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11 Best PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding (2024)

best paddle board life jackets

Stand up paddle boarding is generally considered safe. But it is a water sport and things can still go wrong. When paddling, you should always wear a PFD.

PFDs (personal flotation devices) come in many shapes and sizes. It’s easy to get confused by different styles and rating systems. While safety is the most important thing, you also want to be able to paddle in comfort.

To cut through the confusion, I’ve reviewed 11 paddle board life jackets, including the best options for adults, kids, and dogs. This guide will help you decide which SUP PFD is the best and safest option for you.

The Onyx M-16 is my top pick for the best PFD for stand up paddle boarding in 2024. Read on to find out why.

RELATED: Discover the best accessories for paddle boarding of 2024 

Stand Up Paddle PFDs Comparison Table

Best Overall

Onyx M-16 Belt PFD

Onyx M-16 Belt PFD

Slim, featherweight inflatable belt for expert swimmers

The Onyx M-16 is the ultimate lightweight PFD for competent swimmers who want an unobtrusive safety device. It will never get in the way of your paddling and yoga and won’t give you tan lines!

Slower to inflate than some other PFDs.

TypeBelt

 

Stearns Manual Belt Pack

Stearns Manual Belt Pack

A compact PFD belt that’s easy to use

This compact belt pack is easy to inflate with either hand and comes in a choice of colors. The clear window makes it easy to check that it’s armed and ready to inflate.

Bulkier and more expensive than the Onyx M-16

TypeBelt

Best Budget

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest

Affordable life vest with good freedom of movement

The large arm cutouts on the MoveVent make it easy to paddle. It’s comfortable, even in hot weather, and great value for money.

The foam is bulky and the sizing runs large.

TypeVest

 

NRS Ninja Vest

NRS Ninja Vest

Exceptional range of movement for a foam life vest

The Ninja vest concentrates the flotation foam in the center of the front and back. This gives you maximum freedom of movement for paddling.

Heavy and the straps can cut into your neck.

TypeVest

Best For Women

Astral Layla Women’s PFD Vest

Astral Layla Women’s PFD Vest

Flexible, tailored fit that’s designed for women

Cut specifically for women, the design, soft foam, and three side straps mean the Layla can be adjusted to fit women of all shapes and sizes.

Top-notch comfort comes at a price—the Layla is expensive!

TypeVest

 

Astral Linda Women’s PFD Vest

Astral Linda Women’s PFD Vest

Lightweight, breathable vest for hot weather

The Linda’s thin foam back makes it the most comfortable PFD for use in kayak seats—great if you’re fishing. It’s also a great choice for hot weather.

The lash tab is almost inaccessible and therefore useless

TypeVest

 

NRS Women’s Siren Vest

NRS Women’s Siren Vest

Comfortable vest with a wrap-around fit

The wrap-around fit and large armholes give plenty of room for your shoulders to move. It’s also very durable and backed by a lifetime warranty.

It’s heavy and best suited to small-busted women

TypeVest

Best For Teens

Stohlquist Youth Fit Vest

Stohlquist Youth Fit Vest

Budget vest for teens and small adults

The Stohlquist Youth Fit comes in two sizes to fit people up to 125 pounds and is cut to give freedom of movement for paddling or swimming.

It can ride up when you jump into the water.

TypeTeens

Best For Kids

Stohlquist Child PFD Vest

Stohlquist Child PFD Vest

Slim-fitting PFD with double-collar support

The double collar supports your child’s head and neck and the slim fit and bright colors make it attractive to kids.

It’s not guaranteed to turn your child face-up.

TypeKids

Best For Dogs

NRS Canine PFD Vest

NRS Canine PFD Vest

Rugged, secure design that fits most dogs

Fits your pooch comfortably and securely. Very durable with a strong grab handle and a handy zip pocket for treats and toys.

The limited range of sizes may not fit every dog.

