Kayak PFD- Personal Floatation Device
1 of 3 items required by law while kayaking on Texas waters

Not all PFDs have the same Coast Guard safety ratings.
Your PFD should fit you right & be able keep you afloat in an emergency situation.
Nice Paddler PFDs starts around $50+ & $90+ for an inflatable(not on sale).
Angler PFDs have a few pockets & comfortable ones get worn.
The more you wear it, The more likely you are to survive a close one.
Academy carries MTI, extrasport, & Stern PFDs
extrasport & Stern are normally less expensive of these 3 brands.
Stohlquist has also made quit a name in the sport.
Most Kayak shops offer TFFers at least 10% off.
Not all Walmarts carry Paddling PFDs.
Most Yakers use a US Coast Guard Class type III PFDs.
All PFDs serve the same function but some excel while most just met the minimum law requirements.
Children 13 & under are required to WEAR their PFD while on the water.

LINKS:
http://www.extrasport.com/
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/
http://www.mtiadventurewear.com/
http://www.stohlquist.com/

Game Wardens, Park Rangers & Lake Patrol want to see that you can easily access your PFD within 3 second. Stowing your PFD can result in a Ticket or much worse, because not having a PFD on when you need it, is not in your favor. Your life is worth more than the cost of any PFD. One major difference you'll notice in a kayaker's PFD is the over sized arm holes & all around general comfort. Look for one w/ reflective straps. They prove themselves when paddling in low light conditions or fishing at night. Kayak shops can be a good source. Ordering online cost less & shipping is sometimes free.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/

I don't care how hot it is out on the lakes or bays...I'll be wearing my Stohlquist

"The more you wear it, The more likely you are to survive a close one"
I like this statement.

I picked up a kayaking PFD the other day and love it. What a difference it makes to get the correct life jacket!

what model/brand did you get Shaun? I have an agler PFD, has more padding in the back than i like, but i really like all the pockets. I wear mine 100% of the time i am in the water.

I picked up the Extrasport "Sturgeon".
http://www.extrasport.com/product/pfds/canoe_kayak/sturgeon.aspx
It is SSSSOOOOOoooooo...nice compared to the old bass boat PDF it replaced. This one actually fits and doesn't ride up. Also the padding on the back is higher up, making it tremendously more comfortable to sit in a kayak for 14 hrs.

I have two extrasport kayak pfds, 1 angler and 1 rec.

I have one pfd with me at all times... However, the only place I don't wear it is lady bird lake, during the day. If I'm out at night (no matter where), or anywhere else it is on. Even on Lady Bird it is tucked right behind my seat.

I keep my rescue knife on me at all times.

I'm in the market for the NRS Chinook as my next PFD.

I need a good rescue knife. I currently have the larger version od a folding "old timer" great knife, but would like a double sided fixed blade, something with an ankle/calf mount would be ideal.

Yeah, a good dive knife is next on my list.

I have the NRS Copilot knife. Hope I never have to use it but it's always there on the pfd. Small and doesn't get in the way.

I'm sure fish zombie will cover rescue knives in a future post. I'm not a fan of double sided knives.

(CRKT bear claw for me)

Great post!
That orange thing in the top right hand corner.....is that what I think it is?

I like the folding rescue knifes that have the saftey cutter on the outside. I have one of those attached to my pdf and usually one in my pocket too.

I also keep a Klein double edge on me. And of course my trusty bait cutter fillet knife is strapped to my crate.

I guess that depends on what you think it is...

Mine looks like this:
http://kayakfishinggear.com/ProductImages/Scotty-Lifesaver-Whistle.jpg

Whistle/Horn
Item #2 required by law while kayaking on Texas waters


THE LOUDER THE BETTER!

Used to warn others / get attention. Especially useful when you become
injured/stranded & or just need help. In low light conditions/night time you cant be seen but
you can be heard. Most anglers won't use there's until they are stranded,
injured or need help. A good water proof whistle/horn, like the ones shown above can help alert
others of your location & possible danger. Remember, Not everyone has 20/20 vision &
boaters often get too close especially on lakes. People are curious & want to see/identify what
they can't make out. LETS NOT RULE OUT THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE THERIR heads where the sun dont shine so, if you can't be seen, at least be heard.

FACTS:
Sound waves travel better across water.
Sound waves travel better at night.
You'll wish you had one when you need it.
Useful on & off the water.
You can't use it if doesn't work or you don't have one
A loud WATER PROOF noise making device can help save you and others.
IT'S THE LAW!!!


LINKS:
http://www.stormwhistles.com/
http://www.seasense.com/products/50/flypage/horn/details/2792
http://www.scotty.com/boating-supplies-equipment/safety-equipment/whistles.htm