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Whether you’re paddling or performing any other sports on the water, a life jacket is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment. Even if you’re a wonderful swimmer, your life jacket or buoyancy aid for SUP provides you with an extra margin of safety. But a life jacket won’t do any good if you keep it on the shore or in the cabin. So, choose a life jacket that you like to wear.
However, if you’re a beginner and you don’t know how to pick the best paddleboard life jackets or what are the best available options for you, then we have got you covered here.
From buying guides to a comprehensive list of the best paddle board pdf, here, we will discuss everything. Plus, we will also answer some most commonly asked questions regarding the paddleboard’s life jackets. So, if you’re interested in a similar discussion, then you should stay here and benefit your mind with some productive discussion about paddleboard life jackets.
How to Pick the Best Paddle Board Life Jacket? – Buying Guide
The life jacket you pick should have approval from a governing body and be in good condition. This way, you will have the company’s assurance that they have tested a particular life jacket for avoiding issues like tearing, broken straps, and waterlogging. However, before purchasing the best pfd for paddle boards, keep the following things in mind.
1. Approval by a Governing Body
The life jacket you will pick should have a US Coast Guard stamp of approval for US customers. But if you’re not a US customer, then look for a life jacket that has approval from an equivalent governing body. This approval indicates that the jacket has been tested and will function properly when needed.
2. Types of Life Jackets
There are many styles and types of life jackets available to meet the standard. For example, the Type III and Type V life jackets are suitable for paddling and rafting.
i. Type III Life Jackets
According to US Coast Guard standards, the Type III life jackets feature a minimum of 15.5 pounds of flotation. So, if you’re comfortable in the water and you’re a swimmer, then this level of flotation will be enough for you. However, if you’re not a swimmer, you may feel more comfortable at the flotation model with the 22-27 pounds range.
But keep in mind that the higher flotation model will be bulkier and might be uncomfortable for some users. So, pick a PFD that is comfortable to wear.
ii. Type V Life Jackets
The Type V designation refers to floating devices designed for a specific purpose. Such life jackets are further classified into different types. But the most common ones for paddlers are the jackets with quick-release rescue harnesses and high-flotation jackets with neck pillows.
A Type V high-flow life jacket with a neck pillow provides a high level of safety and they’re suitable for non-swimmers and big water. But the pillow and extra flotation make them bulkier than the typical Type III life jackets. That is why most paddlers prefer Type III life jackets.
The Type V jackets are more expensive than other life jackets and their features, like the quick-release and others, are more of a hindrance than a help. Therefore, experts don’t recommend such life jackets to people who don’t have experience with swift water rescue services/training.
3. Life Jacket Profiles
Another thing that you should consider while buying a life jacket for paddleboards is the type of paddling you’re doing. The Type III life jackets are compatible across all different paddle sports. But you can also find a life jacket for a specific activity.
Life jackets are classified into three different profiles to determine which life jacket is suitable for which activity.
- High Profile – life jackets come with more flotation, which is usually around 22-27 pounds. Their foam is thick and fully covers the body.
- Medium Profile – life jackets have standard Type III flotation, which is around 16-18 pounds. The flotation panels on these jackets are thinner and more flexible than high-profile life jackets. However, these life jackets have the same look. Such life jackets work well for most paddlers because they are great all-around life jackets.
- Low Profile – life jackets also have standard Type III flotation. But the flotation is concentrated in smaller areas to offer more movement to paddlers. Here, the flotation panels are thicker and less flexible than medium-profile jackets, but they don’t cover the body like the others. Whitewater kayakers mostly use these types of life jackets.
4. Available Features on a Life Jacket
Many paddlers go with a simple life jacket because they only want safety. But you can get a beacon loop, night flash tab, pockets, reflective material, and VHF radio slot in your life jackets to improve your paddling experience.
List for the Best Paddle Board Life Jackets
Keep in mind that the following entries have made their spot on this list after extensive testing and research. So, if you think that we’ve missed some entries, it might be because those entries didn’t meet our paddle board life jacket requirements.