TypeDogs

 

Stohlquist Dog PFD Vest

Stohlquist Dog PFD Vest

Slim jacket in a wide range of sizes

The Stohlquist vest comes in 7 sizes, making it a great choice for small dogs who may not fit in other brands.

Color options aren’t great for visibility

TypeDogs

Best SUP Belt PFDs

1. Onyx M-16 Belt Pack Stand Up Paddle PFD – Best Overall Paddle Board Life Jacket

onyx m-16 belt sup pfd

Some paddle boarders complain that personal floatation devices are uncomfortable and restrict movement. 

You won’t have that problem with the Onyx M-16. That’s one of the reasons why I love it. 

The belt pack PFD is worn around the waist, as you can guess from the name. It doesn’t interfere with your paddling movement at all. After a while, you won’t even think about it. You can fish, do yoga and have fun without it getting in your way.

In case of an emergency, simply pull the cord to inflate the life jacket.

There’s a D-ring attachment for you to attach any small accessories that you want to keep close. 

The Onyx M-16 has a 200D nylon oxford protective cover and comes in three colors.

This USCG-approved Type V inflatable PFD is a universal adult size. It will fit chest sizes 30 to 52 inches and a waist size of up to 52 inches. 

What I Like
  • Small and lightweight: It’s easy to forget you’re wearing it.
  • Doesn’t restrict your movement: The belt design doesn’t restrict your movement at all, making it a great option for yoga or other SUP acrobatics.
  • One size fits all: the belt is easily adjusted to fit a range of body shapes.
  • Option to increase buoyancy: The CO2 cartridge provides 17 pounds of buoyancy, but you can top this up to 26.5 pounds using the inflation tube.
  • Good value for money: It’s cheaper than many other PFDs.
What I Don’t Like
  • Slow to inflate compared to other models: The Onyx M-16 is best used by competent swimmers on calm waters.
  • Only suitable for expert swimmers: The belt pack requires more effort to deploy and use than other PFDs.

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2. Stearns 16 Gram Manual Belt Pack 

First, I like the fact that you get color options with the Stearns 16 Gram belt pack. It comes in gold, blue, and red. Not only do the colors look great, but they are also bright and improve visibility which is good for safety. 

This personal flotation device will fit adults with a chest size from 30 to 52 inches and over 80 pounds. 

It has a nice compact design and is very easy to use. Simply buckle the belt pack around your waist and go on your paddle boarding adventures. In case of emergency, pull the cord and it will inflate automatically. 

The Stearns 16 Gram is United States Coast Guard-approved.

What I Like
  • Clear arming status window: This makes it easy to check that your belt packed is ready to inflate.
  • Pull cord is centrally located: It’s easy to deploy with either hand.
  • Easy to attach accessories: The spring clip makes it easy to attach a whistle or other small accessories.
  • Universal sizing: You don’t have to worry about ordering the wrong size vest.
  • Choice of colors: Coordinate your PFD with your board.
What I Don’t Like
  • Bulkier than the M16: While it’s still much less obtrusive than a vest-style PFD, the Stearns belt is larger than the Onyx M16.
  • Small pocket: It’s nice to have a pocket but it’s a bit too small to be useful.

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Best Paddle Board Life Vests (Type II & III)

3. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic SUP Life Vest – Best Budget SUP PFD

onyx movevent dynamic sup life vest

A good life vest doesn’t have to be expensive and the MoveVent Dynamic is proof of that.

The Dynamic’s lightweight flotation foam is soft and flexible. It conforms to your body for a perfect fit. 

You can still comfortably use the MoveVent Dynamic when you choose to convert your SUP into a kayak. The mesh panel at the back is designed to accommodate kayak seats.

There are few things more annoying than a life vest that just won’t fit properly. But you don’t have to worry about that with the Dynamic floatation device. It is available in three sizes and features six adjustment straps

Paddle boards aren’t that big and paddlers can always appreciate a little extra storage. You’ll be happy to know that this SUP PFD comes with a large expandable zippered pocket. It also has a lash tab for small accessories. 

