Riff PFD
- Low stock - 5 left
- Backordered, shipping soon
- Free NZ Shipping on Orders $200+
- Easy 30-Day Returns
- Best Price Guaranteed
A low-profile whitewater PFD that doesn’t get in your way.
Bulky rescue vests can feel like overkill when you’re just starting out. If you’re new to whitewater — or simply want a lighter, simpler option — the Palm Riff is the perfect fit.
It does away with all the fluff in favour of comfort, simplicity, and freedom of movement, while still giving you the secure fit and the buoyancy you need on moving water. The low-profile shape and side-entry design make it easy to put on and forget about, even over winter layers.
With padded shoulder and underarm panels, a tidy front pocket, and smart design throughout, the Riff is ideal for beginner kayakers, rafters, and packrafters who want less bulk and more fun.
- Side-entry with easy-access buckle system for fast on/off
- Low-profile Flex Fit foam for a secure wrap-around feel
- Neoprene-padded shoulder and underarm panels for comfort
- Utility-draw front pocket with clip-in point
- Internal knife sleeve and elastic strap keepers
- Vent Mesh liner for breathability
- 3D anti ride-up waistbelt for a stable swim fit
- Reflective details for visibility
- Lightweight construction with webbing lash point
- Certification: ISO 12402-5 certified (UKCA approved)
- Buoyancy: XXS (50 N), XS/S (60 N), M/L (70 N), XL/XXL (80 N)
- Weight: 673 g (XXS), 765 g (XS/S), 862 g (M/L), 944 g (XL/XXL)
- Materials: Gaia and EPE PVC-free foam, nylon 420D ripstop fabric
Size Guide
- To get the best fit, compare your body measurements to the size charts below.
- Chest – Measure horizontally under the armpits around the fullest part of your chest and shoulder blades.
- Weight – Include all the gear you’ll be wearing too.
Metric Size Chart
| Size | Chest (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 68 – 80 | 30 – 50 |
| XS/S | 78 – 94 | 40 – 70 |
| M/L | 94 – 110 | 60 – 90 |
| XL/XXL | 110 – 126 | 80 – 110 |
| 3XL/4XL | 126 – 140 | >110 |
Imperial Size Chart
| Size | Chest (in) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 27 – 31 | 66 – 110 |
| XS/S | 31 – 37 | 88 – 154 |
| M/L | 37 – 43 | 132 – 198 |
| XL/XXL | 43 – 50 | 176 – 242 |
| 3XL/4XL | 50 – 55 | >242 |
Trusted Gear for Paddlers Since 1979
Palm Equipment is a UK paddlesports brand founded in 1979 by kayaker Andy Knight, with a simple mission: make better, safer gear for paddlers. From whitewater and multisport to sea kayaking and packrafting, their in-house design team creates PFDs, jackets, drysuits and accessories that focus on fit, safety and real-world performance.
With their own manufacturing plant in Vietnam and a base in the UK, Palm controls every step from concept to finished product, earning a reputation for innovation, durability and trustworthy safety features. Palm are now investing in more sustainable materials such as recycled nylon fabrics, so paddlers can enjoy long days on the water while treading more lightly on the places they love to paddle.
Shipping Rates
- Orders $200 and over (excluding kayaks) are eligible for free shipping within New Zealand.
- Orders under $200 will incur an $8 shipping fee.
- We do not charge extra for rural delivery.
Order Processing (1-2 days)
- We aim to process orders within 1 business day.
- Orders are normally onboard the courier within 2 business days.
- During peak times, such as holidays and sale events, please allow an extra day for order processing.
Delivery (1-5 days)
- Orders ship via NZ Post or Aramex Couriers.
- Most orders ship from our headquarters in Christchurch. If stock is not available at our Christchurch location, your order will ship directly to you from our brand partners in Rotorua and Rangiora.
- Please allow up to 7 business days to receive your order.
Order Tracking
- Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email with tracking information.
- If you have not received a confirmation email within 48 hours, please check your junk folder.
Pick-Ups
- We do NOT offer pickups (with the exception of kayaks and paddles).
- Customers enrolled in a Canterbury Kayaking kayak course or guided trip may choose to pick up their order at their upcoming kayak course or guided trip.
Kayak Shipping
- If you're unable to pick up your kayak in Christchurch, please contact us for a shipping quote specific to your location.
International Delivery
- We offer international shipping to Australia only.
- Orders $500 and over (excluding kayaks) are eligible for free shipping to Australia.
- Orders under $500 will incur a $35 shipping fee.
Returns Eligibility
If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may be eligible for a return based on the following terms:
- Returns must be initiated within 30 days from the date of delivery.
- Items must be unused and in the original packaging.
- Climbing equipment, such as carabiners, prusiks, and slings, are non-returnable.
Refunds
- Returned orders will be processed as a refund.
- If you wish to exchange an item, you must let us know before returning your item(s) to us.
Return Process
To initiate a return, please follow these steps:
- Contact us to request a return. Let us know your order number and which items you'd like to return.
- Courier your items back to our Christchurch address.
- We will inspect your items and process your refund or exchange within 5 business days.
Damaged or Defective Items
If you receive a damaged or defective item, please contact us with details and pictures. We will work with you to resolve the issue.
Price Matching
If you find the same item at a lower price on another online retailer's site within 7 days of your purchase, we will match the competitor's advertised price, including any applicable shipping fees.
Our price match policy includes the following conditions:
- The item must match in style, size, and color.
- The item must be new. We do not match prices on seconds, used merchandise, or products sold by wholesalers or liquidators.
- The competitor must have the item in stock on their website.
- The competitor's price must be clearly displayed on their site for verification and should not require a sign-up. First-time purchase discounts and personalized coupons are excluded.
- The website must be an authorized distributor of the brand.
- The price must be listed in New Zealand dollars.
- During Canterbury Kayaking promotions, discounts can be applied either through a price match or a Canterbury Kayaking promotion, but not both.
Price Adjustments
If an item you purchased from Canterbury Kayaking is marked down within seven (7) days of the original order date, Canterbury Kayaking will adjust the price of the item once. Please note that any promotional pricing is for a limited time only and cannot be honored after the sale has ended.