Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat Dog PFD Review
Ruff Wear makes some of the best life jackets for dogs and over the long weekend we tested out the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat.
Our model was Ellie, a beautiful black lab mix. Ellie is a rescue dog and was adopted a couple of years ago by my friend Lisa. Over the course of two years Lisa has dedicated 100% of her energy into rehabilitating Ellie and helping her to become a confident and happy dog. Although Lisa continues to work with her everyday, Ellie has become one of the most well trained, calm and loving dogs I have ever met.
We chose the Big Eddy Float Coat for Ellie as it very much suits her lifestyle. Lisa and her boyfriend are real outdoorsy people and do a lot of major treks and canoe trips and Ellie almost always goes with them. The Big Eddy dog PFD is intended for active dogs that will be in rough to fast-moving water.
Advantages of the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat
The Big Eddy Float Coat is super rugged while at the same time being very comfortable for the dog to wear. It allows the dog to swim and navigate through fast moving water while providing support, protection and great visibility.
What makes the Ruff Wear dog life jackets stand out from the rest is that they have strategically placed PVC-free buoyancy cells. This not only supports the dog in a natural horizontal swimming position but it also allows the dog to swim farther distances with less fatigue.
The Big Eddy is ideal for dogs that will be kayaking, canoeing, boating, paddle boarding, rafting, surfing and/or swimming with their leader. It has all the great features an active dog would need in a PFD.
Big Eddy Float Coat Features
Some of the key features of the Big Eddy are:
- Strong abrasion-resistant material that is able to withstand extended use and abuse
- PVC-free buoyancy cells that help to float the dog in a natural horizontal swimming position
- Bright contrasting color designs and reflective trim that are easily visible in the water day or night
- A really strong and convenient assistance handle that makes it easy to lift the dog out of the water and back into the kayak or boat or even back up on the dock
All of these features make for a great dog PFD. However my favourite feature is the assistance handle. If you take your dog kayaking or boating with you and you would like to allow your dog to go for a swim part way through your trip, the grab handle can be extremely beneficial in helping to get your dog back into your kayak or boat.
Ellie’s Impressions of the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat
The Big Eddy has Velcro and clips that easily attach around the dogs neck and belly. Lisa and I noticed right off the bat that Ellie seemed perfectly comfortable in her PFD. There was no restriction in her movements and whether she was lying down, walking, jumping or sitting, she seemed perfectly at ease… like she wasn’t wearing anything at all.
Ellie walked, played in the water, kayaked and even rested for a while in her Big Eddy Float Coat and never once tried to scratch, bite at it or adjust herself in the PFD. To us she seemed very comfortable and happy so that was a good sign.
Ellie’s First Inflatable Kayak Trip with her new PFD
After a few times out in the inflatable kayak Ellie was a pro at keeping watch at the bow. However her first time out she was convinced she needed to lie across Lisa’s lap in order to be comfortable which was quite cute to see but impossible for Lisa to paddle.
After a couple more times out, she found a comfortable position either sitting right up front or laying half way on Lisa’s lap and half way on the kayak.
It was nice to know that no matter what kind of weather conditions we encountered, Ellie was totally protected and secure in her new Ruff Wear Float Coat.
View more pictures of Ellie in her Big Eddy life jacket on Flickr. We will be adding more pictures as Ellie’s adventures continue.
Note: Next week we will be reviewing the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat being modeled by Rocky, a cute little bichon/shih-tzu with lots of energy. The Portage is also great for kayaking and is best suited for flat water swimming and for dogs that are new to water.
Where to Buy the Big Eddy Float Coat
For Ellie this dog life jacket was a success. If you think the Ruff Wear Big Eddy would suit your adventure dog, it can be found at:
Can Dogs Go in an Inflatable Kayak?
This is a question that gets asked often. If you love to kayak and you have a dog, it is natural to want to bring your dog kayaking with you.
Can an inflatable kayak handle the claws of a dog?
The answer is YES. Most inflatable kayaks are built tough… really tough. They are more than able to handle dogs paws and claws.
I would recommend putting down some sort of blanket or pad that your dog is used to already in order for him to be more comfortable in the kayak. However even without, you do not have to worry about the dog puncturing the inflatable material.
There are certain inflatable kayak manufacturers that I would recommend over others for dogs. These are:
In the inflatable kayak world, the above listed companies offer the highest quality inflatable boats. They all come with warranties and are backed by solid reputations. There is quite a range of models and prices so it will not be hard to find one that suits your budget as well as your needs.
If you do plan on taking your dog kayaking with you there are certain guidelines that are wise to follow.
