PADDLE BOARD LIFE JACKET

If you paddle board you need to carefully consider which safety equipment you need. Whether or not to wear a paddle board life jacket or SUP buoyancy aid to keep you safe on the water is the most important of these decisions. To help you out we’ve put together 5 points to explain the what’s, why’s and how’s of paddle board (SUP) life jackets and paddle board buoyancy aids.

Buy paddle board life jackets
Best for comfort
Best for value
Best for simplicity
Best for children
Do I need to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when I paddle board (SUP)
Am I legally required to wear a life jacket when paddle boarding in the UK?
What sort of paddle board life jacket do I need?
What other things should I consider when buying a paddle board life jacket?
The final safety check
Reviews
Frequently asked questions

Buy paddle board life jackets

There are various life jackets and buoyancy aids that can be used for paddle boarding. The type you need will depend on your level of experience and also the type of paddle boarding you might be doing. Below are our 4 recommendations which cover all bases for adults and children. Of course, if you have further questions and need assistance then feel free to contact us.

Best for comfort

Spinlock Wing 50N buoyancy aid

spinlock wing 50N paddle board buoyancy aid (sup)

This is a low-profile buoyancy aid (sup), which is high cut and very comfortable even if worn for a long time. The side zip and type of foam means that is is quite a thing jacket which has a secure, snug fit and gives very good freedom of movement when paddling.

The front pockets are useful for any small items you might want to keep with you. The outside is of stretched mesh and there is also an internal one with velcro to keep anything in it secure.

This is a great jacket for all levels of paddle boarders.

Features:

50N buoyancy
Low profile with low snag body fit system
Tapered high cut for action and mobility
Designed to be a snug fit, reducing resistance
Side zip
Stretch mesh outer pocket with internal security pocket
Dry coated elastic side panels to reduce water absorption
Monochrome style: Graphite Black, Mercury Red, Cobalt Blue
Available in sizes - XS, S, M, L and XL
CE certified and conforms to European standard EN ISO 12402-5

Pros:

Good comfortable jacket for long periods
Good sized pocket for small items
Not too bulky
Nice short fit

Cons:

The side zip is not as easy to do up, but there are methods to it and is the reason for some of the 'pros' above

Price: £58.49

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Best for value

Marine Pool ISO Active 50N buoyancy aid

marinepool 50N paddle board buoyancy aid (sup)

A good, all round, cost effective buoyancy aid for SUP, perfectly designed for paddle boarders. Made of super soft PE foam, it is comfortable, flexible and allows good movement of the arms and body for paddling. The jacket is well made, tough, with the added bonus of being reversible.

This is an ideal entry level SUP buoyancy aid but will also work for intermediate level paddle boarders. It comes with front zip and both top and bottom ties to ensure it has a nice, comfortable, tight fit. It also has elasticated side panels for movement and comfort.

Features:

Unisex
Easy to put on 50N buoyancy aid for SUP
With front zip, adjustable waist-belt and top and bottom ties
Elasticated side panels
Robust tough polyester fabric
Colours: Navy and White
Available in 30-50kg, 50-70kg, 70-90kg and 90kg+
CE certified and conforms to European Standard EN ISO 12402-5

Pros:

A good all-round jacket
Cost effective
Good quality
Perfect buoyancy aid for beginners and intermediate paddle boarders (SUP)

Cons:

Not as short as the Spinlock jacket so not as comfortable if sitting down
No pockets

Price: £29.99

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Best for simplicity

Baltic Canoe buoyancy aid

seago seaguard 165N paddle board life jacket

This is a 50N buoyancy aid specifically designed for paddling. It is a simple over the head jacket with the foam front and back to keep the sides clear for freedom of movement. It has includes a waist belt plus crotch strap to keep it nice and secure to the body. It has some practical features such as the mesh pocket on the front to store small items for your time on the water. This is a good simple jacket for a paddler.

Features:

Unisex
50N buoyancy aid for paddle sports
Adjustable waist-belt and detachable crutch strap
Reinforcement tape over the shoulders.
Robust tough polyester fabric
Colours: Yellow & Navy, Red & Navy, Grey & Black
For people weighing more than 40kg/6 stone 3 pounds (one size)
CE certified and conforms to European Standard EN ISO 12402-5

Pros:

A comfortable all round jacket
Nice short cut at the waist
Lightweight
High Quality
Perfect for beginners and intermediate paddle boarders (SUP)
One size means children won’t outgrow it

Cons:

One size means you might get a more personal fit with another buoyancy aid
If style matters, whilst this looks good, the Spinlock might look a bit slicker

Price: £36.49

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Best for children

Marine Pool 100N Freedom life jacket

orange 100N marine pool childrens paddle board life jacket (sup)

A sensible option for children as this is a life jacket (it preserves life) and not a buoyancy aid (only aids floating). It is ergonomically designed and is made of soft foam for flexibility.

