Hutchwilco Lifebelt 150N Pouch Style Inflatable Lifejacket

The perfect solution for Stand Up Paddling as conventional lifejackets/vests are too bulky and restrictive.

SUP is a new and fast growing sport and NZ is the perfect spot. As more people paddle and get confident to explore the coasts, lakes and rivers there will always be the potential for accidents. This pouch style inflatable lifejacket provides paddlers with a safety back up without restricting the freedom of paddling that we all love.

Remember that WEATHER CAN CHANGE QUICKLY and TIDES, WINDS and CURRENTS CAN TRAVEL FASTER THAN YOU CAN PADDLE - LET ALONE SWIM!!!

Even for experienced paddlers in flat water the elements individually or combined can overpower your abilities - so if you fall in your board will take off pretty quick! - leaving your LIFE EXPOSED TO A RISK that might overwhelm your swimming ability in getting ashore safely, unassisted and without panicking.

Because SUP is so easy it's also easy to get over confident and a lack of respect for the elements and conditions can risk your life. This especially applies to people who are experienced with other water craft like kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, yachting - as you are more likely going to push the boundaries of this new paddle sport.

(I am an experienced "waterman" and SUP paddler, SUP surfer and wavesailor but I have been caught out on the SUP in very strong tidal rips that I couldn't paddle against and the current even tripped up the rail of my board sending me in! - which got me thinking about a safety back up system / PFD for SUP touring, down-winders and long distance paddles.) 

Try swimming very far with a paddle in one hand and you'll see how tricky being separated from your board can be!

The life pouch is un-zipped and the un-inflated lifejacket put on: 

Note the red tab that fires the C02 cannister to inflate the life jacket. Also there is a manual inflation tube, reflective patch and a whistle for added safety.

The bum-bag style fits around the waist and sits in the small-of-the-back so is un-noticable when paddling:

Ideal Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for:

• Those who love to SUP but are not confident swimmers

• Back up safety system for touring, offshore and long distance paddling

• SUP rental operations who require their customers to wear a PFD

• Added safety for SUPing alone or at remote spots or in offshore winds!

• Queenstown SUPers who want to avoid a $300 fine!

Specifications:

• A bumbag style inflatable lifejacket you can wear around the waist and deploy by simply unzipping the pouch and pulling the jacket over the head ready for instant inflation, in an emergency, by pulling on the tab to activate the CO2 Cylinder

• Zips open to reveal the inflatable bag in the standard shape 'U' shape, to be pulled over the head. Inflates with the pull of the cord or via the mouth piece

• Twice the buoyancy of a conventional inherent buoyancy lifejacket - full head support in the water

• Handy extra zip pocket for sunscreen etc

• Replacement CO2 Cylinders available

• Reflective patches and Whistle for added safety

• MSA, CAA and EN396 Approval

• One size fits all adults 40kg and over

• Hutchwilco is a trusted NZ marine safety brand and they only use the top US/EU C02 gas firing mechanisms - not cheap Chinese mechanisms

Also remember that carrying an inflatable PFD means you have the potential to be a real hero and SAVE SOMEBODY ELSE who is in trouble - so it's not just yourself!

(Just see the news each summer to hear about the high number of accidental drownings there are in NZ! Given the growth of SUP sport and ease of learning it's only a matter of time before a SUPer gets into serious trouble! So please keep an eye out for your fellow paddlers.)