I'm in the process of learning some playboating. I bought a Pyranha Rev M in september 2009 and tried it out in my local playspot a few times before heading into the pool during winter.

In the pool I didn't wear all my outdoor clothing nor my PFD, so when we started going out to our playspot again I suddenly realized how much my clothing hindered my torso movement.

I figured that my PFD (Astral Aquavest 300) and my 3 mm neoprene longjohn was the major cause. That's why I'm coming here to get some tips from more experienced playboaters.

What kind of PFD do you use when playboating? Any specific reccomendations? I'm sure the major brands have some PFDs aimed at playboaters in their product line.

Since I'm currently using a 3mm neoprene longjohn I'm sure there are better alternatives out there. I should probably go for pants that only goes from my waist down and not all the way up to my chest like the longjohn does, right?

Here in norway, the water can be fairly cold (especially during springtime) so just wearing shorts is not an option (especially since I have to swim every now and then). Dry pants have always seemed so big and baggy to me and not very practical. Would you recommend normal neoprene pants (from the waist down) instead of my longjohn (which actually covers most of my torso with straps over the shoulders)?

Thanks in advance!

I do all my paddling currently in an Aquavest 300 PFD. I find it fine, except on loops with my Snap Dragon deck as it hits the implosion bar and means I can't lean all the way forward.

Dry tops are the way forward for mobility. In the end, paddling cold water is never going to be as unhindered as cruising around in a warm pool. I still prefer dry pants and dry tops and leave my wetsuit for windsurfing and bodyboarding. Except for some 3/4, 3mm pants I wear for surf kayaking. I know exactly what you mean. Paddling in some parts of SA was nice with only a PFD and warm water, and I also felt restricted when I moved down to Cape Town where the water is a lot colder. You'll soon get used to wearing all that gear. Have fun!

Thanks alot for your reply. I waited with replying myself as I actually expected more opinions to come in.

As you said, leaning forward is my main issue as well with the Aquavest 300. And this also hurts my less-than-perfect roll (which i experienced when trying to paddle my Pyranha Rev in a class III rapid this weekend).

Ola.
I would say get rid of the wetsuit (long john). Pfd's are a lot less bulky than when I started paddling. I use a Peak Uk guide vest for all my paddling, even when playboating as one never knows when another kayaker might need help. I would recomend as pfd's either the PeakUk river guide vest or the Astral Greenjacket as they are comfy, strong and have all the necessary belts etc for rescue's. If you really only want a freestyle pfd for playing only then the lowest bulk pfd would be one of the Duem Stuff pfd's. With the rescue pfd's you can always take out some of your extra rescue gear fropm the pockets to lesten the bulk factor on your chest if needs be. I paddle with a rescue knife, 4carabiners, cpr mouthpiece, gloves in my chest pocket, even with all of that I have no problems tucking forward for loops or forward setup rolls.
For movement Adrian is correct, dry tops are the way to go, the material might look bulky but it allows you to move without fighting against tension in the fabric, on super cold days use a dry top and 2 polypropylene thermals. Dont get a neoprene rashvest or thermal as it will hamper movement much more than a material thermal. Dry tops I would recomend are any of the Peak Uk tops. I have been using peak uk products for a long time now and they have lasted me far better than any of my previous brands, if you have to get a different brand the stohlquist or Kokatat.

What I would also recomend if you are focusing a bit on playboating is to learn to do a proper back deck roll, then you don't need to worry about tucking forward and it is a lot faster.
cheers
d

The Green Jacket is essentially Astral's playboating PFD (Willis) modified with stronger shoulder straps, a QR belt, belay loop, and more side and back padding for creeking. I have the Extrasport Pro Creeker, which is somewhat similar to the 300 as far as the foam location, but I haven't had problems tucking forwards in it. The Stohlquist Descent is also pretty good, and based off of their newest playboating vest, the Rocker.

if you can, go to the pool and just wear your PFD or just your wetsuit to see which is the problem. I would presume the PFD, but it might help just to see.

I guess I wasn't clear in my original post. I do of course wear a dry top (Kokatat Rogue) over my neoprene longjohn. I will certainly replace the neoprene pants with a proper dry pant and use thermal layer instead when needed.

As for PFDs, judging by the replies here and on boatertalk, it seems like the most recommended PFD nowadays is the Green Jacket. Even for playboating. I just thought it looked just as bulky as the Aquavest 300 on the pictures I've seen of it. But all the reviews says it's easier to tuck forward with than the 300. I'll make sure to try one on and see for myself. Thanks alot!

And the back deck roll. I'll make sure I'll gie that some extra attention too.

I must add to my post that the 300 only hits the implosion bar on my Snap Dragon deck. So when playboating I use a different deck and it's no worries But that's me. Good luck, and keep warm

Speaking personally, I paddle in a 300 and was terrified I wouldn't be able to tuck down, but it turns out that not only is it possible in just the PFD, but I have no problems even with an Astral throwline in the pocket... Mind you, a person with a beer gut might have difficulties

My only beef with the 300 is maybe a lack of back coverage, i feel a bit exposed (looks better on the Green Jacket)...

If you are after a PFD just for playboating a kokatat Orbit is one of the minimalist vests available. It can sit very low on your torso. As it is a minimalist PFD it just does not have all the features of a rescue vest.