What Is A SUP PFD & Why Do You Need One?

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is quickly becoming one of the most popular water activities worldwide, and that’s for good reason. It’s great fun across all different experience levels, and there’s a huge range of different locations that you can reach with a paddleboard. Like any other sport, though, there are safety risks that you need to account for, and one of the biggest of these is falling into the water. That’s where a SUP PFD can help.

What Is A SUP PFD?

PFD stands for ‘Personal Floatation Device’. It’s a piece of equipment that you wear while you’re out on a SUP trip that will help you stay afloat if you fall into the water. They can take a few different forms, but are most commonly worn as a jacket or vest, or around the waist in the same manner as a belt. Both types work very well to ensure your safety in the water.

Is A SUP PFD Absolutely Necessary?

Yes, we consider a SUP PFD a 100% vital piece of equipment. In some countries, you are required by law to have a SUP PFD equipped at all times while you’re out on the water - but even if you aren’t, your personal safety is something you should never cheap out on. Even if you aren’t planning to end up in danger, accidents can and do happen. Things can be calm and relaxed one minute, but sudden changes in wind or water conditions can easily catch you off guard. It’s moments like these that you need to be prepared for.

What’s The Best PFD For SUP?

The best SUP PFD for you will be a subjective decision based on your personal preferences and some other factors. The number one thing is to make sure your SUP PFD is fully compliant with the requirements set out by your coast guard. Other than that, make sure that:

• It’s comfortable enough that you don’t mind wearing it for long stretches of time.
• It isn’t too restrictive for your movement.
• It fits well and isn’t in danger of slipping off.
• It’s suitable for your expected water conditions. Vest-style PFDs may be safer than belt ones in choppy conditions.

SUP Buoyancy Aid

Our vest-style SUP PFD design maintains a snug fit without impairing your freedom of movement, using buoyancy panels that contour around the body. In addition to its fantastic supportive ability in the water, you’ll also find phenomenal storage capacity incorporated into the vest. The expandable chest pocket is perfect for keeping your valuables safe and makes use of YKK diving-spec zips to ensure its contents are thoroughly protected from water. The D-ring attachment allows for quick and convenient attachment and detachment from your safety leash.

Airbelt SUP PFD

If you’re looking for a less bulky solution to your personal safety on the water, you’ll probably want a SUP PFD belt. It’s not got quite as much buoyancy support as a full vest, but it is still very supportive and more than up to the challenge in calmer waters. It features its own large waterproof zipped pocket as well as a D-ring attachment to allow you to carry additional gear using the belt.

Dog Buoyancy Aid

A crucial piece of SUP kit for anybody who likes to bring their dog along for the ride when they head out paddleboarding. Our dog buoyancy aids help you keep your furry friend safe with their supportive Cordura fabric design that helps them remain floating in case they fall in. They also feature highly reflective detailing to maintain great visibility even in poor conditions, and grab handles to help you get hold of your dog to quickly and effortlessly recover them from the water.

If you’re looking for any more advice about a SUP PFD or any other paddleboarding safety equipment, feel free to get in touch with the experts. The Red Paddle Co team is more than happy to lend our expertise to help you make sure you’re making the right choices for your personal safety.