I first reviewed PFD’s or Life Jackets back in 2012 on this site. Like surfskis, paddles, pogies, drysuits, GPS watches, I have much experience with many different types and brands. Through this experimentation, I have refined my requirements as to what I like. While Pfd’s have not changed as much from 2012-2017 as some surf ski designs, there has been some new and improved designs. First of all, here is what I look for in a “performance pfd”. I will however sometimes distinguish between my winter training pfds, summer pfds, and racing pfds. I do paddled year around in air temperatures of 30 degrees and water temps of 35 degrees. Most importantly I almost always wear my PFD on flat water and  always in the ocean. Occasionally I have not worn my pfd like at the 2016 USCA Nationals Flatwater Championship. The heat index was a unique 115 degrees, brutal for Northeast weather. Over the last 5 years, thankfully the World/National Races make it mandatory for all paddlers to WEAR their PFD’s. Now, as my reviews will highlight, manufacturers make comfortable, light weight, pfds that encourage full time use. Click on the link below for the
2012 PFD Review

Wesley Winter Pfd’s Requirements

  1. Large Pocket(front loading preferably) to hold phone, gels, spare wind proof hat/gloves and possible VHF.
  2. High Visibility since limited hand dexterity and survivable times in cold temperatures of capsize.
  3. Medium to Low Profile design.
  4. Comfortable fit to not incumber the forward stroke.
  5. High floatation.
  6. Lanyard within pockets.
  7. Top entry pocket or easy, one hand, side entry.

Wesley’s Racing/High intensity Pfd Requirements.

  1. Medium Size front loading pocket for gels, phone, keys.
  2. Low Profile to reduce heat index and comfort for racing.
  3. High Visibility
  4. Low weight when wet.
  5. Lanyards attaching phone, whistle.
  6. Top entry Pocket for gels and easy access.

See my Videos, Part 1 and 2 on my review of PFD’s. I reviewed the 2016 and 2015 Mocke PFD, the Vaikobi 2016 with updates, Kokatat Orbit, Stohlquist Edge and Rocker, NRS Siren and Ninja. I have a few more PFD’s, but these I included in my review are the best. Below is a link to Mocke Paddling for all the improvements of the most recent model.  I have owned every edition of Mocke including the original as you can see in one of the pics. As you can see in the video there are many choices these days for PFD’s. However,  the Mocke PFD checks off all the boxes if you are only going to purchase one PFD for all types of conditions and temperatures. Features include: fit, high visibility, top loading pocket, high flotation, ISO approved so it makes an excellent value. It also is designed by Dawid and Jasper Mocke, two of the Elite paddlers in the world, so buying one is giving back to the Surfski Community that they are such a big part of. I want to thank Ian Black of Mocke Paddling for reaching out and sending me the Mocke PFD and to Patrick Langley, owner of Vaikobi for sending the his PFD several months ago.

I misspoke a few times in the video saying “pfd” when I meant to say “phone”. I did this in one take, so not too bad for me. Betsy was patient enough to hold the camera for me in our cold Rhode Island Garage.

SurfskiRacing.Com 2017 PFD Review from Wesley Echols on Vimeo.

SurfskiRacing.com PFD/Life Jackets Review, Part 2 from Wesley Echols on Vimeo.

Click on the link below for more close up pics.

Pictures of all the PFD’s

 

 

Mocke Lifejacket

I also enjoy the Vaikobi Pfds. They are extremely easy to put on and off with the front zipper and have improved from the first model to include two zippered pockets and slightly shorter. I tend to put new and novice paddlers in this pfd since it is ultra low profile and easy on and off. You want the novice paddlers to have the best experience available. When traveling to races and I have to pack a PFD, I often carry this one since it packs and stores so easily. So depending on your specific PFD need, the Vaikobi is another excellent choice for a high viz, all around, ultra low volume PFD.  Vaikobi also makes a wonderful clothing line specifically for paddling. I own at least one of everything in the line I think.

https://www.vaikobi.com/products/vaikobi-hi-vis-ocean-racing-pfd

Vaikobi PFD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other PFD’s in my review are good choices as well all with there pros and cons. Remember to properly cinch your PFD because if you don’t, it will float up around your head and impede your reentry in the ski. Wear your PFD and insist your paddling partners do the same. Remember it is you that will be coming to their rescue.