Anyway, let’s get to the list.
1. Astral GreenJacket
The first entry on our list for the best SUP board life vest is an expensive option. Its name is Astral GreenJacket. Since there is no price limit here, that is why we have picked this life jacket for this list. But, considering its overall quality, it’s a worth buying choice.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Small/Medium: 31-37″
Medium/Large: 38-44″ Large/X-Large: 45-51″ Item Weight:2.9 lbs. Design Buoyancy: 16.5lbs. Package Dimensions: 18 x 17.5 x 8-inches |
In-Depth Review:
The construction and design of this life jacket make it a durable and environment-friendly life jacket because the company has used 200 and 500 Denier Cordura Nylon with PVC-Free Gaia and PE-foam in its construction. Apart from being durable, this life jacket offers incredible comfort and security features. Therefore, due to its top buoyancy aid, it is the preference of the world’s best kayakers and paddlers.
If you prefer paddling in harsh conditions, this life jacket will be your best companion because it is a Type III USCG-approved jacket with a 16.4lbs of buoyancy rating. So, it will keep you afloat in rough conditions. Plus, even if you use it for the entire day, you will stay comfortable because of its two-panel fit system.
Last but not least, the extra storage adds more weight to this life jacket. So, it is not a suitable fit for short people trying to climb on a boat. However, the extra storage, such as multiple pocket compartments, rope storage, and a quick-release rescue harness, is a plus point for rescuers. So, if these things suit your use case, then don’t waste your time thinking about whether to buy this one or not. Instead, make the decision quickly.
- It doesn’t rub the arms and it’s comfortable to paddle with
- Roomy pockets that are easier to access as well
- Integrated rescue belt for safety
- Stylish design and look
- Dual pockets on each side for ample storage
- To remove a fixed blade from the front vest, you will need to use the opposite hand
- Not suitable for people who’re looking for side-entry PFD
- Unavailability of radio pocket
2. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic SUP Life Vest – Amazon’s Best Seller
If you want the best stand-up paddleboard life jackets in a budget range, then there’s none better than Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest. This life jacket is one of the best budget options currently available in the market because it offers comfort and usability at a reasonable price.
Let’s see its in-depth review to find out why it’s the best-seller paddle board life jacket Amazon.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| X-Small/Small: 90lbs and over, 28″-36″ Chest
Medium/Large: 90lbs and over, 36″-44″ Chest X-Large/2X-Large: 90lbs and over, 44″-56″ Chest Item Weight: 1.2 lbs. Design Buoyancy:– Package Dimensions: 3.5 x 26 x 23-inches |
In-Depth Review:
Onyx has built this life jacket from durable nylon material and soft flotation foam. That is why it’s a lightweight entry. This life jacket is flexible enough to fit the body of most users because of its neoprene shoulder pads.
As mentioned earlier, this life jacket provides comfort to users. Therefore, it is a more breathable and fresh wearing life jacket than the ones we’ve tested so far because of its back and front meshes. However, the small integrated pockets might be a discomfort for some users. Still, it’s better than having no pockets at all.
As the first pick, this one is also a Type III USCG-approved jacket. But the SOLAS grade reflective makes it more visible in the water. Plus, the integrated whistle will come in handy in emergencies. So, these are the major upper hands of this life jacket over the Astral GreenJacket.
