. This ensures safety for all paddleboarders, with flexibility for older paddlers in their choice of flotation device.
Automatic Inflation
Automatic inflation life jackets are designed to inflate when they come into contact with water. This feature provides added safety and peace of mind for paddle boarders, ensuring that the life jacket will be activated even if the wearer is unable to do so manually.
It is important to consider automatic inflation when choosing a paddle board life jacket, as it can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
Paddle boarders should be aware that automatic inflation life jackets require regular maintenance and may not be suitable for all water activities due to their specific activation mechanism.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of automatic inflation life jackets is crucial when making an informed choice for paddle boarding safety equipment.
Conclusion
When choosing a paddle board life jacket, consider factors like buoyancy, comfort, and sizing. Check the USCG regulations for paddle board PFD requirements and find the right fit for your water adventures.
Explore different options such as inflatable vests or foam vests to ensure safety and peace of mind during paddle boarding activities. Remember to also keep in mind price as a factor when selecting the best paddle board life jacket for your needs.
Always prioritize safety on the water by choosing a reliable and suitable life jacket for your stand up paddle boarding experiences.
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Paddle Board Life Jacket FAQs
What size paddle board life jacket should I choose?
Choose a life jacket that fits you snugly and securely, ensuring it does not ride up when in the water.
Are there different types of life jackets for paddle boarding?
Yes, there are inflatable and foam-type life jackets suitable for paddle boarding; both provide buoyancy but have different features.
How do I know if a life jacket is Coast Guard approved for paddle boarding?
Look for the Coast Guard’s approval label inside the life jacket to ensure it meets safety standards for use while paddle boarding.
Can I wear any type of vest as a replacement for a proper paddle board life jacket?
No, only specifically designed PFDs or personal flotation devices intended for paddle boarding should be used to ensure safety on the water.
What features should I consider when choosing a life jacket for paddle boarding?
Consider features like comfort, flexibility, visibility (bright colors), secure closures (zippers or buckles), and additional pockets for carrying essentials while out on the water.
