Now, many people may compare wearing a PFD to wearing a corset.
It doesn't have to be.
So to help out, I'm going to go through a few points that may help get a PFD snug and comfy.
First, a PFD is a piece of equipment that is worn. So, take your time and find the one that you life and fits into your price range. PFDs can get expensive. If possible, go to a local river supply store or outdoor store, and try on some PFDs. Take some time, you may wear the same PFD for a few years.
Secondly. Most PFDs have adjustable straps. Both on the shoulders, and down through the torso. When putting a PFD on for the first time, especially new PFDs, loosen the straps. From there it is simple matter of undoing the zips and buckles, if there is any, and putting it on. Yeah it may look like a tangle of padding and straps, but its a nice way to start out.
Next. Zip and buckle all zips and/or buckles, if any, and pull the excess straps back through the system. This is the start of sizing a PFD to a person. Now before the sides, or front straps, are too tight, set the shoulder straps. Keeping your neck comfortable is one of the biggest things to keeping you happy in PFD.
Once you're happy with how the shoulders feel, start to snug up the rest of the straps. Do this evenly on both sides. One of the most annoying things on the river, is a PFD that pull more on one side then the other. It is very important that the PFD fits snugly. A good way of testing how secure the PFD is, is to grad the shoulder straps and try to get the jacket over your head. If the shoulders rise above your ears, or the PFD comes off, then the straps are not tight enough. It may take a few tries to get the fit right.
Lastly, do some movement exercises to test the range of motion that the PFD has. You may have to do some additional tweaks to the PFD. If allowed, or if you own the PFD, wear it for an extended time. Get used to how the PFD feels. That is a good way of knowing if the PFD is right for you. Each PFD has a different feel to them.
PFDs also come in different types (Types I-V). The types differ from each other, and each have their own uses. But, I'll go over those in a separate Blog.
I hope that is help out.
If the readers feel like I missed something, feel free to shout it out bellow. I want to help people have the best experience that I can.
Talk to you later,
Yeti
It doesn't have to be.
So to help out, I'm going to go through a few points that may help get a PFD snug and comfy.
First, a PFD is a piece of equipment that is worn. So, take your time and find the one that you life and fits into your price range. PFDs can get expensive. If possible, go to a local river supply store or outdoor store, and try on some PFDs. Take some time, you may wear the same PFD for a few years.
Secondly. Most PFDs have adjustable straps. Both on the shoulders, and down through the torso. When putting a PFD on for the first time, especially new PFDs, loosen the straps. From there it is simple matter of undoing the zips and buckles, if there is any, and putting it on. Yeah it may look like a tangle of padding and straps, but its a nice way to start out.
Next. Zip and buckle all zips and/or buckles, if any, and pull the excess straps back through the system. This is the start of sizing a PFD to a person. Now before the sides, or front straps, are too tight, set the shoulder straps. Keeping your neck comfortable is one of the biggest things to keeping you happy in PFD.
Once you're happy with how the shoulders feel, start to snug up the rest of the straps. Do this evenly on both sides. One of the most annoying things on the river, is a PFD that pull more on one side then the other. It is very important that the PFD fits snugly. A good way of testing how secure the PFD is, is to grad the shoulder straps and try to get the jacket over your head. If the shoulders rise above your ears, or the PFD comes off, then the straps are not tight enough. It may take a few tries to get the fit right.
Lastly, do some movement exercises to test the range of motion that the PFD has. You may have to do some additional tweaks to the PFD. If allowed, or if you own the PFD, wear it for an extended time. Get used to how the PFD feels. That is a good way of knowing if the PFD is right for you. Each PFD has a different feel to them.
PFDs also come in different types (Types I-V). The types differ from each other, and each have their own uses. But, I'll go over those in a separate Blog.
I hope that is help out.
If the readers feel like I missed something, feel free to shout it out bellow. I want to help people have the best experience that I can.
Talk to you later,
Yeti
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