Leslie wrote:
Extrasport has a hifloat pfd that's short -- the B22. Does anyone have any
experience with it? Just wondering about comfort? bulk? experience getting
out of holes? impact rolling? I don't want Extrasport's hifloat long vest,
but the short version got my attention.

It looks good. I've worn the long HiFloat (B27) for years and have taken
many swims. The high-up flotation (on the shoulders and, with other models,
headrest flap) doesn't do much good because it's out of the water most of
the time. It's the low-down panels that make a big difference. The B22 has
lots of low-down flotation so I think it would keep your head mostly out of
aerated water so you could breathe.

The only question is whether the big flotation panels would make you feel odd
when your arms are hanging down at rest, or during certain paddle strokes.
I tried the B22 in a store and it felt OK, but I'm a kayaker not OC1er.

I paddle OC1... and we're doing a solo openboat trip down the Grand Canyon
this summer. As good as my roll is, I'm expecting my share of big swims.

Yup, you need more flotation than you've got. Have fun!