- Never leash your dog to the kayak. This poses a serious safety risk for your dog should the kayak tip or should the dog try to jump out. This is an extremely important thing to remember as it could cause your dog to drown.
- Always have your dog wear a lifejacket. A doggy pfd is essential for your dogs safety. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a pfd will help if your dog gets tired or if the boat capsizes.
- Bring the essentials… meaning water for your dog, treats and safety equipment.
- Have patience when practicing training your dog to get into your inflatable kayak and to stay seated while you kayak. This may take a little time to master, so have patience with your furry friend.
For much more information and tips on taking your dog kayaking please read our post Kayaking with your Dog.
Where is the Best Place to Sit in a Tandem Kayak?
October 6, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Essential Tips
A few very common questions are who sits where in a tandem kayak? If paddling a tandem kayak solo, is it best to sit in the front or the back? Should the seating arrangements be any different if you are paddling an inflatable kayak? Here are some facts that will help you to answer these questions…
Consider the weight of each person
A kayak will perform best when loaded evenly. If it cannot be completely even then you want the heavier weight to be at the back… unless you are paddling into heavy winds then it will be better to have more weight up front.
Who is the more experienced kayaker?
Besides the consideration of weight it is usually better to have the more experienced kayaker sit in the rear. This is because the person in the back will usually be steering the kayak and will have the experience to know better how to direct it. However in calm conditions it is a great idea to put the new kayaker in the back seat so that they can gain experience as well as confidence.
Paddling a tandem kayak solo?
Many tandem kayaks have the ability to rearrange the seats. If possible remove one of the seats and secure your seat in the middle of the kayak. This is where you will get the best performance out of the boat and you will have the best control. If that is not possible then sit in the back of the kayak and place some gear or weight in the front of the boat to even out the weight distribution. You will have good control here, but not as good as in the middle of the kayak. I would not recommend sitting in the front of the kayak as you will have very little control in that seat.
If you bring along your dog or a child they will be best seated in the bow of the kayak. Keep yourself at the back so that you can see what is going on and be able to direct your boat and your crew on a fun adventure.
Do the seating arrangements stay the same in an inflatable kayak?
Yes they do stay the same. It makes no difference whether you are in a hard-shell kayak or an inflatable kayak. The same principles apply in order to get the best performance out of your boat.
Bottom Line…
So bottom line is when in doubt, put the larger person in the back of the kayak – otherwise known as the captains seat. However it is personal preference and you should do what feels right for both of you.
If paddling a double kayak solo, sit in the middle whenever possible, otherwise place yourself in the rear of the kayak with some extra weight up front.
With a little practice and experience you will know very quickly where you like to sit the most and what works best for you. It only takes a few quick trips to get to know your kayak well and to understand how it maneuvers. Apply the principles above and you will have no problems. Happy paddling!
Check out our list of the best online retailers for inflatable kayaks to find the best places to shop for kayaks, gear and accessories.
Doggie Lifejacket – Is Your Pup Prepared?
Taking your dog out kayaking with you can be such a great experience – for you and for your dog. However it is important that they are just as prepared as you are and safety of course is key.
The most important piece of gear for your dog will be his PFD. Whether your dog will be simply coming along for the ride, or whether he will be jumping in the water to do some swimming, he will need a lifejacket for support and safety.
Which Dog Lifejacket is Best?
There are several different brands for dog PFD’s to choose from including:
- RuffWear
- NRS
- Astral Boyency
- Paws Aboard
- Guardian Gear
The price range of dog lifejackets can vary greatly as can the quality and comfort level. In my experience it is worth spending just a little bit more to get a lifejacket that has good features and that not only fits your dog comfortably but that also will last a long time. As long as your dog isn’t still growing, his PFD could last his entire lifetime if taken care of properly.
Dog PFD Fit
Your dogs PFD should fit snuggly. You want to be sure it stays on no matter what and that your dog can not wiggle out of it. When you take your dogs measurements make sure to measure the widest part of your dogs chest carefully. Then be sure to read the size charts that are provided for the different models available.
Many kayaking stores have a great selection of dog water gear including lifejackets, travel water bowls, harnesses, dog packs, toys and more.
I know some people do not like to put a PFD on their dog while canoeing or kayaking. However it is extremely important for your dogs safety. Your dog is equally as vulnerable as you are in an emergency situation.
Anything could happen out on the water such as the dog could jump or fall out of the boat and hit his head, he could get swept away by a current or wave, he could get a cramp in his leg (yes that happens with dogs too), he could have trouble getting back into the kayak and begin to panic, he could have heart trouble, he could suffer from heat exhaustion or regular exhaustion.
