How To Choose a PFD

With Zhik, you can find watersports and lifestyle gear that you can use for various recreational activities. We proudly offer personal flotation devices as one of our core product offerings. The type of PFD you need depends on where you intend to wear it and what activities you intend to do. This guide lets you determine the best life jacket for your specific needs. 

Different water sports require different design features, and we have crafted innovative personal flotation devices to suit the needs of these activities. Our designs ensure ample room for movement when sailing, impact padding for sports where you might need an extra layer of protection, and so much more. With different PFD types being better suited for different environments, we wanted to give you all the information to make an informed decision. 

A PFD is an essential safety item for most water sports, which means you will be wearing your PFD often. To ensure lasting comfort and practicality, selecting a PFD to suit your needs carefully is important. 

On top of having specific designs best suited to different sports, our selection of personal flotation devices has been crafted with a selection of colours so that everybody can find their perfect match. Personal flotation devices are available in fits for both men and women, ensuring a comfortable and streamlined fit for all wearers. 

No matter your preferred water sport, here at Zhik, we have the perfect PFD for you. 

A PFD, or personal flotation device, is a safety vest designed to keep you afloat in the water. Often referred to as a life jacket, it’s a vital piece of gear for most water-based activities and significantly increases your chance of survival in an emergency.

While all PFDs will provide some buoyancy, PFDs specifically designed for sailing have unique design features that help ensure a comfortable and safe experience on the water. The best life jacket for sailing will often feature an ergonomic design that allows for freedom of movement, more durable materials to sustain the marine environment and a higher level of buoyancy. 

At Zhik, our PFDs feature:

• Ergonomic cuts for unrestricted movement
• Advanced impact protection for high-speed activities
• Durable, high-performance materials built for marine conditions
• Slim, close-fitting profiles to reduce drag and snag points
• Hi-vis colour options to improve visibility and safety

Technically PFDs don't have expiry dates, but they must be replaced when damaged or degraded. PFDs are only effective and safe when properly taken care of and regularly maintained, so it’s critical to ensure your PFDs are well-maintained before taking them out on the water. This includes looking for any tears affecting the PFD's buoyancy and ensuring the vest can be fastened securely. If in doubt, place your PFD in a body of water and ensure it floats; if it appears to have lost some of its buoyancy, it’s likely time for a replacement. 

What about legal expiry?

The short answer is yes. In some countries, laws are in place to ensure that life jackets sold before a particular time are no longer legally viable for boat owners. These laws improve marine safety and adhere to more recent guidelines. There is usually an extended grace period to allow boat owners to replace their life jackets.  

How Long Does a PFD Last?

With proper maintenance, a high-quality PFD can last up to 10 years. But exposure to saltwater, sun, and frequent use can reduce its lifespan. Always rinse with fresh water and store in a cool, dry place.

If impact water sports like fast sailing classes, foiling, kiteboarding or paddle sports are on your radar, then Zhik’s Kollition and P2 PFD designs will be a good fit for you. This versatile offering boasts a lightweight and slim buoyancy aid, an ergonomic profile allowing greater freedom of movement and front pockets for easy storage, and is finished with an anti-slip hem to avoid your PFD riding up. 

The Performance PFD is Zhik’s go-to flotation device for elite-level racing, trusted by Olympic and world-class sailors worldwide. Featuring a low-profile race cut with large arm and neck openings, it offers unrestricted movement and a minimalist silhouette tailored for fast-paced sailing. The pre-shaped foam paneling is ergonomically contoured to sit flush against the body, enhancing comfort and reducing bulk for a truly streamlined fit. Free from external straps and buckles, it minimises snag points, while an internal side zip and non-slip hem keep the PFD securely in place. Lightweight mesh pockets add discreet storage without disrupting the clean, performance-driven design.

The USCG Approved PFD delivers race-ready performance with the peace of mind of United States Coast Guard approval. Engineered for freedom and functionality, it features a low-profile design with deep-cut arm and neck openings to maximise mobility during high-intensity activity. The clean silhouette eliminates bulky straps and external buckles, reducing snag points and ensuring a close, secure fit. Inside, a wide, stretch mesh panel and adjustable internal waistband provide stability and comfort, while mesh side panels enhance ventilation. With 70N of buoyancy, it meets USCG Type III requirements — making it ideal for athletes who need certified protection without sacrificing performance.

For junior sailors stepping into performance sailing, the Active PFD in XXS and XS sizes offers the same trusted design features as the adult version — scaled down for smaller frames. With a streamlined, ergonomic cut, it provides a secure, non-restrictive fit that allows young athletes to move freely and confidently on the water. The large arm and neck openings, internal side zip, and non-slip waist hem help ensure comfort and stability during racing or training. Lightweight and low-profile, it’s the ideal choice for developing sailors who need performance-level protection without unnecessary bulk.

With our lightest and least constrictive PFD, you forget you're wearing the Breathable PFD. If you’re paddleboarding or just having fun on the boat, this lightweight PFD is perfect, especially in warm weather. Our Breathable PFD is constructed to allow airflow from front to back, cooling you down and offering an experience like no other. The PFD’s Hi-vis panelling improves visibility in low light conditions, while deep-cut openings allow you to move freely. This PFD is also compatible with hydration packs, allowing you to stay cool, calm and hydrated on your next day out on the water.