The marine pool life jacket is comfortable, well made, pretty flexible and very safe. This is an ideal jacket to get children out on the water and having fun. There are adult sizes too, however, unless you're not able to swim, we would recommend one of the other options above for adults.

The jackets are self-righting, turning the wearer on their back automatically, along with a collar to hold the wearers head out of the water. They have a front zip with top and bottom ties to ensure a nice snug fit and a whistle to grab attention or call for help.

Features:

Unisex
Easy to put on 100N
Self-righting
Signal whistle
With front zip, adjustable waist-belt and top and bottom ties
Elasticated side panels
Super soft PE foam for flexibility and comfort
Robust tough polyester fabric
Padded collar for added next support
3M reflex stripes which reflect searchlights to a distance of 1.2 miles
CE certified and conforms to European standard EN ISO 12402-3

Pros:

Cost effective
It's a life jacket meaning it is extra safe - it will turn the wearer on their back and keep the head above water

Cons:

Only really appropriate for children on a paddle board

Price: £35.99 - £45.99 depending on size

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ISO Accredited

CE Approved

10 Year guarantee

Do I need to wear a lifejacket when I paddle board (SUP)?

You wouldn’t get on your motorbike without a helmet. You wouldn't drive your car without a seatbelt. And you shouldn’t go out on the water without a life jacket of some sort.

Life jackets save lives.

The type of jacket will depend on the activity, but they’re all designed to preserve the life of the wearer if they end up in the water.

For paddle boarding falling off is not guaranteed. But there’s a good chance you will, depending on your experience, and ability of course.

And the fact you’ll most likely be near to a shore or a river bank means you might need some assistance while you wait for help. Or assistance while you swim back to the paddle board should you come off.

man paddle boarding in the blue sea while wearing a paddle board life jacket

Am i legally required to wear a paddle board life jacket in the UK?

No. There is no legal requirement to wear paddle board life jackets in the UK. However, we would always recommend wearing one irrespective of your ability and experience of paddle boarding. Equally, your swimming level should not determine whether you wear one or not.

What sort of paddle board life jacket do I need?

We’ve used the term life jackets so far but in reality when paddle boarding you will most likely wear a buoyancy aid. What’s the difference we hear you ask?..well let’s explain….There are few phrases that get used when talking about life jackets: life jackets, buoyancy aids and pfd’s.

PFD - is a collective term for life jackets and buoyancy aids. It means ‘Personal Floatation Device’. The phrase is used more widely in America and Australia than the UK and Europe. Read more about what a PFD is

Life jackets - are sleeveless jackets which are generally filled with air and keep the user afloat if they fall into water. They are primarily designed to keep the wearer face up and with their head above the water without the need for them to be conscious. Life jackets should also maintain the wearer in this position without any subsequent actions. Read more about what a life jacket is

Buoyancy aids - are to simply aid the wearers buoyancy in the water. Using a buoyancy aid assumes the user is able to help themselves either by swimming to safety or to tread water while assistance arrives. They are not classed as life saving devices like life jackets. Read more about buoyancy aids Read more about what a buoyancy aid is

For paddle boarding you will require a buoyancy aid which, as mentioned above, will assist your buoyancy when in the water. It’s most likely function will be to assist you if / when you fall off to swim back to the board and climb back on.

a blue paddle board life jacket sitting on top of a paddle board

Woman holding paddle board whist wearing a paddle board life jacket on a beach

What other things should I consider when buying a paddle board life jacket?

Now you know what type of jacket you need, there are a few things to check to make sure you buy the right one.

The sizing - buoyancy aids come in various sizes relating to the wearers weight (e.g. 70-90kg, 90kg+). It is very important that you buy the right jacket for your size so that it functions as it was designed.

The fit - The buoyancy aid should fit tightly so that it doesn’t ride up your body if you fall in the water. You don’t want it rising up or falling off over your head at the point you need it. However, you don’t want it so tight that it is uncomfortable. Struggling to breath will ruin your time on your paddle board.

The comfort - The buoyancy aid should be comfortable even after wearing it for a long time. It should give you freedom of movement and not feel cumbersome. Some buoyancy aids are shorter than others which can help if you want to sit on your board.

The extras - It might be useful to have some place to store items, particularly if you’re going on a longer adventure. Buoyancy aids can come with pockets which are perfect for stashing a few necessary items. If you’re only heading out for an hour then this might not be a priority, but it’s always worth considering.

