Gear Store: PFDs

A PFD is not optional. For surfski paddling, foam vests are the preferred choice — always ready, zero maintenance, and no chance of a deployment failure. Inflatables have a role in specific situations but are not typical for most surfski paddlers.

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Foam PFDs are ready instantly, require zero maintenance, and work even when you cannot act. High-back designs clear most surfski and kayak seat backs for unrestricted paddling movement.

PFD — Foam Type V

Astral YTV 2.0 Life Jacket

Lightweight USCG Type V PFD in bright fire orange for high visibility. Articulated foam panels allow unrestricted paddle movement. Purpose-built for SUP, touring, and kayaking. A standout option for surfski paddlers who want a foam PFD that moves with them.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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PFD — Foam Open Sea

NRS Ninja OS PFD

The Ninja rebuilt for open-water and sea kayaking. Same Orbit Fit System™ low-profile foam and Level 70 USCG approval, but adds a removable internal radio/GPS pocket, five attachment points for safety gear, and extensive 3M reflective accents for low-light visibility. Side-buckle entry with silicone waistband. A purpose-built choice for surfski paddlers who venture offshore.

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PFD — Foam Racer

Gill USCG Approved Side Zip PFD

Gill’s racing-specific foam PFD built for unrestricted movement on the water. Side zip entry, ladder-lock adjustment for a dialed fit, neoprene shoulder padding, and a front zippered mesh-drain pocket. USCG Type III approved. A well-regarded choice across dinghy racing, kayaking, and surfski.

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Three items that clip directly to your PFD and dramatically increase your safety profile on the water: a pealess emergency whistle that works when wet, a waterproof phone pouch for coast guard communication, and a small white LED to make you visible at dawn, dusk, and in shipping lanes.

Safety — Emergency Whistle

Fox 40 Micro Pealess Whistle

Pealess design never clogs with water, salt, or debris — it works every time regardless of conditions. 100+ dB output audible at distance. The standard emergency signal device for ocean paddlers. Clips to any PFD attachment point.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Safety — Waterproof Phone Pouch

JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

IPX8-rated clear pouch fits phones up to 7 inches and allows full touchscreen operation through the window. Lanyard loops for attaching to a PFD chest strap. Keeps your emergency contact device functional even after a swim.

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Safety — PFD White Light

Princeton Tec Amp 1L LED Light

Compact waterproof white LED that clips to a PFD shoulder strap. Makes you visible to boat traffic at dawn, dusk, and at night. Simple on/off operation with a long battery life. Small enough that you’ll actually leave it clipped on.

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Inflatables are less common among surfski paddlers but can suit specific situations — racing contexts where a low profile is required, or offshore touring where a high-buoyancy auto-inflate provides an extra margin. Belt packs and shoulder-harness styles are both included here.

PFD — Belt Pack Slim

Mustang Minimalist Belt Pack

One of the slimmest-profile inflatable PFDs available. USCG-approved, 25 lbs buoyancy. Manual inflation keeps the mechanism simple and reliable. Designed to disappear while racing.

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PFD — Belt Pack Classic

Mustang MIT 100 Convertible Inflatable PFD

Compact belt-pack inflatable PFD that converts to a chest harness for hands-free wear. Manual inflate with CO2 cylinder. USCG-approved and low-profile enough for surfski racing. Rearming kits available separately.

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PFD — Inflatable 170N

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

Spinlock’s lightweight inflatable lifejacket with 170N buoyancy. Manual inflation with backup pill trigger. Designed for offshore and coastal water sports including paddling.

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