Onyx Paddle Sports Life Vest

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.

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!

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 went to a local sporting goods store and tried it on before I ordered it.