- The extended zippered pockets on the vest are great for storing small accessories
- The vest features mesh ventilation panels on the front and lower back that keep the body cool during long sessions
- Strong nylon-fabric prevents tears and punctures
- Pockets size is too small
3. NRS Ninja Kayak Life Jacket
The number three entry on our list for the best paddle board life jackets is another US Court Guard-approved paddle boarding jacket. But this one is suitable for people with shorter structures. Its name is NRS Ninja Kayak Lifejacket. Let’s have an in-depth look at this life jacket to find out more about this product.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| XS/M: 33-40″
L/XL: 38-46″ XXL: 42-50″ Item Weight:2.15 lbs. Rated Buoyancy:16.5 lbs. Package Dimensions: – 20 x 17 x 6.5 inches |
In-Depth Review:
If your jacket size is out of the grown-up’s youth range, then this life jacket is a worthy option because NRS has made this life jacket for adults with a shorter structure. This life jacket features soft PVC-free flotation foam panels, which makes paddling easier for the users. So, it is easily maneuverable and brings a lot of comfort for kayakers and paddlers.
Even if you face any difficulty while fitting this jacket, you can change the adjustment points of this life jacket. So, it can securely fit according to your size. This life jacket also comes with breathable AirMesh fabrics on the inner panels and shoulder. So, it provides comfort for the users and ventilation to the entire life jacket.
Last but not least, this life jacket comes in different colors and each color variety makes it attractive and easier to spot on the water.
- Open design, therefore, easily breathable
- Comfortable fabric
- Incredible paddling maneuverability
- Rough straps
- Bulky
4. Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
If you’re a regular paddler, then you will be familiar with the concept of auto and manual inflation because this feature will come in handy for several activities on the water. So, if you’re looking for a life jacket with such a feature, then the Onyx A/M-24 life jacket is a suitable choice.
Let’s take an in-depth look at this jacket to see the benefits that this life jacket brings.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| XS/M: 33-40″
L/XL: 38-46″ XXL: 42-50″ Item Weight: 1.52 lbs. Minimum Buoyancy: 22.5 lbs. Package Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 0.05-inches |
In-Depth Review:
As mentioned earlier, it is an auto/manual inflation life jacket. So, you will have to pull the jerk to inflate this life jacket manually. However, this life jacket will automatically inflate during submergence in the water. So, it’s a pretty handy feature because it automates most of the tasks.
The design of this life jacket is stretchable flex-back because it can easily fit various body types. Plus, even if you’re using this life jacket in warm weather, you will not experience any ventilation issues because of its low-profile design.
Like the life jackets we have discussed so far, this one also has a reflective piping feature, which helps in making this life jacket more visible in the water. So, extra safety is always a plus point for everyone.
- Comfortable to wear over other garments
- Doesn’t trap any heat in the chest
- Smooth and beautiful build
- Easy to fit
- Unavailability of the in-sight window to show the status of CO2 cartridge
- The low-profile design doesn’t add extra warmth while paddling in cold weather
- If you’re not a good swimmer, then this PFD might not be a suitable fit for you
5. Seachoice Life Vest (Type II Personal Flotation Device) – Amazon’s Best Seller
If you don’t use a life jacket too often and you’re looking for a life jacket to use once in a while, then try Seachoice Life Vest. This life jacket has made the fifth spot on our list for the best paddleboard for life jackets. So, let’s see why it is a worth considering choice for this list.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| L:30-52-inches Chest
XL: 40-60-inches Chest Item Weight: 0.75 lbs. Minimum Buoyancy: – Package Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 12 inches |
In-Depth Review:
This life jacket is available in four sizes and bright colors. So, no matter from which age group you belong, this will fit you. However, despite being available in different sizes, this life jacket is short because it sits above the rib cage. So, your movements will be a little limited while wearing this jacket.
The Seachoice Life Vest is a pretty simple product and there’s nothing fancy about it. But considering its price, we can’t complain about its look. Despite being a simple life jacket, this is available in bright orange, yellow and camouflage colors. So, even if your children are using this life jacket, you can easily locate them.
Like the other companies, this Seachoice has also used PE-foams for the construction of this life jacket. So, the PE foam makes this life jacket durable and lightweight and, when you wear it, you won’t feel like you have wrapped anything. Plus, it comes with a small transparent nylon bag and since it is compact, you can easily store that bag inside any cabin. So, it doesn’t take much space.
