Rivermiles Forum - Mr340 Surfski PFD?

01/04/12 at 20:57:59

moduks Offline
MR340 Veteran
SEMO

Posts: 57

Any recommendations? experiences? May be using camelback and will need some storage. Want to be comfortable and cool. Thanks!

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #1 - 01/05/12 at 14:03:34

awaller Offline
3X MR340 Veteran
Kawlloween Veteran
Gritty Fitty Veteran
Kawnivore Veteran

Posts: 265

I've used one of these for both of my 340 runs. They can't be beat as far as comfort goes, and this type won't go off if you accidentally (or intentionally) take a swim. You have to jerk the cord to inflate it. Obviously they don't have any storage built in, but a basic mesh fishing vest or equivalent can solve that issue.

http://www.basspro.com/Stearns-Multipurpose-InflataBelt&153;-Lite-Manual-Model-0...

Im not sure if you plan to wear the camelback or just have it nearby, but I would definitely try to rig a way to store your hydration in or on the boat.

1) It keeps a lower center of gravity.
2) You'll need at least two of the typical camelback pouches worth of water per leg (checkpoint) of the race, maybe more.
3) After 100 or so miles, you may not even feel like holding up your own weight, let alone an extra 2 liters of water Wink

Hope this helps,

-Aaron

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #2 - 01/06/12 at 11:43:42

Ladsurfski Offline
3X MR340 Veteran
5X Gritty Fitty Veteran
4X Kawlloween Veteran
Kawlloween Record Holder

Posts: 1263

If I use a Camelback I have always placed it on the back deck or in front of my feet and extended the hose in both instances.

I am with Aaron as I tried wearing it on my back in a training run several years ago and it was brutal with the torso rotation.

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #3 - 01/06/12 at 13:13:40

moduks Offline
MR340 Veteran
SEMO

Posts: 57

I think Im going with kokatat orbit tour pfd. I like how the back is low. All my wwkayak pfd's have high backs and are hot.
Anybody own the Orbit tour?

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #4 - 01/08/12 at 16:06:38

West Hansen Offline
6X MR340 Veteran
2X MR340 Record Holder
Kawnivore Veteran
Kawnivore Record Holder
3X Gritty Veteran
Gritty Fitty Record Holder
He who hesitates is lunch.
--Chuck Darwin
Austin, Texas, Third Coast

Posts: 1595

I use an inflatable fanny pack type pfd. In the Epic V12 I used a camelback while in the Mohican I use a gallon sized MSR dromedary that fits under my knee pits. --West

Cognitive Dissonance: when being wrong just isn't an option.

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #5 - 01/08/12 at 19:43:47

potterspoint434 Offline
Future Participant

Posts: 135

I just bought a MTI Cascade PFD and love it. It doesn`t get in the way when paddle so no rubbing any where. It has a nice pouch in the front.
I paddle with the fanny pack pfd mostly in the summer in stable boats but this will be my racing vest in big water.
http://www.surfskiracing.com/

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #6 - 01/12/12 at 16:22:57

awaller Offline
3X MR340 Veteran
Kawlloween Veteran
Gritty Fitty Veteran
Kawnivore Veteran

Posts: 265

For those using an inflatable belt PFD. Something like this may be helpfull...

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202789503/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&...

Lots of easy to access pockets including a large "plans" pocket in the back for your map / safety card. The neck looks a little abrasive on this model, but something similar would work. It even has a reinforced "Mic" tab that would work well for a hydration tube. (And the safety boats will absolutely love you (reflective). Grin

)

SurveyorVest.jpg (10 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #7 - 01/12/12 at 16:28:21

Joewildlife Offline
2X MR340 Veteran
Ground Crew Veteran
Gritty Fitty Veteran
Kawnivore Veteran
Jackson MO

Posts: 507

Awall98,
rather than a Stearns belt, which reportedly inflates like a beach ball in front of your chest, I recomment one of these:

http://www.bing.com/shopping/onyx-m-24-manual-inflatable-pfd-universal-belt-pack...

They inflate into something like a "normal" vest.

x2_a7eddbd4679629487241987f512be9f6.jpg (108 KB | )

And I ain't too old to hurry
Cause I ain't too old to die
But I sure am hard to beat
Ride on
AC/DC, Ride On

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #8 - 01/12/12 at 16:39:02

awaller Offline
3X MR340 Veteran
Kawlloween Veteran
Gritty Fitty Veteran
Kawnivore Veteran

Posts: 265

Nice...

Have you ever tried using a beach ball for flotation... Not fun...

I'll have to pick up one of those...

-Aaron

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #9 - 01/13/12 at 12:24:50

Green Wave paddler Offline
3X MR340 Veteran
MR340 Record Holder
Gritty Fitty Veteran
I don't know Karate but
I do know crazy!
Grain Valley

Posts: 424

I always bring extras.....

images9.jpg (13 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged