pfd/hydration

I'm a solo paddler and given recent discussions regarding the wearing of PFD's I decided to look into what was available particularly since I will be participating in a race that requires the wearing of a PFD. The sphincter went into spasms when I saw the asking price for marathon PFD's with hydration so I dusted off my old touring PFD from my sea kayaking days. On its own it was ok but when I stuffed a bladder into the front pouch, it became very bulky and uncomfortable. Just as I was about to throw it back into the rafters with my sea kayak, I decided to try it on back to front. To my suprise, it was comfortable and didn't impede any movement. I'll give it a try out in the Bay tomorrow and see how it feels after a couple of hours paddling.

I got a mocke PFD by post from their store. The price was reasonable, the quality, fit and comfort great. These have a pouch front and back as well as provision to secure the tube.
Source-Vagabond sells also by post top quality hydration bladders at a reasonable price. The 1.5L widepack fits perfectly into a mocke PFD, but you must specify a 1 metre tube. The standard tube is a bit short. Source also makes a dry bag for your cellphone that is tough and remains watertight after closure.
Jim

The Mocke pfd retails for $195 + delivery here in Oz which, although cheaper than other specialist marathon PFD's that I have found, is still a fair bit more expensive than a standard PFD. Apparently the mocke isn't up to spec in Europe and US. Not that it is an issue here in Oz.
I expect that I will eventually get something like a Mocke PFD before too long but was just suprised at how comfortable a standard touring PFD with bladder was back to front.
Cheers

Agree on the Mocke - Comfortable and if you get the tube right it sits in front of you so you don't have to stop paddling to put it in your mouth. 2 liter bag fits fine in mine

Boof, can you get that on-backwards PFD off easily in an emergency, like if it's snagged?

Am very happy with my Mocke. Is about R900 here in SA (USD120)

Gary

This is very apt, as was only googling yesterday trying to get one - is there any local Brisbane/Gold Coast outlets selling these.

What about Anaconda - unsure of buying from SA as want to have the correct fit.

Any ideas ?

Thanks

I'm not aware of any available in Qld. but found a mob in Victoria. You could try Craig at Adventure Outlet, Southport as I believe that he is selling Epics and organises a regular paddle session. He may even get some in. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0407741748

Gary, my touring PFD zips and buckles on the side so no different regarding getting it on & off.

A Saffa PFD which fails a bouyancy specification!? who ever would have thunk it!

the cheapest low profile PFD i've seen in Australia are the ones Deano is having made, which are stocked in Blue Earth in Drummoyne and cost A$150

otherwise it's $230+ for kokatakt etc

my personal view is that you're better served in most circumstances wearing a self-inflator that costs $79 - but of course this won't help you if you get in hit in the head by one of those falling rocks that suddenly appear out in the ocean

Or a damn flying fish or mullet...deadly

I have a Mocke vest and love it....I don't care if it's not up to "spec" for the United States regulations. If it's fine in other countries, whats the difference....I think water is the same no matter what ocean you're in

Lots of room in the front & back pockets for hydration and other goodies you may need. Light weight and forms well to your body.

Aloha,
-Rich

Just got an email back from Blue Earth regarding the Deano PFD. Not a PFD as such. They refer to it as a buoyancy aid.

They also state that if a PFD is specified for use in a race then technically its not compliant.

It appears there is a grey area in the sport.

Yeah I checked out the website and it didnt really say anything besides "Paddling Vest".
Maybe Dean can tell us more - as we really need something here we can purchase and get.
To be honest the only reason I didnt buy it straight away is that it had zips - and that spells corroded and stuck to me.
If anyone can tell me different I will order it tomorrow as I dont mind wearing it everytime it gets over 25knts.

Cheers

In Europe Decathlon sell a jacket similar to the Mocke model for about 30 euros(Tribord DG900 PFD). It feels quite comfortable and as a pouch in the back that houses a standard camelback bladder (not supplied) I wear it all the time, feel quite comfortable and suffer no chafing at all.

interesting a**-covering response from Blue Earth - i've seen both in the flesh and the Deano PFD looks no less bouyant than a Mocke vest, so i think they're being cautious because it it may not be technically compliant as a PFD...sure looks like it would help you float though...but i reiterate my view that a self-inflator beats them all for comfort, cost and true-life-saving capability...i wear one with complete comfort and confidence in hairy downwinds

My Mocke PFD has rarely been washed in over 2yrs and the zips have not corroded. They feel like they are made of a heavy duty plastic.

The Mocke does not have the same bouyancy as my old life jacket (that meets the Australian Standards) but it does have enough to keep you a float.

The design is great for its intended purpose If you are concerned you could probably increase the bouyancy by adding more foam or blow up the bladder