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A PFD (personal flotation device) is a certified safety garment designed to keep you afloat in the water. All Vaikobi PFDs are certified to ISO 12402-5 (Level 50), which means they're built above the minimum buoyancy required for watersports including kayaking, surfski paddling, dinghy sailing, SUP, and foiling. When selecting a PFD, Vaikobi recommends sizing by chest measurement rather than weight — a correct fit ensures maximum comfort, freedom of movement, and performance in an emergency. Read our complete guide to how to choose the right PFD for you.

All Vaikobi PFDs meet ISO 12402-5 (Level 50), providing 50 Newtons of buoyancy relative to your body weight. Because lighter users need less lift to achieve 50N, the actual lift rating varies by size:

V4 Ocean Racing PFD:

• XS: 40N lift
• S and above: 50N lift

VXP / VXS / VXI:

• XS and S: 40N lift
• M: 45N lift
• L and above: 50N lift

Always size by the weight guide on our website rather than the listed lift rating, as this ensures full 50N compliance, which matters if your PFD is being checked at a race or event. Note that Level 50 PFDs are designed for conscious, active users in sheltered waters. For offshore or rough conditions, a higher buoyancy rating may be more appropriate. Read more in our guide to PFD buoyancy levels and safety.

PFD, life jacket, buoyancy vest, buoyancy aid, and life preserver are all terms used interchangeably around the world - they all refer to the same type of safety garment designed to keep you afloat in the water. The key difference worth knowing is that not all PFDs are equal: buoyancy ratings vary from Level 50 (suitable for inshore watersports) through to Level 150+ (designed for offshore and rough water conditions). Choosing the right one depends on your sport and the conditions you paddle or sail in. Read more in our guide to the difference between a PFD and a life jacket.

A Level 50 PFD (also known as a Level 50 life jacket or buoyancy aid) provides 50 Newtons (N) of flotation and is the most widely used buoyancy rating for watersports - ideal for kayaking, dinghy sailing, SUP, and paddling in sheltered waters where rescue is readily available. It's designed to keep a conscious, active person afloat while allowing the freedom of movement needed for performance sport. Read more in our guide to PFD buoyancy ratings and what they mean for your safety.