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Commonly known as "Life Jackets", these flotation vests are another of the must-have items on the required gear list. In fact, this is the only item that you should NEVER be on a river without, whether you're in a boat, on a board, or just out walking your pet crocodile.
When we first started running rivers on big inner-tubes, we didn't have any gear at all. We wore our swim trunks and some Nike sandals, which meant we frequently turned purple from cold and had absolutely no steering ability. BUT - we wore life jackets. They may have been 35 years old and giant flourescent-orange blobs of itchy 'foam', but they had flotation, and we wore them!
So don't whine that "they're uncomfortable". Wear one. Period. Your life may depend on it.
There are many shapes, styles, colors, and types of PFD, so finding one that is comfortable and fits your style requirements is actually pretty easy. The most flexibility will be found in wakeboarding vests, which are coast guard approved but are not bulky at all like many rafting or kayaking PFD's.
However, rafting or kayaking jackets will have a much higher rate of flotation. The best PFD that you can buy will be a Rescue Vest, engineered specifically for use in swiftwater rescue situations. These vests are the kind that you can buy through our online store, and they have the highest rate of buoyancy (usually from 24-30lbs) and have extra pockets and hooks for rescue applications (or just to carry your keys).
Rescue Vests are also equipped with a quick-release system, allowing you to leash to your riverboard for safety if you so choose, and if the need ever arises for you to detach yourself, one simple pull on the release will remove you from your board.
These PFD's give you the best of flotation, versatility, and safety - which removes any worries about safety and allows you to focus on what you came to the river to do: HAVE FUN! And an investment in fun always has good returns. =)
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Force 6 Instructor
Force 6 Rescuer
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FORCE 6
These vests are the favorites of Team FLI, with most of the Team choosing to rock the Black Instructor PFD.
High floatation (Med/Large) (32" - 52" Chest) 26 lbs. Buoyancy; (X-Large) (44" - 62" Chest) 30 lbs. Buoyancy.11 adjustment points (including 2 unique compression straps) to maintain a secure fit in the swiftwater rescue environment.
Integrated 1.5" nylon chest harness increases the vest's overall strength.
Removable, multi-purpose, front and back pockets.
High impact, 60 ml., polymer panels below rib cage, front and back to protect exposed soft organs from impact.
Front pocket has an internal polymer panel for extra impact protection.
Unique underarm straps, adjustable, to prevent the jacket from riding up.
"Live bait" quick release belt. One piece over the shoulder foam.
Unique (over the shoulder) extrication leash allows one-hand operation.
Color: High visibility, yellow, ripstop, and 420-denier mil-spec nylon. (inside and out)
Meets and exceeds all UL and/or Coast Guard requirements.
www.iria.org certified
PRODUCT DETAILS: Force 6 Instructor PFD
PRODUCT DETAILS: Force 6 Rescuer PFD
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EXTRASPORT FURY
Type V PFD. A favorite of guides and rescue units, the Fury offers a 22 lbs. design flotation and all the rescue features in a moblity-enhancing design. Commercial-grade Cordura®/nylon fabric for comfort on the inside and durability on the outside. Closed-cell foam, quick-release harness, two zippered Cordura®/mesh pockets and three lash tabs. Loop strips over the shoulder provide attachment points for reflective tape.
• Design Flotation: 22 lbs.
• Front-zip Design
• 4 Adjustment Points + Rescue Belt
• 2 Zippered Cordura®/Mesh Pocket
• 3 Lash Tab
• Quick Release Rescue Belt
• Loop Strip on Shoulders to Attach Reflective Tape
• 500 x 200 Denier Cordura®
It is highly recommended to use a leash with your PFD when riverboarding . While most rescue PFD's are set up to have the leash secured in the back, you may wish to attach the O ring to the front for ease of use.
Swiftwater Type V PFDs are Coast Guard approved for rescue use. Activities in which they are used are inherently dangerous and life-threatening. No life vest alone can prevent injury or death.
PRODUCT DETAILS: Extrasport Swiftwater Fury
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