The final safety check

Certified for quality and safety - All life jackets and buoyancy aids should be certified for their quality and safety by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They should also be CE Approved to indicate the product conforms to EEA health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

Remember the leash - Your paddle board will always have a leash. Use it. The last thing you want to have is your board floating off down the river or being swept away in a tide. The board is another important safety item you have in the water to keep you afloat. Make sure it stays with you.

Maintenance - Maintaining your life jacket is very important. It will make sure it performs as it should and will also help to extend it’s life.

If it’s been used in salt water, rinse the buoyancy aid with fresh water
Rinse off any mud, sand, dirt, stains and sun cream. Dirt can can develop into mould which isn’t very nice and can damage the fabric and foam. Cleaning it with washing detergent and a brush can be worthwhile. Never use chlorine based bleach or a washing machine though
After cleaning, let the buoyancy aid drip dry before stowing. Try not to dry the buoyancy aid in direct sunlight and do not dry using a tumble dryer as this can damage the foam.
Check for any damage or holes and that the buckles and straps are fully attached and work properly.
Store in a cool, dry place and do not store under heavy objects as this can cause damage.

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Select the size of your lifejacket

Our 50N buoyancy aids come in sizes related to the users weight. Please ensure the correct size(s) is chosen.

Click the 'BUY NOW' button to buy

After selecting the size, click to buy and you'll be taken through a quick and simple checkout process.

We take care of the rest!

Once we recieve your order, it will be processed and shipped quickly so you can get out on the water in 2-3 days.

Our 50N buoyancy aids come in sizes related to the users weight. Please ensure the correct size(s) is chosen.

After selecting the size, click to buy and you'll be taken through a quick and simple checkout process.

Once we recieve your order, it will be processed and shipped quickly so you can get out on the water in 2-3 days.

CUSTOMERS LOVE TORNADO LIFE JACKETS

‘’Quality item. Fits well, is comfortable and feel safe in it. The colour makes me visible in the water.’’

William Verified buyer

‘’Good value for money. I have total peace of mind when wearing it so enjoy being in the water without any concerns.’’’

Sarah Verified buyer

‘’Great value, feel safe. Well made, good fit, perfect for a day out on the boat. Decent movement for if I have the fishing rods out.’’

James Verified buyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wear a life jacket when paddle boarding?

Sadly, each year around 200 people drown in coastal waters around the UK and Ireland. Research shows that wearing a lifejacket can increase your chances of survival by up to four times if you're in cold water*. Therefore, wearing a well fitted, well maintained, appropriate lifejacket could save your life.

* Professor Mike Tipton, 2012.

How does a life jacket and buoyancy aid keep me safe?

The main aim of a lifejacket is to keep a wearers airway open by rotating them into a face up position with their head above the water. The orange jacket, or bladder, along with reflective tape is used to increase your chances of being seen in the water while a whistle is always included to attract attention in an emergency. A buoyancy aid assists the wearer in keeping buoyant either why they swim to safety or wait for help. They are not classed as life saving devices like life jackets.

What does 50N mean when it relates to life jackets / buoyancy aids?

A Newton is a measurement of force used to indicate how much buoyancy a lifejacket has. The higher the Newton number the more buoyancy it has. Generally speaking, the further away from safety and the more extreme the conditions, the higher number of Newtons will be required in your jacket for your safety. Our buoyancy aids are all 50N which is what most buoyancy aids are. Some specialised buoyancy aids, for white water canoeing for example, are required to be higher at 70N.

What safety checks have your life jackets and buoyancy aids passed?

All our lifejackets and buoyancy aids are CE Certified and conform to European safety standards.

Are your paddle board life jackets self righting?

No, buoyancy aids aren’t designed to turn the user over onto their backs. They are purely to assist the wearer’s buoyancy when in the water.

Do they come in different sizes?

Yes, there are options for different wearer's weight. Depending on the jacket, they range from 30kg through to 90+kg. Please make sure that you purchase the jackets which matches the wearer's weight accurately.

Where are your life jackets and buoyancy aids made?

Our life jackets and buoyancy aids are made by Europe’s largest manufacturers. Orders are fulfilled from warehouses in the UK.

What activities can I use it for?

Buoyancy aids are most suited to activities where there is a high chance you end up in the water but assistance is very close, or you are able to swim to safety. This includes paddle boarding, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing etc.

Who are Tornado Lifejackets?

Tornado Lifejackets are passionate about safety on the water. We want you to enjoy your activities with peace of mind. We therefore sell quality jackets that are affordable and accessible for adults and children. Our lifejackets are all from Europe's largest manufacturers complying to the highest standards for safety. This includes ISO accreditation and CE approval. Our knowledgable team of experts are always on hand to answer any water safety questions you may have.