The new alpha PFD from Palm  Equipment goes back to simplicity its a lightweight low cut PFD designed with slalom in mind having gone through the ICF procedures and now on the official register.
What Palm say…
Sometimes less is more. The Alpha is our minimalist PFD‚ trimmed down to the essentials‚ easy to adjust and cleanly styled. Featuring the same ripstop shell material as the Fuse jacket‚ with 60 N of floatation‚ and our 3D waist to hold it firmly in place. ICF accredited for use in slalom competition‚ it’s just as smooth competing on whitewater as it is cruising around the bay on your SUP.
Materials – Nylon 50D ripstop
Entry – Pullover entry
Fit – Comfort Fit
Safety features – Bartacked shoulder straps with pulley adjustment
Adjustment – 3D anti ride-up waistbelt • Easy Glide straps
Pockets – Slimline internal velcro pocket
Weight – 607 g (M/L)
Certification – EN ISO 12402-5 / 12402-6 • ICF 6.12 kg
Other Features – Mix of PVC and EPE foam for optimal balance of weight and flexibility

The PFD though designed with slalom in mind has a whole host of uses, from stand up paddling to freestyle the minimalist feel makes it an excellent choice.

The easy adjustment through the side and shoulder buckles make the vest snug as a bug no matter what you decide to wear on the water in four sizes and two different colours there’s more than enough combinations.

The small velcro key pocket is just enough for well…. Your key and that’s about all you need, The jacket still holds plenty of buoyancy in the event of the spill you’ll be high and dry unlike other minimal vests that are just…. Well … Minimum the alpha holds it own.
Having tested this vest in the slalom boat, freestyle boat and the surf boat I can safely say I’m delighted with the fit and cut. Still taking nothing away from the FX which offers fail safe shoulders and a huge pocket the alpha just sits that little closer to give you space around the gates.

In the freestyle boat the PFD stays put with no slipping or sliding the vest moves with you with its soft foam to allow you full movement over whichever axis.
The fit is fairly true to size with the majority of paddlers using the M/L the XS/S is great for the smaller guys and girls, the XXS is the youth sixe and the XL/XXL finishes the range. the simple over the head design keeps things simple and effective.

Thanks to Palm Equipment for recreating something so simple its delightful and an excellent addition to any paddlers quiver of equipment.
ICF Equipment register Information here.
Can be purchased online or instore from Great Outdoors Dublin