The MoveVent Dynamic is a USCG-approved life jacket.

What I Like
  • High-back design: The foam back is high enough to fit over a kayak seat, making it more comfortable if your SUP has a seat.
  • Very affordable: The MoveVent Dynamic vest is great value for money. Unlike many budget PFDs, it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict your paddling.
  • Whistle included: The attached whistle means you don’t have to worry about adding this important safety item to your kit.
  • Lightweight: You might expect a budget PFD to be heavy, but that’s not the case with the MoveVent.
  • Expandable pocket: The zippered pocket is a handy space to store keys or a small snack.
What I Don’t Like
  • Bulkier than other jackets: While the MoveVent does give your arms plenty of freedom to move, the foam used is bulkier than more expensive vests.
  • Sizing runs big: If you’re small, you may find that even the XS/S size is too big for you.
  • Cheaper fabric can rub: As you might expect for a budget PFD, the fabric is coarser than more expensive models. I’d recommend wearing a layer underneath to prevent chafing.

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4. NRS Ninja Personal Flotation Device 

nrs ninja pfd

I love the design of the NRS Ninja paddle board PFD. Its flotation foam is packed into only two small panels. This gives you more freedom than you would typically have with a traditional life jacket.

The NRS Ninja has AirMesh fabric on the inner panels and shoulder straps for maximum airflow. 

You can get this stand up paddle PFD in four colors: teal, red, lime, and black. 

It comes in three sizes and has six adjustment points to ensure that it fits snugly regardless of your body type. 

The Ninja has a front clamshell pocket with internal organization as well as a lash tab. It is a Type III life jacket with U.S Coast Guard certification. 

It is a great option if you want complete freedom of movement when paddling, and you don’t mind a little sun on your shoulders.

What I Like
  • Exceptional freedom of movement: The foam on the Ninja is concentrated in the center of your front and back, giving your arms plenty of space to swing.
  • Good for short people: The Ninja is a good option for young people and adults with short torsos.
  • Clamshell pocket: The large, double-zippered pocket contains multiple organizational features including a key clip and internal zip pocket.
  • Handwarmer pocket: A welcome feature for cold fingers!
  • Very durable: Reinforced seams, sturdy buckles, and ripstop fabric mean you don’t have to worry about accidental damage.
What I Don’t Like
  • Heavier than other PFDs: At over 2 pounds, the Ninja is twice the weight of some PFDs.
  • Doesn’t fit everyone: Slim women may find it hard to get the Ninja snug enough around the waist, especially if you have larger breasts.
  • Neck straps can rub: The straps cut close around your neck. This gives your shoulders great freedom of movement, but you may find the straps cut into your neck a bit.

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PFD Vests For Women

5. Astral Layla Women’s PFD – Best Life Vest for Women 

astral layla womens sup pfd jacket

The Astral Layla is hands down one of the best PFDs for women out there. 

Other than its stylish color options, it is tailored to perfectly fit the female figure.

It has hinged princess seams and sculpted bust cups. This allows for maximum chest room and easy adjustment for that perfect fit. 

The paddle board PFD has a large front pocket and is also compatible with a quick-release belt. It features a side zip to make it super easy to put on and take off. 

Every single detail on the Astral Layla is designed to make it the most comfortable PFD for women. My wife loves it!

What I Like
  • Tailored fit: The vest is designed to wrap around breasts, rather than squeezing them out, and the three adjustable side straps give a precise fit.
  • Flexible, soft foam: The soft Kapok foam molds to your body giving a close, comfortable fit.
  • Can be repaired: If you puncture the foam in most PFDs, you have to replace it. The Kapok foam in the Layla can be patched—or you can send it off to Astral who’ll repair it for you.
  • Handy pockets: The large front pocket contains two pockets plus a bungee cord to keep things organized.
  • Looks great: The flattering fit and color choices make this one stylish PFD.
What I Don’t Like
  • Expensive: The Astral is one of the most expensive PFDs on the market, but many women say it’s worth every cent!
  • Can get hot: The full coverage PFD is less breathable than other models and can get hot in warm weather.

