Thoughts on best PFD

....and sit in a yak with a seat like the one you will be using (hell, bring in your seat). All the other advice is spot on

+1 on this, if possible.

I bought a high back PFD and don't really like it because I have a high back seat and the PFD back wants to rest on the top of my seat and ride up all day. No bueno.

We use two Stohlquist paddling vests but the newer Fisherman is something I would consider. Hobie thinks enough of it to re-brand it as a Hobie accessory.

As I wear a wetsuit when out in the ocean the PFD part is less important and so an option is the type that inflates with a CO2 cartridge. I have two of these that I have disabled the auto inflate feature so it requires pulling the "rip cord". Otherwise if I went through the surf it could activate when I do not want to or even in the storage bin it was wet when it went inside. Hobie sells one of this type of PFD under their brand as well. The Hobie one though is not at all visible so it would be my last choice.

This is the one I have been using very comfortable and lots of pockets I like the one for the radio keeps it safe. I lost one over board once it was clipped to my vest (my old vest) good luck on your search
 
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1801/Kokatat-Bahia-Tour-Fishing-Life-Jacket-PFD.html/


PatR

I have the same one and I also like it....