Stay safe and confident on the water with our range of Buoyancy Aids from leading manufacturers. At SUP Funk, we offer high-quality Paddle Board Buoyancy Aids that we have tested, use ourselves and can personally recommend.
Each is designed for comfort, safety and freedom of movement while out on your SUP or Kayak. Whether you’re after a lightweight Buoyancy Aid for Paddle Boarding or a reliable Kayak / SUP Life Jacket, our collection ensures you stay protected and safe without compromising performance on the water.
We only stock premium and trusted brands such as Spinlock, NRS and Baltic, so you can rely on proven quality and buy with confidence.
We get asked this question all the time and the simple answer is yes without question! Many lakes throughout the UK stipulate that a PFD must be worn at all times and the Paddle UK guidance (National Governing body for paddle sport) is that a Buoyancy Aid (or PFD) must be worn wherever you are paddling.
With the rise in popularity of Paddle Boarding unfortunately this has lead to an increase in incidents. Your safety out on the water is of the upmost importance where the right PFD will allow you to have fun but stay safe while out on the water.
Buoyancy Aids and Life Jackets, what is the difference?
Choosing the right Buoyancy Aid or Life Jacket for your paddle board adventures is one of the most important decisions before heading out on the water. It’s essential to understand the differences and limitations of each so you can select the option best suited to your needs. Both are types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), but they serve different purposes. A Life Jacket is a life-saving device designed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up, keeping their head above water, while a Buoyancy Aid is intended to help a conscious person stay afloat and swim more easily.
Understanding Different PFD Classifications
Here in the UK a PFD is classified using the ISO 12402 international standard which is made up of four different levels which is based on their measured buoyancy in Newtons(N). Each classification determines the type of water activity the PFD is suitable for:
Level 50N (ISO12402-5): Buoyancy aids that are designed to keep the wearer afloat but will not turn them over if unconscious. This is the most common type of Buoyancy Aid used for paddle boarding and importantly only suitable for wearers who can swim and used in sheltered waters close to the shoreline where help is close by.
Level 100N (ISO12402-4): Life Jacket which provides a minimum of 10kg of buoyancy per jacket for calm and sheltered waters where crucially it may not be strong enough to self right an unconscious person onto their back especially if heavy in weight or wearing lots of heavy clothing.
Level 150N (ISO12042-3): Life Jacket for general use on coastal and offshore waters and should turn an unconscious person onto their back and keep their face out of the water. Please be aware performance can be affected if the user is wearing heavy clothes.
Level 275N (ISO12042-2): Life Jacket recommended for offshore use primarily in extreme conditions with high levels of buoyancy of over 275N and designed to self right an unconscious person keeping their airways above water.
No matter where your next paddle board adventure takes you SUP Funk has you covered with the best tried and tested Buoyancy Aids on the market.
FAQ
What is the best Buoyancy Aid for Paddle Boarding?
The best Buoyancy Aid for Paddle Boarding depends on where and how you plan to paddle, as different environments require different levels of protection.
Sheltered waters (lakes, canals, calm rivers, close to shore):
A 50N Buoyancy Aid (PFD) is typically sufficient. These are designed to help a conscious paddler stay afloat and give you extra support if you fall in. They are lightweight, comfortable, and allow freedom of movement, which makes them popular for recreational SUP use.
Open water, coastal, or offshore paddling:
If you are heading further from shore or into more challenging conditions, a 150N Life Jacket (manual or automatic inflation) is recommended. These offer significantly more buoyancy and are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up, keeping the head above water
✅ For most recreational paddlers on sheltered water, a 50N SUP Buoyancy Aid is the best choice.
✅ For coastal tours, long-distance paddling, or offshore adventures, choose a 150N inflatable PFD or life jacket for maximum safety.
What should I consider when choosing a Buoyancy Aid?
Classification Types: Ensure that the Buoyancy Aid is designed and rated for the type of paddle board activity you intend to use it for and is of the correct type.
PFD Specifications: Check product size guides to ensure correct fit and weight to ensure it gives you a sufficient amount of buoyancy.
Fit & comfort: Look for an adjustable design that won’t restrict paddling movement.
Certification: Choose a PFD that meets recognised safety standards (CE/ISO/UKCA).
Features: Some models include pockets, hydration compatibility, or key clips, which can be useful for longer trips.
Visibility: Bright colours or reflective strips increase safety if paddling in low light or busy waterways.
Will a buoyancy Aid keep you afloat?
Yes, a Buoyancy Aid will help keep you afloat, but it is designed to assist a conscious swimmer rather than act as a full life-saving device. A standard 50N Buoyancy Aid provides enough buoyancy to support you in the water while you swim or wait for assistance. However, unlike a Life Jacket, it will not turn you onto your back or keep your head above water if you are unconscious.
What's the difference between a Life Jacket and a Buoyancy Aid?
A Life Jacket is a life-saving device designed to turn an unconscious person face up and keep their head above water, offering maximum safety. A Buoyancy Aid, on the other hand provides extra flotation support to help a conscious paddler stay afloat and swim, making it ideal for activities like paddle boarding where freedom of movement is important on sheltered waters.
Should you wear a Buoyancy Aid for Paddle Boarding?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to wear a Buoyancy Aid for Paddle Boarding. Even experienced paddlers can fall in unexpectedly, and a buoyancy aid provides vital flotation support, extra confidence and added safety in case of fatigue, cold water shock or strong currents. Many waterways now require them, making a buoyancy aid one of the most important pieces of paddle boarding safety gear.
If you have any further questions or need help and advice do not hesitate to contact us and one of the team will be more than happy to help.
Reviews
Rachel
Reviewer
4/5
Really happy with my jobe bag. Fast delivery email to confirm and communication throughout and great value for money and have used it every trip i go. Gteat company
3 weeks ago
Michael Russell
Verified owner
4/5
Awesome would be 5 but price is high. 9ft board little over 2 minutes 12ft board about 8 minutes
Had a Shark 2 which was ok but had to be connected to the car and was slow to inflate. The shark 3 is so much faster and with the built in battery much more convenient. Had a few people the weekend ask what it was and were very impressed.
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