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6. Astral Linda Women’s PFD 

astral layla life jacket

The Astral Linda personal floatation device has a unique Thin-Vent back feature. The foam at the back panel is super thin. If you have a high back seat, maybe for SUP fishing, you will find it very comfortable. 

We like the thin mesh strip at the back. Life jackets can be uncomfortable on super hot days. This nice feature allows for circulation, keeping you cool.

You can get the Astral Linda in four beautiful colors: cherry red, lilac navy, clearwater blue, and crimson black. 

You should consider this USCG Type III life vest if your SUP adventures involve sitting in a SUP kayak seat for long periods. 

What I Like
  • Good for kayak seats: The thin foam on the back panel of the Linda makes it one of the most comfortable life jackets to use with a kayak seat.
  • Very lightweight: The Linda weighs just over a pound making it the lightest adult life vest in this review.
  • Good for hot weather: Breathable mesh paneling and a ventilation strip on the back helps keep you cool.
  • Low profile: The thin body-hugging foam means the Linda vest fits close to your body.
What I Don’t Like
  • Cover on the lash tab: The lash tab is covered by a fabric sleeve that’s so tight it’s hard to mount anything on the tab
  • Only two side straps: It’s a minor detail, but the Linda has two straps compared to the Layla’s three, making the fit slightly less customizable

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7. NRS Women’s Siren Personal Flotation Device 

The NRS Siren is another great vest for female paddle boarders. Its comfortable design features soft foam divided into six different panels. It fits nicely without being too bulky or restricting paddling movement.

The PFD has inner mesh panels that will keep you cool and happy throughout the day.  

You can buy the NRS Siren in three sizes and it has six adjustment points for a perfect fit. The shoulder straps are padded for added comfort and the vest has reflective accents for visibility.

There’s also a handy front zipper pocket. You can never have too much storage.

What I Like
  • Wrap-around fit: Six foam segments make it easy to wrap the vest around your torso to give a secure fit without it being overly tight.
  • Great range of movement: The narrow back and slim design give your arms and shoulders plenty of freedom to move about, making it easy to paddle.
  • Comfortable against your skin: The Siren’s soft inner fabric makes it comfortable to wear with a bikini or swimsuit.
  • Lifetime warranty: NRS vests are designed to last and are backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
What I Don’t Like
  • Not great for large-busted women: The design of the Siren pushes your breasts out to the side. It’s not uncomfortable (I’m told), but it can look a bit odd.
  • Heavier than other models: The Siren is heavy, but the fit is good enough that you don’t really notice the extra weight.

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PFD Vests For Children

8. Stohlquist Youth Fit PFD Life Jacket – Best Paddle Board PFD For Teens 

stohlquist youth pfd

Getting the right life jacket for teens can be a difficult task. For them to keep it on, the fabric has to be soft and it has to fit nicely. 

The Stohlquist Youth Fit is my top recommendation if you are looking for a PFD that your young paddler will want to wear.

It is not restrictive and it allows the paddler to move freely. It’s great for stand up paddle boarding as well as other water sports.

The Stohlquist youth life vest is easy to put on, thanks to the three-buckle entry. It has a thin mesh back panel for comfort with high seatbacks. 

This Type III paddle board life jacket is USCG-approved. There are two sizes, fitting kids who weigh 50–90 pounds, and teens who weigh 75-125 pounds. 

What I Like
  • Large armholes: The Stohlquist Youth Fit is designed for paddling sports and the sculpted cut gives plenty of freedom to paddle.
  • Good fit: It’s hard to find a life jacket that fits all kids, but the Youth Fit does a reasonable job of fitting different shapes and sizes.
  • Choice of bright colors: You can buy lime, blue, and red versions (as well as black) that make it easy to locate your child on (or in) the water.
  • Great value for money: All the features you need for a very reasonable price.
What I Don’t Like
  • Rides up at the back: Because the armholes are so large, this vest can sometimes shift up around the neck if your kid jumps into the water.
  • Poor durability: You get what you pay for when it comes to durability. This isn’t the most durable jacket, so it’s best kept for occasional use.

