Choosing the perfect life jacket for paddleboarding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! After more than a decade teaching paddleboarding and SUP yoga, I’ve tried a lot of gear—and learned firsthand that the right life jacket makes all the difference. Let’s talk about my favorite options (including inflatable belts and traditional vests) to help you paddle comfortably and confidently.
Why a Good Life Jacket Matters
Even strong swimmers need a life jacket out there—it’s required by law, and it can truly save your life. A lot of people don’t think they will be the one to get in a scary situation until it happens, and you want to be prepared. A great life jacket means peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water.
What to Look for in a Paddleboarding Life Jacket
Here’s what I always recommend:
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Comfort and Fit: Snug but comfy enough for all-day adventures.
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Buoyancy and Certifications: Always look for Coast Guard approval. It is very rare to find an adult life jacket that isn’t Coast Guard Approved. However, when looking at kids life jackets, sometimes you will find swimming vests that are meant for the pool. Check out this video for more information about kids life jackets!
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Mobility: A low-profile life jacket won’t interrupt your paddling or yoga poses. Keep in mind that inflatable life jackets require the user to be 16 or older and a good swimmer.
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Durability: Quality materials hold up better and last longer. Sometimes it’s better to buy used than to buy cheap. Especially when it’s comes to kids, who grow out of their life jackets so quickly.
My Top Life Jacket Recommendations
| Life Jacket | Type | Why You’ll Love It | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bombora Adventurer PFD Belt | Inflatable Belt | Great for yoga, super comfy | Excellent |
| NRS Matik Inflatable PFD | Inflatable Vest | Low-profile comfort & easy use | Great |
| Astral Layla Women’s Life Jacket | Vest | Perfect fit for women | Very Good |
| Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest | Vest | Budget-friendly, reliable | Good |
1. Bombora Slim Belt PFD Belt (My Personal Favorite!)
The Bombora Slim Belt is my absolute favorite, especially for warm days and paddleboard yoga sessions. It’s incredibly lightweight, stays out of your way, and inflates easily with just a quick pull of the cord. Make sure you buy an extra rearming kit so you are never out of commission!
Check out this video to see what happens when you pull the cord to inflate and learn how to rearm an inflatable life jacket.
2. NRS Matik Inflatable PFD (Comfortably Versatile)
If you want minimal bulk without sacrificing safety, the NRS Matik is fantastic. Its sleek design lets you paddle freely, and the manual inflation is quick and easy if you ever need it.
3. Astral Layla Women’s Life Jacket (Great for Women!)
The Astral Layla is designed specifically for women’s bodies, offering comfort and support exactly where you need it most. Many of my students swear by it because it fits like a dream.
4. Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest (Best Budget Pick)
Looking for something budget-friendly yet dependable? The Onyx General Purpose Vest is adjustable, comfortable, and perfect for casual paddlers who still want to stay safe. It doesn’t have side panels so not only does it fit a wide variety of sizes, but it also doesn’t cause rubbing against the arms when paddling. I used this life jacket primarily in my paddleboard lessons and tours.
Paddleboard Yoga Tip: Go Inflatable!
If you’re into paddleboard yoga, inflatable belt packs like the Bombora Slim Belt are unbeatable. They stay totally out of your way, making it easier to focus on your poses (and not your gear).
Quick Life Jacket Care Tips
Always give your life jacket a quick once-over before hitting the water. One time, I found a broken piece on mine right before heading out—thank goodness I checked! Store your jacket properly and clean it occasionally to keep it safe and ready for action.
Let’s Paddle Together!
Picking the right life jacket is just the first step toward awesome paddleboarding adventures. Want to learn more, build your confidence, and connect with an amazing community? Join my online paddleboard lessons—we’ll have fun, support each other, and paddle with confidence.
See you on the water!