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Updated on 4/23/2024
By Abigail Scott
I'm Abigail Scott, an author, adventurer, and mother of three. When I'm not navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, you can find me tackling the turbulent waters as a professional whitewater kayaker or scaling impressive rock faces as a climbing guide. The rush of adrenaline, whether from kayaking or climbing, is a feeling I cherish deeply. But the thrill doesn't stop there; I capture the breathtaking allure of nature through my lens as a professional photographer. And when I'm not submerged in the wild, my software engineering skills amplify my outdoor pursuits, allowing me to harness technology in unique ways. Through my writings, whether articles or blog posts, I share not just my adventures but my heart, hoping to spark a flame of inspiration in others to break boundaries and experience the world's wonders.
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The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports CGA Life Vest is a well-designed and comfortable life vest for paddle sports enthusiasts. It has variable thicknesses of foam, large armholes, and a custom fit, making it ergonomic and easy to wear.
The outer shell and lining of this life vest are soft and comfortable, ensuring that you can wear it for long periods without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. Additionally, it offers mesh ventilation in the front and back, allowing for better airflow and keeping you cool during your activities.
The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports CGA Life Vest also comes with some great features, such as mesh in the lower back that fits high back seats, shoulder adjustments with neoprene comfort pads, and SOLAS grade reflective material for enhanced visibility.
Furthermore, it has expandable zippered pockets with mesh drainage, providing you with convenient storage options. The heavy-duty nylon fabric used in its construction ensures durability, while the soft and lightweight flotation foam offers excellent buoyancy.
When it comes to safety, it is essential to choose a life vest that is Coast Guard approved. The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports CGA Life Vest falls under the Type III category, which is suitable for most paddlers and offers freedom of movement and comfort for continuous wear.
If you are worried about size and fit, a user who weighs close to 300lbs and is 6'2" found that the vest fits him well with room to spare. The vest is comfortable and not restrictive, making it suitable for larger individuals. However, it may become warm while paddling, especially in hot and humid conditions.
Stand up paddle boarders can also use this life vest, although it may be slightly bulkier in the front, requiring a bit more effort when getting on the board from deep water. However, with practice, most users can still get up on the board without much difficulty.
For sizing concerns, it is recommended to try on the life vest before purchasing. Visiting a local sporting goods store and trying it on can ensure that you get the right size for your body type and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Coast Guard approved?
There are 5 categories of PFDs, but most paddlers should use a Type III or V USCG-approved PFD. Type I: Offshore Life Jackets. These are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take a while. Though bulky, they have the most buoyancy, a bright color and can turn most unconscious people face up in the water.Type II: Near-shore Vests. Calm inland waters, where a fast rescue is likely, is the intent of these PFDs. They will turn some unconscious wearers to the face-up position but not all of them. They are bulky, but less so than Type I.Type III: Flotation Aids. These are suitable for most padders where there is a chance for a quick rescue. They offer freedom of movement and the most comfort for continuous wear. Type IIIs are designed so wearers can put themselves in a face-up position, but they may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in water.Type IV: Throwable Devices. Cushions or ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble and provide backup to a PFD. They are not for nonswimmers, rough waters or the unconscious. The USCG does not require these for canoes or kayaks.Type V: Special-use Devices. These are specialized PFDs for specific activities. To be acceptable by the USCG, they must be used for the activity specified on the label. Varieties include kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, hybrid vests and deck suits.
I am 5'5 close to 300lbs and can't swim what is the best life jacket for me?
Hello, I am a big dude also. I am 6'2" @ 300 lbs. This vest fits me great and still has room to be let out even more if I decide to grab a cheesecake on the way to the lake. I use this PDF while kayaking . . once I have it on I forget I am wearing it. It is very comfy, and is not restrictive at all. My only complaint is that it gets warm while paddling. BUT, I am in north Texas . . so it is usually over 90 and humid. So I would imagine even a 'high end' pdf would feel warm. Go ahead and give this one a try if you are on the fence. You can always try it and return it if you aren't happy with it. Two chubby thumbs up from this big dude!
Has anyone used this life vest for stand up paddle boarding? Does it interfere with paddling?
I have used this for stand up paddle boarding. It's quite comfortable when paddling, but I have found that it makes getting on the paddle board from deep water slightly more challenging because it is a little bit bulker in the front and requires you to have slightly more arm strength than slimmer life vests. Given that, I still can get up on the board it just takes a bit more effort my daughter on the other hand is slimmer and doesn't seem to have as much difficulty getting back on the board.
I’m 5’4 and counting and 95 lbs and counting. (I’m 13) which size should I get??
I went to a local sporting goods store and tried it on before I ordered it.