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9. Stohlquist Child PFD– Best Life Jacket For Kids 

stohquist child pfd

As a parent, I don’t want to leave anything to chance as far as my child’s safety is concerned. For toddlers and young children, I want a PFD that’s comfortable, but most importantly, safe.

The Stohlquist Child personal flotation device fits children weighing 30–50 pounds. 

Even though it is a kid’s PFD, I love that it’s not restrictive and it offers full mobility. They can swim and have a good time outside like everyone else. 

The life jacket has head support as well as an adjustable crotch strap to keep it in place. It is breathable with large armholes for comfort. 

This Type III flotation device only weighs 0.8 pounds. 

What I Like
  • Double collar design: The inner collar gives your child extra neck support while the outer one supports their head when floating on their back.
  • Crotch strap: This is a must to prevent toddlers from slipping out of the vest.
  • Grab handle: If your child tumbles overboard, this lets you quickly grab them and pull them out.
  • Slim fitting: This PFD is much slimmer than others, making it less likely your child will complain about having to wear it!
  • High visibility colors: You can quickly pick your child out in the water if they get into difficulty. Choose the red vest for maximum visibility.
What I Don’t Like
  • Won’t flip your child onto their back: This is made clear in the description, but worth reiterating. Your child needs to have some swimming skills!

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Best Life Jackets for Dogs

10. NRS Canine PFD – Best SUP PFD For Dogs

Everyone in the family should wear a SUP life vest–and that includes the furry members.

The NRS Canine features a 1000D Cordura shell for unmatched durability

There are three adjustment straps to ensure that the life jacket fits snugly and securely. 

You’ll love the grab handle at the top of the PFD. It makes it easy to get your pup back onto the paddle board when he jumps.

The NRS Canine is available in five different sizes.

It has reflective tape for high visibility. 

You should check it out if you have a dog that loves SUP boarding just as much as you do.

What I Like
  • Very secure: The twin belly straps keep the jacket in position with no slipping or twisting.
  • Rugged and durable: You don’t have to worry about your pooch trashing his jacket. This PFD will be good for years.
  • High visibility design: Red is pretty visible in the water and the NRS Canine has reflective strips to help in low-light conditions.
  • Useful pocket: The zippered pocket on the back is large enough to store a leash, ball, or snacks, plus emergency information.
What I Don’t Like
  • Only five sizes: The NRS Canine will fit most dogs (including large breeds), but if your dog falls between sizes, you may struggle to get a good fit.

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11. Stohlquist Dog PFD 

stohlguist dog

This is another great option for paddlers with dogs.  

The Stohlquist Dog life jacket can fit pretty much any dog, regardless of shape and size. It comes in nine sizes.

One feature that makes this a fantastic PFD for dogs is the extra flotation foam under the chest. It keeps your pup’s airway out of the water when it is swimming. 

The grab handle is conveniently placed for easy retrieval of your dog. 

I love that this personal flotation device has reflective accents for visibility. 

What I Like
  • Choice of seven sizes: This makes the Stohlquist PFD is a better choice for small dogs.
  • Large grab handle: Easy to grab and haul your pup out of the water.
  • Supports airway: The foam chest panel helps keep your dog’s head out of the water.
  • Sleek design: This PFD is lightweight and slim-fitting, so your dog should be happy to wear it all day.
What I Don’t Like
  • Non-visible colors: Blue and yellow aren’t great colors for visibility in the water. Pink is better, but it may not be your first choice for a male dog.

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How to Choose a Life Jacket for Stand Up Paddle Boarding

A SUP PFD (personal floatation device), is a vest, jacket, or hip belt that you wear while paddle boarding. A PFD helps keep you afloat and increases your chances of survival in case of emergency.

