On the water everything can change in a second. The wind picks up, the canoe capsizes, your leg cramps. At moments like that your life jacket cannot be somewhere in the car boot. It has to be on you.
Read also: Life jacket comparison, How to choose a kayak.
VAKA Sport offers safety gear from three manufacturers: Baltic Lifejackets from Sweden, NRS from the USA and WALLYS. Each one is made for different needs and budgets.
Baltic Lifejackets: the Swedish safety standard since 1977
Baltic Lifejackets has been making life saving equipment since 1977. It is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers in Europe. Its products are used not only in recreational water sports but also in professional shipping and rescue services.
Every Baltic jacket is CE certified to the EN ISO 12402 standard. That means the product has been tested and meets the strictest European safety requirements.
Foam jackets (50N) for everyday use
Baltic Aqua 50N is a light and compact jacket for leisure on the water. It suits SUP paddlers and calm lakes. From 33.99 EUR. Baltic Aqua Pro 50N is an upgraded version with better ventilation and more comfortable buckles (41.99 EUR).
Baltic Paddler 50N is made for active water sports. The shorter front does not get in the way when paddling a kayak or paddle board. Price 54.99 EUR.
Inflatable life jackets (150N and above)
Baltic Legend 305 series are professional grade inflatable life jackets. Compact, light and they do not restrict movement. Suitable for sailing, sea kayaking and longer trips on open water.
The Legend 305 comes in several versions. The Manual version is activated by hand (from 219.99 EUR). The Auto version inflates automatically on contact with water (from 229.99 EUR). Harness versions have an integrated harness for clipping onto the boat. M.E.D./SOLAS versions meet international maritime rescue standards and are made for professional use.
Who is the Baltic for? If you are looking for maximum quality and reliability. If you paddle on open water, sail or want professional grade gear.
NRS: an American water sports legend
NRS (Northwest River Supplies) was founded in 1972 in Idaho, USA. It is one of the largest water sports gear manufacturers in the world. NRS life jackets are used by everyone from commercial rafting companies to Olympic kayak teams.
Recreational and all round jackets
NRS Vapor PFD is one of the most popular all round jackets on the market. Light and comfortable, with lots of adjustment points. Suitable for SUP boards, kayaks and rafting. From 99.95 EUR.
NRS Ion PFD stands out for its slim profile and minimal weight. Perfect for paddlers who value freedom of movement. NRS Chinook PFD is a versatile jacket with pockets and D rings, comfortable on longer trips.
Fishing jackets
NRS Chinook Fishing PFD is specially designed for kayak fishing. High pockets do not get in the way when sitting in a kayak. There is enough room at the front for tackle boxes and tools. From 127.50 EUR.
Professional and rescue jackets
NRS has a separate line for professionals and rescuers. The NRS Rapid Rescuer PFD is made for work on whitewater rivers. The NRS Ninja Pro gives high buoyancy for extreme use. NRS Vector PFD is a professional rescue jacket with a quick release harness.
For children and pets
The NRS Vista Youth PFD is made for children from 22 to 40 kg. Bright colours help you spot a child in the water (79.99 EUR). NRS Big Water V also comes in a youth version for higher buoyancy needs.
NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket is a life jacket for dogs. With a handle on top for lifting your pet out of the water easily.
Not just life jackets: helmets, knives, throw ropes
The NRS range at VAKA Sport covers much more than life jackets. NRS Tactyl helmet and WRSI Current and WRSI Trident helmets are essential on whitewater rivers and for rafting.
Safety knives (NRS Photic, NRS Pilot, NRS Titanium Co-Pilot) are made for cutting rope and nets. Every serious paddler should have a knife within reach.
NRS Compact Rescue Throw Bag and the NRS Pro Guardian are throw bags, essential for river kayaking. The NRS Tow Tether and Kayak Tow Line let you tow another paddler when they need help.
Who is the NRS for? If you are looking for the widest choice in one place. NRS has a jacket for every situation: from calm SUP to extreme rescue. Especially recommended for kayak anglers and active paddlers.
WALLYS: a reliable jacket for families and leisure
WALLYS makes classic foam buoyancy aids with 50N of buoyancy. It is the simplest and most reliable type of jacket: no mechanics, no gas cylinders. Put it on and you are safe.
The main advantage of WALLYS is the full weight range from 30 to 140 kg. A family can get kitted out in one order: children from 30 kg, teenagers, adults and even larger people. All WALLYS jackets are CE certified to the EN ISO 12402-5 standard.
Prices from 29.99 to 63.99 EUR, depending on size: from WALLYS 30-50 kg up to WALLYS 120-140 kg. One of the best value options on the market.
Who is the WALLYS for? The ideal choice for families, recreational paddlers and anyone who goes on the water only occasionally. Also a great option for rental businesses and campsites that need lots of jackets at a sensible price.
Which life jacket should you choose? Recommendations by activity
SUP on a calm lake or river. Best choice: WALLYS or Baltic Aqua 50N. Simple, light and affordable.
Kayak tour or longer trip. Baltic Paddler 50N or NRS Chinook PFD. Comfortable for long periods of sitting and does not get in the way of paddling.
Kayak fishing. NRS Chinook Fishing PFD. Dedicated pockets for fishing gear, and the high profile does not interfere with the kayak seat.
Sailing and open water. Baltic Legend 305 Auto. Compact and inflates automatically. The professional choice.
Whitewater and rafting. NRS Big Water V PFD together with a WRSI helmet. Maximum buoyancy and head protection.
For children. NRS Vista Youth PFD for active use, or WALLYS 30-50 kg for calm paddling.
How to look after your life jacket
A few tips to make your jacket last for years. After each use, rinse it with clean water, especially if you paddled in salt water. Dry it in the shade, as direct sunlight fades the fabric and damages the foam. Do not store it folded or compressed. Before each season, check the buckles, zips and adjustment straps.
Check inflatable jackets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check the CO2 cylinder and the activation mechanism at least once a year.
Frequently asked questions
Is a foam jacket (50N) enough for kayaking?
Yes, on calm inland waters a foam jacket with 50N of buoyancy is enough. For open water and sailing, a 150N or higher inflatable jacket such as the Baltic Legend 305 is recommended.
What is the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid?
A buoyancy aid (50N) helps a conscious person stay afloat. A life jacket (150N and above) turns an unconscious person face up. The choice depends on the activity and type of water. Read more about this in our detailed guide to choosing a life jacket.
What size jacket should you choose?
Choose by body weight and chest size. The jacket should fit snugly but not restrict your breathing. Once it is fastened, raise your arms above your head. If the jacket rides up over your shoulders, it is too big.
Do children have to wear a life jacket on the water?
No exceptions: yes. Children must wear a life jacket every time they are on the water, even if they can swim. The NRS Vista Youth PFD or WALLYS 30 to 50 kg are good options depending on budget and activity level.
How long does a life jacket last?
A foam jacket lasts 5 to 10 years depending on how much it is used and how well it is cared for. CO2 cylinders in inflatable jackets are replaced every 2 to 3 years or after each activation.
Do you need a helmet for kayaking?
Not on calm lakes. But if you paddle rivers with rapids or fast sections, a helmet is a must. NRS Tactyl and WRSI Current are great choices.
All safety gear is in the VAKA Sport safety catalogue. If you are not sure which jacket suits your needs, get in touch with us and we will help you choose.
Related articles:
- Buoyancy aids for water sports: how to choose the right one
- NRS paddle boards: which one to choose?
- NRS inflatable kayaks: an in depth review
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