By: Christina Russell
This September I spent two weeks in British Colombia with my brand spankin’ new PFD- the Bella. I was lucky enough to experience the Callaghan, Cheackamas, Ashlu and even Skookumchuck Rapids all with clear blue skies overhead. After several days of wear and tear, here’s what I think makes the Bella the premier playboating vest for women. The first time I put on the Bella, all I could think about was how comfortable it was. It hugs your body like that mini dress you just bought and even has a built in sports bra to keep the gals happy. This is the first time a bra has been incorporated into a piece of paddling equipment….way to go. Did I mention it gives you the option to go “skin to wind” with the guys…and be a lady?!
The Bella comes with all the new technology- For added mobility, separate buoyancy panels make flotation a thing of comfort and stiff pads a thing of the past. The panels move independently of one another and allow for maximum mobility on a wave or at your local creek. I also discovered what I had really been missing- a shorter torso length. The vast majority of women have shorter torsos than men and Astral has acknowledged that. This is the first vest I have been able to wear that sits where it should. To help keep things feeling good, the vest is equipped with side-entry buckles. Keep it loose or tighten up. Whatever floats your boat. Finally, for those of you who could use a little extra support, Astral has added a built-in internal backband. It doesn’t get any better!
It’s clear that Astral spent many nights aided by caffeinated beverages to develop the most wearable vest on the market. They even figured out a way to make it creek worthy. In the front of the vest you will find a large sleeve specifically designed to hold their trusty throwbag and a zippered pocket to keep those must have items safe- energy bar, waterproof matches, and some extra cash (you never know when you might need it). Oh and how could I forget the knife holder?! Every paddler should use it. The icing on the cake is the extra padding added to the sides of the vest. These keep you protected during that “oh sh*&” moment when you wish you were also wearing elbow pads. I felt comfortable taking it down the Callaghan for this very reason….and I would gladly use it again as a make-shift creeking vest.
In short, the Bella is the vest to have for playboating and a great vest to take creeking if you forget you rescue vest at home. It’s the most comfortable on the market and without a doubt the most attractive. There’s a reason it’s called the Bella!
Stay safe out there!
-Christina Russell
Team Liquidlogic