The term “PFD” is often used interchangeably with “life jacket”. Technically, a life jacket is a buoyancy aid with neck support that’s designed to ensure an unconscious person floats on their back with their airway open. However, many people these days refer to any vest-style buoyancy aid as a “life jacket”.

A PFD is an important safety device that could save your life. It’s important to buy one that fits correctly, provides an appropriate level of buoyancy, and that you’ll wear!

Here’s what you need to know to find the right personal flotation device for you. 

Three Types of SUP PFD

When shopping for a PFD, you’ll come across three different PFD designs. Each has pros and cons.

Life Vest

This is basically a vest with floatation foam. It is the most common type of PFD. 

Although they tend to be bulky, life vests usually have zippered pockets and accessory attachment points. This makes them great for fishing.

Another advantage is that they don’t need inflating. As long as your vest is fitted correctly, it’ll keep you afloat if you fall into the water. 

Suspender Harness

A suspender harness is an inflatable PFD. It’s not as bulky as a life vest and it’s only inflated when you fall into the water.

It may inflate automatically or require manual inflation. 

With manual inflation, you pull a cord to inflate your PFD in case of an emergency. If it is an automatic PFD, it will inflate automatically when submerged. 

An automatic suspender harness can really save your life if, for some reason, you can’t pull the cord. 

Then again, falling in the water is a part of SUP and it is not always an emergency. If you regularly end up in the water, you’ll get through a lot of CO2 cartridges with a PFD that automatically inflates.

PFD Belt

This is the best option for paddle boarding because it doesn’t affect your paddling movement at all. 

A PFD belt stays completely out of your way. 

If you fall into the water, just pull the cord to inflate your PFD. 

Do You Have to Wear a Life Jacket on a Stand Up Paddle Board?

You do. Safety should always come first when you’re paddle boarding. Besides, life jackets on paddle boards are required by law. 

Everyone under the age of 13 has to wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on a paddleboard. This is according to USCG regulations. 

Everyone else is required to bring a PFD on the stand up paddle board. (But you should make it a personal rule to always wear yours). 

Every state has its own PFD laws

What To Consider When Buying a Stand Up Paddle PFD 

When choosing a life jacket for paddle boarding, here are some factors to bear in mind. 

1. Design: Is It A Comfortable Life Jacket?

An uncomfortable life jacket is a sure way to ruin your paddling adventures. You want something that you can wear for hours and even forget that you have it on. 

The right life jacket should conform to your body while allowing you to paddle and move freely. If you plan on sitting a lot, get one with a thin back panel so you can lean back on your seat comfortably. This is especially important if you have a SUP kayak seat with a high back. 

2. PFD Size: Does It Fit You?

To find a paddle boarding life jacket that fits you properly, consider your chest size, waist size, and weight. 

To be honest, buying a PFD for adults can be tricky when it comes to size. Even knowing your body measurements may not be enough, as sizing varies from one manufacturer to another.

Your best option is to try it on. The fit should be snug (not tight) and it shouldn’t slide up to your ears. 

If you’re buying a life jacket for kids, you only need to know their body weight. 

3. Life Jacket Classification – How Much Buoyancy Do You Need?

PFDs can either be inflatable or “inherently buoyant”. Inherently buoyant jackets are made from foam and don’t need to be inflated. This makes them a safer option for children, non-swimmers, and extreme survival situations.

Inflatable PFDs may inflate automatically or require the user to inflate them. If you have a life jacket that inflates automatically and you end up in the water, you’ll need to replace the gas cartridge before using it again. For this reason, most SUP boarders opt for manually-inflated PFDs.

US Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices fall into one of five categories, based on the style and level of buoyancy provided. 

  • Type I: most buoyant and heat-retaining life jacket, will turn most unconscious users face up. These life jackets are almost always inherently buoyant.
  • Type II: high level of buoyancy for all water conditions, less bulky than Type I PFDs. Can be inherently buoyant or inflatable.
  • Type III: designed for users on calm or inland waters, not designed to turn an unconscious person face-up. Mostly inflatable, but you can also get foam jackets (e.g. for kids).
  • Type IV: throwable flotation devices, such as ring buoys, not designed for paddle boarding.
  • Type V: “special use” life jackets that are designed for specific activities. Either hybrid or fully inflatable. PFD belts fall into this category.

4. Style: Do You Want a Life Vest, Suspender Harness, or PFD Belt?

Do you prefer a belt PFD, harness, or life vest?

They are all great for stand up paddling. So it’s a matter of personal preferences and your favorite SUP activity. 

For recreational paddling, you can choose a belt PFD or a harness if you think a vest would be too bulky. For fishing, you may want a life vest because of the storage options they offer. 

5. Material: Is It Durable?

A good life jacket material should be comfortable, easy to clean, and durable. 

Nylon and neoprene are great because not only are they long-lasting and reliable, but they also dry quickly. 

6. Ease of Use: Can You Quickly Inflate It in an Emergency?

A stand up paddle PFD doesn’t have to be complicated. Nobody wants to struggle every time they want to wear, take off, or adjust their life jacket. 

A simple zip and/or buckle straps are good enough as long as they work well. 

If it comes with attachment points for paddleboarding accessories, they should also be easy to figure out. 

Of course, the most important aspect is how easy it is to inflate in an emergency.

How To Clean and Maintain Your Stand Up Paddle Board PFD

To effectively clean a life jacket while retaining its integrity, select a mild cleaning solution like soap and water, alcohol spray, or a multipurpose cleaner suitable for marine equipment.

Gently apply the solution to the jacket, scrubbing softly to remove dirt without compromising the material. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.

Air drying is crucial; never use a dryer. Avoid harsh chemicals, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and consider a UV protectant spray to maintain condition.

How To Stay Safe When Paddle Boarding

Other than wearing your PFD (at all times), here are things you can do to stay safe while paddle boarding. 

Wear a Leash

First, invest in a high-quality and comfortable leash. 

The purpose of a leash is to ensure that you are not separated from your paddle board when you fall off. 

Your board can quickly drift away, leaving you stranded. This is not a situation you would want to be in. 

Assess Your Skill Level

It is easy to overestimate what you can do when it comes to SUP and the water in general. But if you are not an experienced paddle boarder, avoid rough conditions. Stick to what you are sure you can handle. 

Check the Water and Weather Conditions

This is especially important when you’re heading out to a remote place or a spot you are not familiar with. 

Assess the wind, currents, waves, temperature, and other factors. Talk to local paddlers if it is your first time there.

Stand Up Paddle PFD FAQs

Do You Need a PFD on a Paddle Board?

Yes, you do. It is required by law and it’s also an important safety accessory. Don’t go paddling without one.

How Do Belt PFDs Work?

When you pull the cord on your belt PFD, it activates the CO2 cartridge which quickly inflates the floatation device. 

Can Inflatable Life Jackets Be Reused?

Yes, inflatable life jackets can be reused. If you inflate yours, you will have to buy a rearming kit and install another CO2 cartridge.

Life Vest Vs Inflatable Belt: Which Is Better for SUP Beginners?

SUP beginners should go for a life vest. An inflatable belt requires you to inflate it once you fall into the water. This means it’s better suited for strong swimmers.

A life vest doesn’t need inflating. As long as you’re wearing it when you fall in, it’ll keep you afloat.

Final Thoughts 

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My top paddle board life jackets include models for every member of the family—including your furry friends.

The Onyx M-16 is at the top of my list. I love how compact it is, allowing you to move and paddle freely. It’s so comfortable, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.

You should check out the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic if you’re on a tight budget. It’s more affordable but still reliable and comfortable. The Astral Layla is an amazing option for female paddle boarders. It’s tailored for women and is very adjustable, so you can get a great fit, whatever shape and size you are.

If you have any questions about SUP PFDs feel free to ask us below. Happy paddling!