Okay, I just got for Christmas two PFDs. The first is an Astral Nova replacing my old windsurfing PFD with one designed more towards paddling. The second was an Onyx M24 Belt Pack PFD. (This must count as some sort of record.)

This got me to thinking about using a traditional PFD as opposed to the belt pack style. When was the right time to wear each? So here's the set of rules I came up with.

Traditional PFD: Used when paddling alone or in cold weather.

Belt Pack: Used when paddling with a partner.

They may seem over-cautious to some of you, but I do have three kids, and I want to make sure I come home to them each day. If I'm alone and something happens, God forbid, it's probably best to have a PFD that will keep me floating no matter whether I'm conscious or not. On the other hand, I think paddling with a full PFD while in a group is a bit silly.

I also paddle when the water is pretty cold and any extra heat is a good thing.

Anybody else have rules of this kind?

Thanks for the reminder about the leash. I always wear a leash. Can't see a reason not to have one.

I once forgot mine in 45ºF water, and serious regretted it. I had my O'Neil Mutant suit a bit open on top to keep down the sweating (it was a warm day). When I fell off the back, the board — of course the board had to fly in the opposite direction, I had a 10m swim to my board with water pouring in through my collar. Wow. It took about half an hour before the shock wore off.

Where I do much of my paddling, the Hudson, choppy conditions can come up pretty suddenly. I always remember now to have a leash.