If your dog is wearing his PFD then every single one of these negative experiences can end positively.
The Best of the Best in Dog Safety Gear
RuffWear Float Coats are among the most popular PFD’s for adventurous dogs and are known to be top quality and very comfortable. One of the biggest advantages of a RuffWear Float Coat is that it has strategically placed PVC-free buoyancy cells that will support your dog in its natural horizontal swimming position. This allows the dog to swim farther, play harder and be less fatigued.
The RuffWear PFD’s have many great features that make them ideal for the kayaking dog.
See our list of good online retailers to find which websites carry dog lifejackets and gear.
Kayaking With Your Dog
June 19, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Essential Tips
If you are a dog lover as I am, then you will likely want to bring your pup kayaking with you for a day of fun on the water. Though this can be an extremely enjoyable experience for everyone concerned, there are some very important safety factors that need to be learned before attempting your first kayaking trip with Rover.
Not every dog is going to want to go kayaking. Some dogs are much better with water than others. However, if you feel that this is something your dog will enjoy then please follow the safety precautions below.
I would highly recommend only paddling with your dog in flat, calm waters. Whitewater rapids or large ocean swells can make the dog jumpy and possibly sick. The last thing you want to be worrying about while you are trying to maneuver your boat through the waves is whether your dog is still in the boat or not. Also in flat water you can take a break for your dog to do some swimming and then easily board him back onto the kayak.
Important Safety Precautions for your Pooch
Always, always, always have a pfd on you and your dog. This is common sense and you want this to be a fun day trip. Please don’t put your dog at risk of drowning because you didn’t want to put a lifejacket on him. They could go overboard and hit their head or get tired from swimming and not be able to get back into the kayak. A pfd will help them to be safe and have a lot more fun. Also should your boat capsize for some reason you want yourself to have a lifejacket on as well so that you are able to help your dog. Not every dog is going to want to wear a pfd or be comfortable in one. If this is the case with your dog, then kayaking with them is out of the question.
Getting in the Kayak – Practice Makes Perfect
With these two safety precautions out of the way you now need to teach your dog how to get in and out of the boat – from the shore and then from the water. This will take a little practice and I urge you to be patient with your dog and really make sure this step is covered. Start by holding the kayak still and ask your dog to get in. Then, immediately ask them to sit. It is very important that the dog learn there is no messing around while in the boat and they need to be very in-tune with your commands. Do not allow the dog to jump out of the boat until you give some sort of command.
Once your dog is sitting in the boat he will then need to learn to stay. You might want to try walking back up the bank and require that your dog stay in the boat by himself. Go over this again and again until you feel confident your dog is comfortable in the kayak. First try this in a familiar location. Once the dog seems more comfortable, try adding distractions.
Practice this routine and start adding longer duration and then longer distance between you and the kayak. Once you feel very confident that you dog is handling this well, you will want to launch the boat. Slowly push out the boat with your dog in it, or you can get into the boat first and then push out.
Try at first only going a short distance. Your dog will gradually get more used to being on the water and the different sounds that he hears. You will know how comfortable your dog is and how long you should stay out on the water.
No Rover – Don’t Chase the Ducks!
Be sure to have a good command that your dog knows for not going after ducks and other little creatures in the water. You could also bring a blanket or a familiar bed for the dog to lie down on in the kayak. This may help him to be more comfortable.
Never tie the dogs leash to the kayak. If your kayak were to overturn, the dog would be drowned. If you like you can use a waist leash tied to you and only use it if your dog is swimming and you want him to stay near the kayak.
It will be very helpful if your dog wears a harness so that you can always help to lift them out of the water and back into the kayak if you have to.
Again I will reiterate this very important point – never attach the dogs leash to their collar while in the kayak or swimming. It is far too dangerous and could cause the dog to drown.
Now that you know the safety precautions to take, what equipment should you bring along for the journey?
Important Dog Equipment for Paddling Adventures
- a leash
- harness - Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness
- doggy life jacket - Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
- dog snacks and water – your dog will likely try to drink the lake water but try to encourage them only to drink their own fresh water by using the Ruff Wear Quencher Dog Bowl
- dog water toys (always makes for more fun)
- sunscreen (The pink pigment on your dogs face or any bare spots on their skin will burn if not protected by sunscreen. Remember that the water reflects the sun’s rays and dogs, just like humans, can easily get burned)
- first aid kit (in a dry bag)
- poop baggies of course
For a complete list of dog water gear check out Altrec Outdoors
as I have found their selection to be really good. Now you are ready for a day of fun with your favorite pup out on the water. Have a great time and be safe.
