by Michael Carney, Co-Director - USA SUP Regional Rep Program
You can’t have fun if you are worried about your safety. That’s something I instill in my paddling students when talking about Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and other safety equipment for paddling. Life jackets (PFDs, Buoyancy Aids, etc) help provide one piece of that safety system and are legally required equipment when paddling in the United States. But, there are devices marketed as alternatives that don’t provide the same level of safety or meet legal requirements.
As we progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced paddlers we become more confident on our boards and in the water. We naturally seek out ways to be more connected to the experience and more comfortable on the water. One of the first changes paddlers often make is to stop wearing their PFDs and place them on the board, or swap them for smaller inflatable devices. These inflatables still need to meet the legal and minimum safety requirements, and you should always wear your PFD, no matter your skill level. PFDs are like seat belts - by the time you know you need one, it’s too late to put it on.
What are PFDs?
To obtain certification as a PFD, a flotation device must meet certain minimum requirements for flotation and usage. PFDs are physically inspected for these requirements before receiving certification, and must properly display their certification status and other information on the device itself. In the US, this is the “Type” system for PFDs certified before 2025 ( see Boat US Foundation) and new UL standards for those certified in 2025 forward (see Association of Aquatic Professionals). The USCG does recognize and allow devices with certifications from the EU, UK and Canada to meet US requirements.
What are Restubes?
One device I’ve seen used more frequently by competitive racers is the Restube. I can understand why it’s becoming more popular - this thing is tiny! The main device is only 6” x 3”, under 7 ounces, and sits easily in the small of your back. It has a CO2 canister that inflates when you pull the rip cord, and provides 75N of buoyancy when inflated. It sounds pretty good on paper.
But there’s a problem. Restubes (and similar devices) are not considered a PFD and do not carry any certifications. Restube states on their website FAQ that Restube devices are “not personal protective equipment,” and “should never replace a life jacket.”
Restubes don’t meet the minimum qualifications for certification as PFDs. They don’t meet the flotation requirements for inflatable PFDs under the Type system. They lack a green-color visual status indicator showing the device is properly armed. Restubes are not able to be worn, rather they are held, when inflated.
Why does this matter?
Over 80% of boating fatalities in the US each year list “No/Not Wearing PFD” as the primary cause of death. Most of those happen on days with calm weather conditions. (USCG Statistics) In the US, SUPs are considered “vessels” and required to carry a certified PFD for each passenger. PFDs are required to be worn by anyone under the age of 13. All inflatable PFDs must be worn to qualify for paddlers of any age. In some places, like my home state of New Mexico, PFDs must be worn by ALL paddlers, not just children, rather than simply placed on the vessel.
There can be consequences for using a Restube instead of a PFD. If you are paddling with a Restube instead of a certified PFD and get stopped for inspection, you can be ticketed and forced off the water.
Race organizers should be requiring participants to follow the local law regarding PFDs. In the US that means certification and proper wear for your device. Allowing paddlers to use Restubes or similar devices instead of a certified PFD will put Race Directors at risk of liability and losing operation permits.
And the big one - your safety and concern for those around you. Purposely choosing to use improper or no safety equipment risks the sport of SUP Racing, your health and life, first responders, and the well being of your friends and family should an accident occur.
Alternatives
There are many alternative devices you can wear that are certified safety equipment. The Onyx M16 belt pack is only half an ounce heavier than a Restube, and keeps a thin profile around the waist. There are many other brands and models of inflatable PFDs that are comfortable to wear and still meet appropriate safety regulations. Check out brands like BOTE, West Marine, NRS, Overton’s, Ascend, Paddle North, and Mustang Minimalist, to name a few.
While the idea of an ultra-small flotation device is appealing, it's important to remember that there are requirements for safety equipment and there can be severe consequences for not using it. So, before using these non-certified, non-safety equipment devices while paddling, ask yourself, "Is the slightly smaller size work the potential costs?"
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- Should ResTubes be allowed in SUP races to meet safety requirements?
- What other safety considerations should be taken by race directors and racers?
- Have you ever been at a race that had a safety concern manifest?
