Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Category: Safety & Rescue (Page 1 of 15)

NRS Ninja Pro PFD 2024

The NRS Ninja was a huge hit when it was released with top level performance and fit. For 2024 NRS are introducing the new Ninja Pro PFD.

As a class V whitewater PFD the Ninja Pro gets all of the features that you need and would expect to see.

This includes:

  • Orbit Fit System enhances overall comfort, increases range of motion and eliminates the desire to over-tighten.
  • Fully-featured rescue vest includes a strategically placed 1.5” quick-release rescue belt with an aluminum attachment ring.
  • Continuous, interconnected webbing creates an internal harness for maximum security in live bait scenarios and when grabbing users by shoulder straps.
  • Compartmentalized, zippered, drop-down, clamshell pocket stows and organizes essential on-person gear.
  • Features five attachment points for knife, lights, or strobe and extensive 3M® reflective accents to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Hand warmer pocket features 4-way stretch double knit polyester lining that’s soft against the skin; pocket doubles as quick storage for webbing or gloves.
  • Strap garages and a deliberately placed lash tab reduces snag points.
  • The Orbit Fit System layers multiple pieces of lightweight closed-cell foam cut to precise specifications to create a unique, flexible, pre-curved shape that effortlessly conforms to your body.
  • Graded Sizing takes into account the appropriate amount of flotation needed for individual body types resulting in a better-fitting, more comfortable life jacket for all.
  • Sustainable construction combines a recycled ripstop nylon shell with a recycled nylon inner that protects the fully recycled Ethafoam shims.
  • AirMesh lining on the lower back adds ventilation and helps manage moisture.
  • Side entry, with adjustments on shoulders, side and waist to secure the life jacket and customize fit.
  • Silicone-coated inner waistband helps hold the PFD in place when swimming.
SizingChestUser Weight
XS/M30″ – 38″90 – 150lbs
M/L36″ – 46″90+lbs
XL/XXL44″ – 56″90+lbs

This PFD will be available in early 2024 and is expected to retail at around $229.95.

NRS Vector PFD

NRS Vector PFD

The new NRS Vector PFD picks up from where the Zen and Ninja PFDs left off. Both PFDs had a superb fit and if the Vector fits at least as well it will sure to be a winner.

The Vector uses the Orbit Fit System designed for overall comfort, allows for full range of motion, and eliminates the need for excessive tightening.

The NRS Vector PFD will be available in three sizes and three colours. Colours include black, red and the citrus yellow/green shown above. The Vector comes in three sizes as detailed below.

SizingChestUser Weight
XS/M30″ – 38″90 – 154lbs
M/L36″ – 46″90+lbs
XL/XXL44″ – 56″90+lbs
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Palm Equipment Riff PFD – First Look

We were lucky enough to get hold of a Palm Equipment Riff PFD for review at Unsponsored. The one we have here is in Palm’s signature Jet Grey colour way.

Palm Equipment Riff PFD - First Look

The Riff is of a slab design with a side entry system. The buckle side entry is a convenient feature that allows the user to easily put on and take off the Riff. It is designed to be simple and easy to use, ensuring that the user can quickly get in and out of the product as needed. This feature is particularly useful when you are trying to negotiate a drysuit zip when putting a PFD on.

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Palm Equipment Riff PFD

New for 2023 is the Palm Equipment Riff PFD.

Palm Equipment Riff PFD
Palm Equipment Riff PFD

This low profile PFD is constructed with a nylon 420D ripstop fabric filled with Gaia and EPE PVC free buoyancy foam.

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Throwline Rope Management

A great piece from Palm Equipment and Eddy Mead.

Cold Weather Paddling Gear

We’ve just about hit that time of the year in the UK when it gets darker earlier and earlier, the weather has begun to turn and the water is that little bit colder. It’s a great time to start to look at your cold weather paddling gear and assess whether it is going to be up to the job.

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Cold Weather Paddling Gear

Being cold is not just uncomfortable it can also be life threatening. Having the right gear for the right conditions is key at any time of the year but the margin for error during the colder seasons is much tighter.

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Pin Kit/Rescue Gear

A pin kit is the collection of equipment that you carry to aid in a whitewater rescue that may or may not involve a pinned kayak or canoe. Within my paddling group there will be several variations of this kit, it is important that the group is not reliant on one persons kit as it may be that person or that persons boat that is in need of assistance.

The areas in which you paddle may also dictate the type and amount of kit you carry.

Pin Kit/Rescue Gear
Pin Kit/Rescue Gear
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Astral PFD Bluejacket LE

Astral have released a new limited edition Blue Jacket PFD. This one is the Flow State.

I reckon this artwork may well be the best yet.

Astral Layla LE PFD

Astral Layla LE PFD
Astral Layla LE PFD

The Layla PFD has been in the line up for a number of years. In fact some 20 years.

Astral Layla LE PFD
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Kayak Safety Features – Run Down

Kayak design has moved on so much since I started to paddle some 30+ years ago. The level or difficulty at which people paddle is owed in some part to the change in kayak design over the years.

Kayak Safety Features

I currently paddle a Dagger Phantom and despite it being used for pretty much the same stuff as my first plastic kayak – an Ace Swing, yet the technology and features are simply worlds apart.

So if you are looking for a kayak packed full of safety features what are you actually looking for?

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Palm Equipment Arc Throwline

The Arc throwline is Palm’s smallest rescue line at 12.5m. The rope used is 8mm float line with a 8kN bearing point. This is the same rope used in the lightning 18m throwline.

Palm Equipment Arc Throwline

The bag itself is made from CORDURA 500D material which basically means it will be pretty tough.

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Sweet Protection 2022

Although the design remains the same Sweet Protection have mixed things up a bit by introducing a new range of colours for the Wanderer, Rocker and Strutter.

Sweet Protection Strutter 2022

Sweet Protection have kept Dirt Black and Gloss White in the line up but have added Deep Purple Metallic, Matt Burning Orange and this Matte Fluo.

Sweet Protection Strutter 2022
Sweet Protection Strutter 2022
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