SUP Buoyancy Aids - The Essential Paddle Boarding Accessory

Whatever your experience level, and whatever location you choose to go paddle boarding in, safety should always be a top priority. A central aspect of this is ensuring you are wearing the correct SUP buoyancy aid to suit the conditions you are paddling in, as well as your experience level. So, if you’re a little unsure as to the type of SUP buoyancy aid you should be wearing, the following guide will help you out.

What Is A SUP Buoyancy Aid?

If you are paddling in moving water (i.e the sea, rivers & estuaries), you should always wear a SUP buoyancy aid. Equally, if you are not a confident swimmer, or are new to paddle boarding, you should wear a buoyancy aid, even when paddling in flat water.

Not to be confused with a life jacket, buoyancy aids zip up at the front or fit over the head, and can be tightened using shoulder straps or waist straps. Whilst lifejackets are designed to keep the airways above the waterline in the event that the wearer is unconscious, buoyancy aids are designed to keep conscious swimmers afloat as they call for help or get themselves to safety. Buoyancy aids offer a lot more freedom of movement than life jackets, which is why they are used for watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. SUP buoyancy aids come in a range of different shapes and sizes to provide a comfy fit, and their buoyancy is measured in newtons.

As an absolute minimum requirement, you should be wearing a 50N buoyancy aid. This provides support for conscious swimmers who are able to swim to safety or await rescue. When trying on a PFD, make sure all zips and buckles are properly fastened and that the PFD doesn’t move towards the neck or chin when stretching your arms upwards. A buoyancy aid should fit firmly to the body with no gaps between the vest and the shoulders. These are important considerations to make when choosing a SUP buoyancy aid that will keep you safe in the water.