I think it's important to note that this originally came up on a Surfski forum. Surfskis are sit-on-tops so the re-entry issue isn't as big of a deal.

Anyway, I think the main thing is that you wear a PFD and choose the one that you like best. There are obviously ups and downs, ins and outs to each variety, but any is better than none. Having it on the deck won't do you a whole lot of good when the boat gets in one current and you're in another. I actually rescued a guy in that situation off St. Thomas. His friend went after the kayak, leaving him there floating sans-pfd. I guess kayaks in his mind are more valuable than people. By the time I arrived (in a powerboat passing by) the kid was a good half-mile from his kayak, and so tired we had to help him into the boat, which was a small RIB that's easy to get into.

Not tooting my horn, but hopefully setting a good example- look at any picture I've posted of me in the kayak and you will see a PFD being worn. I think a comfortable kayak-specific PFD is going to be comfy enough to wear, but bouyant enough to keep you floating. No, it won't "self-right" you when unconscious, but in tests I have performed mine does keep my chest up, and is better than not having one at all.

All that said, searching for a pic of my PFD of choice I find that it was recalled because it didn't meet the 15.5 pound standard that it was advertised to meet!!! UGH! Furthermore, mine isn't in the recalled serial numbers, so does that mean I can be assured mine does meet the 15.5 pounds? Well, I weigh 155 soaking wet, so even if this thing is less than 15.5 pounds buoyancy, it's plenty to keep me floating.

Here's the link to the recall if any of you have the Lotus Desings "Mildwater" PFD. It's a shame- I love this PFD. Very comfortable.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?slc=en_US&sct=US&assetid=7574