Quality and safety are two of the most important things to look for when choosing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Nautical Reach carries Canadian Made Salus PFD's. Below is an article written by Steve Wagner of Salus with some tips on finding the correct PFD for you as well as a sample of the PFD's available at Nautical Reach. 

www.salusmarine.com

"CHOOSING THE RIGHT PFD"
by Steve Wagner

Finding the right PFD can seem like a daunting task. Designs have become increasingly complex and specialized. The study of anthropometrics, ergonomics and advanced material technology, combined with increased consumer demand for quality and choice, have allowed and inspired PFD manufacturers to design and develop superior products. The result is that you have more choice than ever. The challenge is to make the best possible choice.
Choosing a good PFD extends beyond finding one that fits and floats. After all, not all vests work for all people, and no one single vest works well for all activities. What’s involved in choosing the best PFD is researching the one that is RIGHT for YOU.
What’s Your Sport?
First, you need to consider how much time you’ll spend in the water versus on it.
For sports that involve frequent visits to the water, such as white water kayaking, you will want a vest with lots of adjustments to create a secure fit that will eliminate in-water ride-up. A secure fit can also be achieved with leg harnesses or straps high under the arms, but arm straps are uncomfortable when paddling and leg harnesses are simply “not cool”.
For sports that involve less frequent visits to the water, such as canoeing or sea kayaking, you have more options. Looser fitting vests are more acceptable for these sports and can be more comfortable. Larger arm holes provide minimal interference with your paddle stroke, but in the event of going over, the looser fit may result in some in-water ride-up. Another feature of the looser fit is venting, which keeps you (the paddler) cool and comfortable. If you’re not going to be getting wet doing Eskimo rolls, venting of some kind is required to stay comfortable during long, hot paddling trips.
Fitting Your Vest
Next, you need to make sure the vest fits, which requires a little bit of effort.
When you try on a pair of shoes in the store, you add a pair of socks, lace up the shoes, stand, walk around and maybe even jump and move in funny motions to simulate your activity or sport. Trying on a PFD is no different. Wearing a comfortable PFD, like wearing a comfortable pair of shoes, can make your sport more enjoyable. A well-fitting vest is barely noticeable, and allows you to move freely and comfortably.
Start by considering chest size as written on the inside of the PFD, but use this only as a guide. Keep in mind that different genders and body shapes will also influence fit. Second, consider the time of year that you will be traveling and the clothes and gear underneath your vest. Heavier clothing, dry tops or foul-weather gear will often mean that you need to move up at least one vest size. The better vests, with multiple adjustments, will allow you to adjust the fit to accommodate different types of clothing.
Sure, the vest is comfortable standing in the store, but this is clearly not how you’ll be wearing it while on the water. Once you have a vest that fits you, consider how you will be positioned and how you are going to move in your vest. Sit in a canoe or kayak. Check the out-of-water ride-up. Does the vest fit well with your dry top? Is it still comfortable? Practice your paddle stroke. Better yet, get out on the water and try it out in the real environment.
If you still like the vest, consider other details that may affect fit or convenience. Pockets are great, but consider something stuffed into this pocket. Is it now in your way? Sometimes the best pocket is one that is centralized in the belly area that – even full – is clear of your paddle stroke. Is the pocket large enough for what you want to carry?
The options can seem limitless. In spite of this, finding the right vest does not need to be complicated, but you do need to consider more than just colour, size and price. With a solid understanding of features and benefits and the help of a good local outfitter, you can find the best vest for you – a vest that, like a good shoe, feels like it was made just for you.

Steve Wagner
Salus Marine Wear, Inc.
Originally published in KAYAKING Magazine 2002/03

Salus Bijoux Price: $69.00   Infant PFD 9 - 25 lbs This is a unique design by Salus that ensures that the baby will turn face up from a face forward position. The head is cradled by a 3 piece collar when the collar is lifted by the collar straps or when the baby is floating on their back. The mesh harness provides security, venting and comfort for sitting upright, lying down or while positioned in a baby carrier. The Bijoux has an easy to reach lifting strap, easy access into the vest with the two shoulder adjustment buckles and a short front for enhanced comfort while in the sitting position. NOT CANADIAN COAST GUARD APPROVED.

Salus Nimbus Child PFD  $69.00 20-30lbs  50-60lbs& 60 - 90 lbs:      The Salus Nimbus provides a comfortable fit for children and a peace of mind for adults. It is designed for comfort and is soft to the touch, ensuring that children will wear it for hours at a time. All PFD's float but won't save lives if children won't keep them on. The Nimbus is specially contoured to hug little bodies so children will get the best fit, mobility and safety while they're having fun swimming, boating and at the water's edge.

Salus Comfort Fit New: $89.99   Ideal for recreational paddling and boating A basic, yet very comfortable PFD with an easy on mesh shoulder design, Ensolite soft foam and rounded edges. Low profile sides and large arm holes allow for maximum mobility and enhanced arm movement while the high waist allows for ease of bending and prevention of ride up.

Salus Amyot Price: $119.00   High end features with enhanced comfort. Although similar in appearance to the Eddy with its high back construction and a contoured fit, the Amyot sports advanced lining technology in the Dry-Lex Aerospacer for optimal breathablility, moisture absorption and enhanced comfort. The Amyot also has an 8 point adjustment system for even more of a precise fit..

Salus Kiwi Price: $159.00   Unisex styling with contoured fit suitable for women. The Kiwi is a popular choice for both women and men. It's easy on with a front zipper design and easy paddling with low profile that prevents ride up and makes for ease of bending. It features easy access pockets on either side of the zipper which allows unrestricted arm movement even when the pockets are full. The 6 point adjustment system accommodates layered underclothing to extend paddling season in comfort.

Salus Gjoa Price: $159.00   Best appreciated in a paddle ready sitting position With its unique design of low neck, narrow chest, four panel deign, and high cut waist make this an advanced form fitting vest for both men and women. Its 8 point adjustment system allows you to extend the paddling season by accommodating extra paddleing clothing. A large centralized pocket won't restrict your paddling even when pocket is full.

Salus Skippy Dog Vest XS: $69.00 S: $69.00   Gives you peace of mind when you take your friend along for a paddle Features Cordura nylon for durability, flotation under the belly and chest to give greater buoyancy lift and comfort against the belly lifting straps. The tummy saver padding is for the active dogs who like to explore. The two handle straps make it easy to grab and lift your heavier playmate out of the water.