Which life jacket is the best for rowing with?

[webcraft]

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We are looking for lifejackets for Seil's (nearly complete) St Ayles Skiff.

Which brand/type is best for rowing? Has anyone any experience of this?

- W

 

[William_H]

I prefer for all sorts of water activity the buoyancy vest type. It will not qualify as a "life jacket" as required in Oz for going to sea because it will not keep your head above water if you are unconscious. However they are very robust and take abuse they are comfortable to wear and I would not imagine impede rowing and if you go in the water they are immediately functional. While giving buoyancy they will not impede work to get back into the rowing boat. It is the kind used for centre board sailors kayakers white water rafting etc. olewill

 

[Sans Bateau]

"Which brand/type is best for rowing?"

You'd be far better off using a paddle I would have thought.

 

[prv]

The rowers on the river here put lifejackets on their coxes and coaches, but not on the oarsmen themselves. So I guess they consider that no lifejacket is best for rowing. They don't go to sea, of course.

Pete

 

[LittleSister]

Have a look at buoyancy aids for kayakers. They are specifically designed to keep your arms and shoulders free to move, unlike most for sailing.

The downside to all types is that they can be too warm if you are rowing/paddling hard.