Personal Flotation Device & Footwear in Whitewater Rafting

Video Transcript

"Next thing you have is a PFD, which stands for a Personal Flotation Device. Now there’s a whole variety of different PFDs out there, you need to make sure that you have a Coast Guard approved PFD. If you’re rafting you tend to be on bigger water than you would be as an entry level kayaker for instance or canoeist. So you want a PFD that’s going to float you well, this has four buckles you need to make sure all of them work. They’re adjustable in the sides so you can fit it so it’s nice and tight on you. Make sure the pillow’s on the outside, this floats you right side up, conscious or unconscious, that’s what you’re looking for when you’re out there. Fit is an important consideration, and so we have PFD’s out there now that are designed specially for different body types too. This is designed for a woman and it has a slightly different cut, gives you more maneuverability while you’re out there so that you’re able to paddle while wearing the PFD. You’ll notice that this is sort of a bulky, more of a defensive swimming vest and a little restrictive and then you have the PFD such as this that gives you lots of maneuverability, lots of protection, protects you on the sides a little here and is an all around great vest. Has lots of compartments for storage, attachments for knives, whistles and so forth. You also have footwear as a consideration while you’re on the river, typically on the river there are a lot of sharp rocks, often glass and other debris. Any cuts you take to the feet are going to bleed a lot so it’s nice to avoid them from the start. A nice booty like this would be fine, very simple, has a good sole to give you some traction getting to and from the river, keeps your feet warm when it’s cold out there. It’s neoprene here, put a nice pair of neoprene socks inside this and you’ll stay toasty. It just unzips and you slid your foot in there. During the summer a pair of sandals such as these would work fine, they’re adjustable, they’re comfortable, they keep the water flowing around your feet rather than your feet trapped inside a wet booty or a wet shoe. So it’s a little healthier for your feet and quite comfortable. "