- The bright orange color provides enhanced visibility in the water
- High-quality fabric offers maximum flotation during inflation
- The water-resistant fabric can withstand longer water sessions
- The neck might be tight for some users
- This jacket limits the movements of people because of its small size
Alternative Product Links:
- https://www.amazon.com/SEACHOICE-85540-Personal-Flotation-Device/dp/B074CHTLBG?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
- https://www.amazon.com/SEACHOICE-High-Visibility-Personal-Flotation-Device/dp/B07JB564R1?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
- https://www.amazon.com/Seachoice-Personal-Flotation-Device-Orange/dp/B07JLV86NP?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
- https://www.amazon.com/SEACHOICE-85510-Personal-Flotation-Universal/dp/B019WX2VHA?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
6. NRS Vapor Kayak Lifejacket Best Women’s pfd for Paddle Boarding
The sixth entry of this list is suitable for tall people with narrow bodies. So, if your use case is similar, then you should check the NRS Vapor Kayak Lifejacket. Let’s have a detailed look at this life jacket to find out more about it.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| XS/M: 30″-42″
L/XL: 42″-52″ XL/XXL: 50″-56″ Item Weight: 1 lb. Rated Buoyancy: 16.3 lbs. Package Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 4 inches |
In-Depth Review:
This is another US-Court Guard approved Type III life jacket that is not only lightweight but also wraps around your body smoothly. The reason for its lightweight and snug fit is its six panels and ultra-soft foams. As mentioned earlier, it is suitable for tall users. So, NRC has built this life jacket with low-cut sides, which provides space to tall users.
Like other entries, NRC has also constructed this life jacket with a reflective accent that increases the visibility of this jacket in the water. So, it is easier to locate people wearing this life jacket. Plus, the build material of this life jacket is durable yet soft enough to not cause any discomfort.
This life jacket doesn’t have zipper pockets and a handwarmer pouch. So, these are the major drawbacks of this life jacket. Otherwise, it could have been a perfect life jacket for people with narrow torsos.
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Comfortable fit
- Easier to maneuver
- No handwarmer pouch
- No pockets
7. Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest
At the seventh spot, we have another budget entry on this list. But this time, it is a Type I life jacket and its name is the Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest. So, let’s see the specialties of this life jacket and see why it is a worth considering choice.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Universal Size: 30 to 52-inches
Oversized Size:52 to 62-inches Item Weight: 0.04 lbs. Rated Buoyancy: – Package Dimensions: 20.4 x 17.7 x 3.7 inches |
In-Depth Review:
As the name of this life jacket represents, it features a classy look. So, people have been using this life jacket for years because it brings durability and that durability has earned the trust of the users.
The Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest is available in universal size and it has four adjustable straps that can fit almost all people. However, if you’re a tall or big person, you should look for some other options because this one can get a bit congested for you.
It might not be the best life jacket available in the market, but it’s a great option for beginners. Plus, this budget-friendly life jacket is beneficial for all watersports. So, it can keep you safe in all the watersports.
- Lightweight
- Suitable for various water sports
- Available in bright colors
- Comfortable to wear
- The vest is tight around the neck
- Not suitable for people over 6 feet
- Unavailability of pockets for storing essentials
8. Astral YTV Life Jacket
So far, we have discussed premium and budget-range life jackets. But if you’re looking for an in-between (mid-range) entry, then Astral YTV life jacket is one of the top contenders for this post. This entry has made the second last (8th) spot on our list for the best isup PFD for paddleboards. So, let’s see the specialties of this life jacket.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Small/Medium: 31-37″
Medium/Large: 38-44″ Large/X-Large: 45-51″ Item Weight: 1.76 lbs. Buoyancy:16.5 lbs. Package Dimensions: 16.54 x 15.98 x 5.12 inches |
In-Depth Review:
This life jacket is pretty durable and it can last many adventures because Astral has made this life jacket from a 200 x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon. The Astral YTV is a Type V certified life jacket with strong nylon liner fabric. So, it has better water and heat absorption than most entries on our list. That is why it is warmer yet a still lightweight entry.
