I am going to get a yak and I want tobe safe. Do you always west one and what kind and style do you wear? I saw one at Academy that was designed for paddle sports. Looking for some serious advice

Thanks
Scooter

Get one designed for paddling and wear it. I would like to say that I always wear one but I am guilty of taking it off when it gets to hot. The vests that are designed for paddling are much more comfortable and worth the extra $$.

I always wear mine. I usually wear my MTI Dio. It doesn't make me sweat as much as the Stohlquist but has fewer features. I don't know that Academy carries it anymore. Usually around $60. If you are going to spend more than $60 get the Stohlquist Fisherman or NRS CHinook:

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/814/Stohlquist-Fisherman-High-Back-Life-Jacket-PFD.html

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1686/NRS-Chinook-Fishing-Life-Jacket-PFD.html

MTI Solaris F-Spec, i got it at a steal at Academy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehl4cAEZWug
http://www.buy.com/prod/mti-solaris-f-sp...ingId=241426707

i wear a MTI calcutta PFD offshore in the yak everytime, my buddy wears a MTI as well offshore..i dont wear a PFD in the bay...

Yes I wear mine all the time, and I use the NRS chinook.
Lot's of pockets and very comfortable

Stohlquist Fisherman, always!

This is my choice also.

BigDozer66

+3 I don't swim or float lol so I always have it on!

I like the stohlquist fisherman, except the zippers for the pockets locked up after a few years.

I wear mine in moving water, cold water, or when I am alone in deep water. I sit on it otherwise.

Yes and mine.

For the last couple years around this time Cabela's put their brand of paddling vest on sale for a very resonable price. You can give that a try.

Admittedly, I am one of those that needs to get better about wearing one every single time.

I don't wear mine unless adverse weather is around.

Astral, Bass Pro, Extrasport, Kokatat, MTI, NRS, Stearns, and Stohlquist all make paddling PFD's designed to accommodate high back seats found on sit-on-top kayaks. Inflatable PFD's are also a good choice.

I always wear mine when in the yam. But 75% of the time when I am out I just have it anchored or tied off to me while I wade, I usually don't wear it while wading unless it is cold. I just have a cheapo rafting / skiing one from bass pro shop, does not hinder me, but it has no pockets which would be useful.

Vest on or at least handy always! MTI and Stohlquist are my 2 top picks. If you've got a lot of "on board" tackle storage you may not need all the specialty fishing vest pockets and you can save some money. You'll definately want large arm openings and a high waist vest for paddling. Some folks prefer a high back vest as well but you won't know until you sit in your own boat with one.

My advice....take you boat shopping and try a few on!