how tight should a pfd be

how tight should your pfd be? i have mine cinched down but i find mobility to be an issue. (i feel like im doing the robot in it) thanks all.

Vin

place both thumbs under the strap thats on top of your shoulder and lift up. If the pfd rides up to your chin, then it's too loose.

*before you wear your pfd, loosen up all the straps and make the adjustments starting from the waist and work your way up.

Maybe it's a fit issue. You vs. a specific model. Next time your at a shop or around a buddy your size, try some other ones on.

A good snug fit shouldn't feel restrictive. It should feel like a nice warm hug from your granny.

If you've got one that rides up, it's not that hard to sew (with whipping cord) a strap to the butt end   that goes through your legs and winds up clipping into a snap on the belly-button side of the vest - you can make it adjustable on the front side and cinch it up more that you'd think you could and still be comfortable.  Kid's vests have that kind of strap.  Make it so that even if you forget to zip the vest up it can't come off you. If you need a picture, let me know.   
    You could do without the snap in front, and step through the strap,  but then what are you going to do when you've had too much beer and need to take  a whiz?

Mooch: thanks ill try it when i get home

ling banger: its adjustable so i dont think fit is a problem.

Fuzzy Tom: good idea but that might make the boys uncomfortable down there. if thats what i have to resort to ill try it. my sewing skills suck tho. lol.

thanks again fellas. ill try it when i get home.

vin

If you've got one that rides up, it's not that hard to sew (with whipping cord) a strap to the butt end   that goes through your legs and winds up clipping into a snap on the belly-button side of the vest - you can make it adjustable on the front side and cinch it up more that you'd think you could and still be comfortable.  Kid's vests have that kind of strap.  Make it so that even if you forget to zip the vest up it can't come off you. If you need a picture, let me know.   
    You could do without the snap in front, and step through the strap,  but then what are you going to do when you've had too much beer and need to take  a whiz?

My Stohlquist X-tract PFD has small "D" rings front and rear specifically for this purpose. Their newer rescuer PFDs incorporate a pair of thigh straps instead, a design that might be more comfortable for "the boys". If yo're going to try sewing something, I would look at copying the thigh straps on the Stohlquist Force 6.

My trip in the water taught me there is such a thing as too loose.

Like any piece of clothing, some fit better than others.  Snug with the "rise rule" Mooch mentioned.

Since we are on the discussion of PFDs I was wondering, since I already have 2 PFDS from my inflatable raft, if I could just use this one? It's a West Marine Cruiser Vest? It does ride up when I'm in the boat, so maybe I can creat some leg straps. Do you guys think this will work?


Here is the link on my pfd

Any rated PFD will work BUT you will find that most paddle specific PFG's are shorter since you are in a sitting possition.  Theis will help to emininate ride-up.  So, yes it will work but maybe isn't the best of choices for the intended use.  On a side note, you will also find that paddle specific vests have more access. pockets for attaching pliers, strobe light, vhf, etc...

Since we are on the discussion of PFDs I was wondering, since I already have 2 PFDS from my inflatable raft, if I could just use this one? It's a West Marine Cruiser Vest? It does ride up when I'm in the boat, so maybe I can creat some leg straps. Do you guys think this will work?


Here is the link on my pfd

Your best learning curve is to take a lesson with a accredited Kayaker or go to the school of hard knocks. I take lessons and this eliminated most of what I see you post!
 Best to do the Robot  and cinched in tight then not! Being in the water will tell me if the vest is fitting properly. So go and explore in that environment to get your vest comfortable and adjusted. A swimming pool should suffice. Good luck.

I have a very high back seat, 20" I believe. All the paddle PFD's have the back made for paddling, but my seat is above that special back on paddle PFD's. I have a regular fishing PFD made for boat use and the back floatation is top to bottom. It gives me a flat rear surface instead of the back floataion on paddle pFD's hitting the top of the seat and making my lower back arched the wrong way. I hope this rambling makes since.

 

  I guessing that if you can't breath with it on, it might be a just a wee bit to tight.

I ended up buying my first pfd at the kayak store in Oakley. They had it on sale for $69 originally $89. Thing was I had a choice between dark green and red. I like green so i chose it, it also matches my dark green hobie outback..does this make me invisible on the water? or will i still be seen? not sure if i should get the red one now..lol

I forgot what kind it was but it fit me real well, the foam is soft so its not too constricting, doesnt ride up on my neck, and it has 2 pockets in the front. The tan fishing version is almost the same except i notice the foam was more stiffer which felt too bulky, but it came with a whistle and lots of fishing pockets.

I ended up buying my first pfd at the kayak store in Oakley. They had it on sale for $69 originally $89. Thing was I had a choice between dark green and red. I like green so i chose it, it also matches my dark green hobie outback..does this make me invisible on the water? or will i still be seen? not sure if i should get the red one now..lol

I forgot what kind it was but it fit me real well, the foam is soft so its not too constricting, doesnt ride up on my neck, and it has 2 pockets in the front. The tan fishing version is almost the same except i notice the foam was more stiffer which felt too bulky, but it came with a whistle and lots of fishing pockets.

I hope the salesman sold you the womens specific PFD / mesh back. They have more split panels up front to make a more comfortable fit for the ladies. And I  hope you have either a bright orange flag or bright orange paddle blades on your green kayak - for visibily / safety issues. I've paddle with a few green kayaks on the lakes and could barely see them cause they blend in with the trees by the shore line. Safety first!