This life jacket can fit most users without ruining their comfort because of its torso lock fit. Plus, it comes in several trendy colors. So, if you’re someone who likes to wear trendy things and you’re looking for a life jacket, then you can pick this one. Even if you’re using this life jacket on cold days, the front zipper pockets will come in handy for keeping your hands warm.
- Durable and lightweight
- Torso lock system offers a perfect fit
- Great off-label uses
- Storage pockets
- Design suitable for smaller paddlers
- Fewer features due to minimalist design
- Not a rescue fit
9. Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket
The last entry of today’s topic is the Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket, which is also known as the Stohlquist Waterway. So, let’s see what this life jacket entails.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| SM/MD:Sea level buoyancy 15 lbs., 8oz
LG/XL:Sea level buoyancy 16 lbs., 8oz XXL:Sea level buoyancy 17 lbs., 8oz Item Weight: 1.7 lbs. Buoyancy: – Package Dimensions: 14 x 4 x 4-inches |
In-Depth Review:
The company has designed this life jacket with a low-cut offset front entry and extra-large armholes for maximum mobility while paddling. So, it won’t limit your movement on a paddle. This life jacket is one of the most versatile and ergonomic entries on this list because of its various adjustment options.
This life jacket includes a roomy and top-loading front pocket for storing and accessing the necessary items easily. Stohlquist has added graded sizing for the comfort of its users. So, the small sizes of this life jacket won’t have as much bulk as the large sizes.
Like most life jackets we have discussed today, this one also fits according to the body types of most users because of its ideal buoyancy. Plus, you can completely adjust the side, waist, and shoulder straps of this life jacket to suit your size. However, still, some paddlers have complained that this life jacket is suitable for slimmer people. So, check the size before buying this life jacket.
- Increased visibility due to 3M reflective accents
- Versatility
- Good ventilation
- Side-entry zipper cuts down in bulk
- Not suitable for women
- Not a rescue fit
Alternative Product Links:
- https://boardersguide.com/recommends/stohlquist-edge-life-jacket/
Honorable Mentions
Another entry that could enter our list for the best paddleboard pfd is Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket. However, we have not put this life jacket in today’s discussion because it is suitable for dogs. So, if you’re looking for such a life jacket, then you can check the specs and details of this life jacket in the following table 👇🏻.
Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket:
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| XS: 11-15 in; 5-15 lbs.
SM: 16-20 in; 15-30 lbs. MD: 21-27 in; 30-55 lbs. LG: 28-32 in; 55-85 lbs. XL: 33-44 in; 85-100 lbs. Item Weight:0.635 lbs. Buoyancy: – Package Dimensions: 9 x 16.5 x 11-inches |
Conclusion:
To conclude today’s discussion, we won’t suggest a winner here because each life jacket is suitable and unsuitable in specific scenarios. Therefore, we have mentioned the pros and cons of each item to make it easier for you to choose the best one. Plus, read the buying guide as well to have a better idea about what you should look for while buying a life jacket for paddleboards.
1. Do you need a life jacket for paddleboarding?
Yes, each user should wear a life jacket when on the paddleboards. But in the end, it depends on your expertise level because if you’re an experienced user, you might not need a life jacket. However, if you’re a child or a beginner, we recommend you wear a life jacket.
2. What are the best life jackets for paddle boarding?
According to our testing and research, the Onyx MoveVent and Astral GreenJacket are some of the best life jackets for paddleboarding. But if you want more detail about this selection, you can read our choices in the above list. Still, if you think that we’ve missed something, then feel free to share your thoughts via comments.
3. What is the best women’s PFD for paddle boarding?
The Siren Kayak from NRS is the most suitable life jacket for women because it is comfortable around the chest area. NRS has made this life jacket with six-panel soft foam that follows the shape of the body. So, it neither brings discomfort to the women nor feels tight.
