Paddle boarding is pretty great! It’s good exercise, gets you outside, and let’s face it, it’s just flat out fun. But when you 
decide to start paddle boarding you need to consider another piece of gear, your PFD or personal flotation device. A good PFD will not only keep you safe while you’re out on the water but can store some other essentials too like sunscreen, sunglasses, and more. Head over to Amazon to see our choice for the best PFD for paddle boarding.
Check Out Our Top Choices |
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The Overall WinnerOnyx M-16 Belt Pack
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The Best Vest WinnerOnyx A/M 24 Automatic Vest
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The Versatility WinnerNRS Ninja PFD
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Click on any of the categories to jump to our favorites
Best Paddle Boarding PFD: Hip Belt
Best Paddle Boarding PFD: Suspenders
Best Paddle Boarding PFD: Vest
When we started to consider PFD’s for paddle boarding we had some “must-haves” that the winners needed to have in order to make it to the finals. Here’s what we needed.
Best Paddle Boarding PFD Criteria
- It had to be lightweight and comfortable so you’d actually wear it
- It needed to have high safety standards to protect you should you need it
- U.S. Coast Guard approval (USCG) was definitely a plus
- Needed to have additional storage to hold extra gear
There were quite a few to look at but once we dialed it in and fine tuned our search we are proud to present our pick in the best PFD for paddle boarding search.
While you’re at it be sure and check out our article on the best SUP PFD & Hydration Packs
Best PFD for Paddle Boarding: Hip Belt Winner
Onyx M-16 Belt Pack
Out of all the hip belt PFD’s we looked at this model from Onyx hit all the right marks. It’s lightweight, comfortable, has a D-ring accessory attachment and it’s got great reviews. What makes hip belt PFD’s great is that they’re low profile so that while you’re out paddling it stays out of your way. Just pull the yellow tab to inflate and you’re supported by 17 pounds of buoyancy. Once deployed these inflatables can be packed up and charged again with a CO₂ cartridge.
Low Profile Design
The Onyx M-16 PFD is designed for user comfort as much as it for safety. With it’s super low profile design this PFD won’t end up getting uncomfortable as the day goes on. Comfort is such an important factor when it comes to PFD’s, if it’s uncomfortable you’re not going to want wear it.
D-Ring Attachment
The Onyx PFD comes standard with a D-ring attachment point that you can use to carry along all your smaller paddling needs. Keys, sunscreen, a granola bar or a small camera will all fit inside this small paddling pouch that can attach to your Onyx making your day out paddling an even more enjoyable one. When you’re paddle boarding it’s important to bring those things along with you and not left unattended on the beach. With your stuff conveniently within reach you’ll be comfortable all day.
Features and Specifications
Features
- US Coast Guard Approved Type V PFD, with Type III performance
- Inflates by manual activation or oral inflating
- 1″ adjustable webbing belt with side release buckle
- D-ring accessory attachment point
Specifications
- Belt Length: 30″-52″
- Buoyancy: 17 Lbs
- Construction: 200 denier nylon pouch construction
Onyx PFD Customer Reviews
There’s not a bad review out there for the Onyx PFD. Everyone who’s reviewed seems to think that it’s really a great device that not only keeps you safe but stays tucked out of the way and with it’s super comfortable design it makes a day paddling even better. One review said it was perfect for paddle boarding and another commented on how light and comfortable it was.
Check out all the reviews
With all these great specs and user reviews it’s easy to see why the Connelly PFD was the winner of our Best PFD for Paddle Boarding: Hip Belt category.
Buy the Onyx now on Amazon.com
Some Other Great Belt PFDs
Best PFD for Paddle Boarding: Suspenders
Onyx A/M 24 Automatic Vest
The Onyx A/M 24 Automatic gets our vote for the best PFD for paddle boarding in the suspender category for a couple reasons: It’s comfortable, it’s priced right and it’s automatic system is perfect for those who are paddle boarding. The automatic feature is great for those who are on solo missions, if you fall in the system automatically inflates with a minimum of 22.5 lbs of buoyancy. It’s also backed up by a manual pull tab or a manual inflate as well making this an extremely effective and safe vest.
Automatic or Manual Modes
The really great thing about this vest is that if you don’t want or need the automatic filling you can convert the A/M 24 to a manual only setting that allows you to engage the inflating system by either pulling on the inflate tab or using the oral inflate.
Here’s a video that shows how to convert your A/M 24 into manual mode.
Once the A/M 24 has been inflated it’s really easy to repack and rearm the system. Simply replace the CO₂ cartridge and bobbin, then repack back into the protective outer fabric and you’re good to go.
