I would be fine with anyone wearing a neoprene tuilik instead of a PFD. Kayaking the reefs in Hawaii they don't wear PFDs so they don't get trashed by wave action on the coral. But for non-tuilik wearing paddlers on club paddles here I think the PFD is a basic (and not inflatable PFDs).

: What I don't understand is why some are focusing on the PFD.
: I could be mistaken but don't recall it being said we had to remove
: statements about PFDs being required by law.

: But I believe statements where made that said PFDs would be
: required for all paddlers at all times within the club - which
: means any tuilik wearing paddlers could not practice their
: skills and still be club members.

: Just like there's no sense in wearing a helmet on a mill pond -
: there are places where a PFD isn't necessary when a Tuilik
: matches the activities better. It's about understanding what
: activities your engaging in, reading the conditions and
: assessing one's abilities.

: The main advantage a kayak has over other watercraft is it's
: ability to recover almost instantly from a capsize - yet we're
: not making rolling a requirement. If I had to pick I'd rather
: three strong rolls (including the hand roll should the paddle
: have been lost) than to focus on my PFD to save my butt.

: Your welcome to try out my tuilik anytime - you might be surprised.