Personal floatation devices (PFDs) are advisory but there are factors which can help determine their use. Age, ability, experience, location and conditions. For peace of mind for yourself and loved ones a PFD adds a safely measure for those out on the water.
Flotation Methods
PFDs come in two main forms: Inflatable Buoyancy and foam bouncy.
Inflatable Buoyancy Aids
Inflatable buoyancy aids are a common choice for confident water users. They offer a non-restrictive and low profile fit which allows users good freedom of movement. These PFDs when deployed are inflated using a CO2 canister, this is done by pulling the inflation handle/tag. A bladder is then inflated giving you bouncy. After use you will need to "rearm" the PFD by replacing the CO2 canister
Foam Buoyancy Aids
Foam PFDs offer constant buoyancy where the PFD itself is foam. Unlike inflatable PFDs, there isn't anything to deploy/inflate which therefore gives instant buoyancy. Foam PFDs are well suited to less confident water users or if you are more likely to be frequently entering the water. Compared to inflatable PFDs there is nothing that needs replacing after use and they require little maintenance. Foam PFDs often include pockets and hydration solutions, they are more bulky than inflatable PFDs but if you get a paddling specific PFD these tend to be less restrictive.