Here’s a video that shows the rearm and repack.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Can be converted from AUTO/MANUAL inflation to MANUAL ONLY inflation
- Vest provides wide range of motion so you can stay comfortable while you’re out paddling
- Inflates with manual movement of T-cord, self-inflate or automatically upon submersion in water
- Lightweight and comfortable the A/M 24 keeps you cool in warm weather
- Soft neoprene neckline makes sure that you’re not getting rubbed the wrong way
- Reflective piping for increased visibility to increase safety
Specifications
- Weight: 1.52 Lbs
- Max Buoyancy: 22.5 Lbs
- For ages 16+ and over 80 Lbs
- U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type V Life Jacket
Customer Reviews
The reviews of the Onyx A/M 24 are stellar. People loved how comfortable and low profile it was, with it being only 1.52 pounds and with it’s neoprene neck liner. One user described the vest as “light and airy” and another said it was a great product with a good value. If you’re going to be out in the warm weather and don’t want a bulkier PFD then the A/M 24 is your perfect choice.
Some found the vest to be on the minimalist side which was too little flotation for them. I feel, however, if you were interested in the most float out of PFD then there are much better options out there. Others seemed to really enjoy the minimalist design as it’s one of the main selling points of this PFD.
With all this awesome tech pack inside and the capabilities to customize this PFD to your personal preferences this is our pick in the Best PFD for Paddle Boarding: Suspenders category.
Buy now at Amazon.com>>>
Some More Great Suspender PFDs
Best PFD for Paddle Boarding: Vest
NRS Ninja PFD
As an owner of NRS gear I can personally attest to the quality construction and attention to detail. The Ninja from NRS is no different. This awesome vest perform well for a myriad of different activities, least of all paddle boarding. A wide, athletic cut in the shoulders means that you’ll be comfortable whether you’re swimming, paddling, rowing or just goofing off.
Custom Fit Adjustment
The four side adjustments and two shoulder adjustments give you a custom fit so you can dial in your comfort level and get down the fun stuff, playing! Having a PFD that can be fit to your body not only makes it more comfortable, it makes it perform better too; that means you’re protected and comfortable, sounds like the best of both worlds to us.
Comfort Driven Design
The cut of the NRS Ninja is what really sets this PFD apart from other vest in this category. People are raving about how much freedom of movement they have with it. One reviewer said “total freedom to paddle all day long” and another said “Lots of room to freely paddle”. In a PFD, behind safety, the most important feature is comfort. If you’ve got a PFD that performs well and is comfortable then you’ve got PFD that you’re going wear.
Another comfort point in the Ninja is the front hand pouch. Having a warm place to put your digits when it get nippy out is super nice. And with the stow pocket on the front you’ll always have your essentials right where you can get at them easily. NRS isn’t new to the paddle sports scene and the Ninja shows it.
Features and Specifications
Features
- The Ninja’s low profile design won’t interfere with any of your watery activities.
- Four side adjustments and two shoulder adjustments provide for a custom fit for all day comfort.
- PVC-Free foam flotation panels are shaped for comfort and designed for safety.
- A floating front panel adjusts to your body and gives you a cozy place to put your hands when it gets chilly.
- The side entry makes the Ninja easy to put on and take off.
- A front mesh pocket secured with a buckle lets you keep the essentials close at hand.
- The 500-denier Cordura® outer protects your vest and keeps it looking like new for longer.
- Soft, stretchy fabric on the inside lets the Ninja flex and increases comfort.
- Comes with a lash tab so you can hook your rescue knife to it.
Specifications
- Max Buoyancy: 16.5 lbs
- Outer Fabric: 500-denier Cordura®
- Weight: 2 Lbs
- US Coast Guard Certification level 3
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
Customer Reviews
NRS has been around a long time. Why? Because people love their stuff. All the online review I could find really liked the Ninja. The cut, custom fit, and comfort of the Ninja PFD made it really appeal to people who are out pursuing active paddling sports. One said “This NRS Ninja PFD is excellent” and others were amazed with how well it wore “You forget that you have it on”.
There are a ton of reviews out there. Check some more out here: NRS Ninja PFD Reviews
With all these great features and reviews it’s a pretty easy call for us to make this the winner of our Best PFD for Paddle Boarding: Vest competition.
Buy now at Amazon.com
Well there you go! Now you’re armed with three great choices for personal flotation no matter what kind of PFD you’re after. Just keep in mind what kind of paddle boarding you plan on doing, where you’ll be paddling and for how long and you’re sure to find a great fit with any of our selections for the best PFD for paddle boarding.
Check out some of our other popular SUP articles
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Excellent post Jim! I love being out in the water and my fiance and I go to Hawaii at least once a year. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know how to swim very well and we always have to pack a PFD. It’s always bulky and takes up WAY too much space in the suitcase. These are great options because they’re compact. I”ll definitely look into getting one of these. Thanks!
Thanks! Yeah, having one that can fit in a suitcase is really a nice way to go. Then you’ve always got it with you and can get a few more adventures in!
nice overview post! I have a body glove hip belt and it can get in the way especially when i am paddling past the break. might have to look into getting a different pfd.
Thanks! Yeah I find it super important to find a PFD that not only works well but that you also like the fit of. Then you actually don’t mind wearing it.