Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting started with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), investing in the right life jacket is essential for both safety and comfort on the water.
While SUPs offer a fun way to explore waterways, it’s important to be prepared for changing conditions, and that’s where a high-quality life jacket comes in.
What should you look for in a lifejacket for paddleboarding?
When choosing a life jacket for SUP, buoyancy is the first thing to consider. SUP life jackets are designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive, so look for models with slimline, low-profile buoyancy aids that won’t restrict your movement or weigh you down. You want something that provides ample flotation without compromising agility on the board.
Fit is equally important. Unlike traditional boating life jackets, a SUP-specific model should fit snugly without riding up or chafing. Adjustable straps at the shoulders, waist and sides allow for a customised fit, ensuring the jacket stays in place during intense paddling or sudden falls. Choosing a design that accommodates a full range of motion is best so you can paddle efficiently.
Breathability is another key consideration. Look for life jackets with mesh panels or ventilation features, especially if you plan on paddling during warm weather. Staying cool and comfortable is vital for longer sessions; these features will help regulate your body temperature.
Additional extras, like storage pockets for essentials (think snacks or a small phone), a hydration pouch for easy water access, or reflective elements for enhanced visibility, can further elevate your choice.
We've rounded up all of the best life jackets for SUP below
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Aquaplanet Pro Buoyancy Aid + Hydration Pouch
This Aquaplanet Buoyancy Aid PRO is the ultimate upgrade for your paddle-boarding adventures. Designed by SUP experts, this buoyancy aid guarantees uncompromised comfort and flexibility with its SUP-specific shape.
Packed with handy features, it includes a front pocket for accessories, a built-in safety whistle, adjustable straps and a back pocket with a 2L water bladder. Record your adventures with a phone video pocket, keep your keys safe with a protected D-ring, and enhance safety with reflective shoulder loops. Its bright neoprene orange lining adds a touch of comfort to your water excursions.
The lifejacket without the pouch is also available on Amazon (£49.99).
Buy now £69.99, Aquaplanet
Palm FXr PFD
An excellent do-it-all choice for moving water, this Palm FXr PFD is ideal for everything from rivers to tide races. On a far-flung mission or just doing laps of your local run, it's one of the comfiest buoyancy aids with all of the necessary features.
Under the bright, clean exterior are rated shoulder straps with aircraft-grade aluminium hardware. With its large utility-draw front pocket, and a UCLan adjustable safety harness, it's just missing the water to get started.
Buy now £151.95, WetsuitOutlet
ITIWIT 50N+ buoyancy aid
A hard-wearing buoyancy vest, this ITIWIT 50N+ life jacket is easy to put on thanks to buckles. It's recommended for canoe-kayak clubs or lenders and features a crotch strap on all sizes. Expect a great range of adjustments in the straps and a couple of colour options to keep you safe on the water.
Buy now £29.99, Decathlon
Helly Hansen Rider Compact 50N
This innovative buoyancy aid is sleek and light - over 60 per cent more compact than traditional buoyancy aids. Its ergonomic design delivers maximum freedom of movement and comfort for long hours on board.
The brand also uses 3D mesh fabric so it’s breathable on hot summer days. A single point closure makes it easy to put on and take off, while it also has the most up-to-date ISO 12402-5 flotation certification and a 50N buoyancy rating.
Buy now £65.00, Helly Hansen
Crewsaver Response 50N Buoyancy Aid
This Crewsaver Response 50N provides an entry-level buoyancy aid with an advanced contoured foam construction helping to ensure correct comfort and fit when worn. As well as this, the Response 50N has an array of beneficial features including a centre zip, padded shoulder straps, adjustable waist, key pocket and reflective print detailing.
Buy now £38.00, Amazon
Helly Hansen Unisex Buoyancy Aid Navigare Comfort
When it comes to safety and comfort on the water, the Helly Hansen Unisex Buoyancy Aid Navigare Comfort is one of the top contenders. This buoyancy aid was designed to keep you safe while ensuring maximum comfort, made from Soft Closed-Cell Foam, which ensures lasting comfort - perfect for those long SUP sessions.
It's ISO 12402-4 Certified and has robust flotation support, essential for any water activity.
Buy now £110.00, Amazon
Yak Xipe 60N Buoyancy Aid
Designed for both river and sea touring, this Yak Xipe 60N Buoyancy Aid has a high-cut, slimline design that ensures excellent arm mobility, making it ideal for paddling.
The adjustable shoulders and concealed waist belt provide a secure and customised fit, preventing the jacket from riding up during use. The Xipe 60N is equipped with 3D ergonomic super soft foam panels that enhance comfort, allowing you to stay on the water longer without feeling restricted.
Buy now £109.01, Amazon
Tahe Windigo buoyancy aid
Designed for both river and sea touring, this Yak Xipe 60N Buoyancy Aid has a high-cut, slimline design that ensures excellent arm mobility, making it ideal for paddling.
The adjustable shoulders and concealed waist belt provide a secure and customised fit, preventing the jacket from riding up during use. The Xipe 60N is equipped with 3D ergonomic super soft foam panels that enhance comfort, allowing you to stay on the water longer without feeling restricted.
Buy now £105.00, King of Watersports
NRS Siren PFD Ladies
The NRS Siren PFD combines safety, comfort and style in one package. Designed specifically for women, this life jacket features a six-panel design of supple foam that wraps around your body, providing a snug yet flexible fit that moves with you.
The low-profile construction ensures that it doesn’t feel bulky, allowing for a full range of motion, which is essential for paddling. Made from durable 400 denier ripstop nylon, the Siren is built to withstand season after season of use.
Buy now, Escape Watersports
Square Rock NRS Vapor PFD
Not only a boater jacket but awesome for SUP paddlers, this Square Rock NRS Vapor life jacket is lightweight and has a flat front panel to help remount onto your board after a tumble.
Its six-panel design was constructed with ultra-soft foam for a flexible fit that effortlessly wraps your torso and flows with your movements while its 400 denier nylon ensures season-after-season durability.
Buy now £49.95, Square Rock
Verdict:
The Aquaplanet Pro Buoyancy Aid + Hydration Pouch is the ultimate life jacket for stand-up paddleboarding. It combines essential buoyancy with a convenient hydration pouch, ensuring safety and hydration on long paddles. Lightweight and comfortable, it allows unrestricted movement, making it the top choice for SUP enthusiasts.
