Best PFD’s For SUP

It is important to have a PFD out with you when stand up paddle boarding, in many places it is the law and you can get fined if you don’t have one with you.

However a regular life jacket can feel restrictive when on a SUP and limit your movement. I also find that a regular life jacket can feel hot and sweaty when the temperature is high.

If you get into paddle boarding regularly you will want to get a SUP specific PFD.

There are a few options that work great, that are low profile, comfortable and convenient to use.

The three options listed below are great for both men and women.  My boyfriend and I have been using these PFD belt packs for years.

They have held up extremely well and still look good as new after hundreds of uses.

BEST LOW PROFILE PFD’S FOR SUP

Make sure when looking for a SUP PFD that it is USCG approved (I have seen some cheaper versions that are not USCG approved so make sure to read the fine print).

These ones are all US Coast Guard Approved and they work for those who are 16 years of age or older and who weigh over 80 lbs.

Note: These PFD’s are not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers.

When ocean touring I will often wear a regular life jacket to stay safe.  The PFD’s listed below are best suited for calm water paddling when you are not alone and you are not too far from shore.

Onyx M-16 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack Life Jacket

The Onyx M-16 is the cheapest option and also the smallest and lightest. You will barely even feel this one when wearing it, it is super low profile.

It has a 1” buckle and adjustable waist strap that will fit up to a 52” waist.

This is a manual PFD meaning you have to pull the little tab in order for it to inflate. Once inflated it will fit a chest from 30” – 52” and provide 17 lbs of buoyancy.

There is also an oral tube that can be used to provide an additional buoyancy up to 26.5 lbs.

There is a small D-ring on the side that can be used to secure a dry bag, water bottle or any light weight accessory you need bring.

It is rated as a Type III life jacket, which is best used where there is a good chance of a fast rescue.

The biggest advantage of a Type III PFD is that it is usually one of the most comfortable types to wear for longer periods of time and I would say that is very true of the M-16.

The biggest disadvantage of a Type III flotation device is that it will not hold your head back as well so if you are unconscious or in rough water the wearer’s face may be covered by waves.

I like this PFD for SUP racing because you truly don’t even notice it is there. However it is also great for recreational paddling on calm water especially when not paddling alone.  It is quite popular amongst paddle boarders.

The C02 cylinder needs to be replaced each time it is used. To buy the rearming kit separately will cost roughly $20.

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Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack Life Jacket

The Onyx M-24 is the PFD I use most often when paddle boarding.  It will only inflate if you pull the little red tab.

It isn’t quite as low profile as the Onyx M-16 but it is still very comfortable to wear.

It has a small zippered pocket that I normally use to store my drivers license and car keys. It’s a tiny pocket so it can’t hold much else but you can fit a cell phone with no case.

For the price increase many wonder whether the zippered pocket is worth the extra cost. It’s a tough call and just personal preference.

I find I use that zippered pocket pretty well every time I go out. However if you have a dry bag with you then you may not have much need for that zippered pocket.

There is also a front D-ring that can be used to attach light weight accessories.

The M-24 is a Type V rated flotation device, which often means that it needs to be worn in order to be counted as a regulation PFD.

It has a minimum buoyancy of 22.5 lbs. when inflated and fits an adult waist size 24” – 52” and chest size 30” – 52”.

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Onyx A/M 24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket

I bought the Onyx A/M 24 life jacket originally for kayaking because it is SO comfortable compared to a regular bulky PFD and I use it for kayaking all the time.

However I also used it a lot when stand up paddle boarding on the ocean.

I like this PFD t in situations where the water is rougher and rescue could take longer.

This one inflates automatically when you are submerged in water as opposed to the manual inflation like the belt packs.

I like the safety of the automatic inflation when paddling in rougher conditions.

It isn’t as low profile as the belt packs but it is still quite comfortable and not too hot in the heat.

Plus I find the Onyx lifejackets to last forever.  They are really well made.   Mine have been used a LOT and they still look brand new.

I also have the Deluxe Version of A/M 24 model that I originally bought for my boyfriend to use.  It is essentially the same except it has a zippered pocket on each side.

The pockets have proven to be super handy for storing small items such as a phone, a camera, snacks, etc.  However the added pockets kick the price up a bit so just depends if they are worth it for you.

I haven’t seen this Deluxe version available on Amazon for awhile however so not sure if it will be back in stock at some point.

If you are into other types of water sports or boating this lifejacket is great as it works for all different types of water sports and activities.

It has a minimum buoyancy of 22.5 lbs. and although it inflates automatically when submerged in water it can also be inflated manually with the oral tube.

I have shared this life jacket with several friends, both men and women of all different sizes. It is easily adjustable and seems to fit well on just about any body type.

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