NRS Launches Vector PFD with Integrated RECCO Locator Technology, Setting a New Standard in Whitewater Rescue Safety

Moscow, Idaho — Today, Northwest River Supplies (NRS) launched the new Vector PFD, the first and only whitewater rescue PFD to integrate RECCO® locator technology. This breakthrough innovation marks a major leap forward in paddlesports safety, bringing proven Search & Rescue technology into whitewater for the first time, earning the Vector the 2026 Product of the Year awards at this year’s Paddle Sports Show.

“The award-winning Vector represents five years of dedicated performance engineering,” says NRS Chief Operating Officer David Blue. “Our vision for the Vector has always been to redefine the boundaries of a rescue PFD. The moment we tested those initial prototypes, everything clicked. We realized we’d achieved the perfect harmony between rigorous technical rescue features and unrestricted mobility—and instantly knew the Vector would redefine our sport.”

After an initial three-year development phase alongside pro whitewater athletes, the NRS design team dedicated the last 24 months to embedding RECCO® technology and perfecting how the gear functions—working with Search & Rescue teams to make certain this tracking capability maximizes safety without affecting the life jacket’s comfort, fit or mobility.

“For me, adding RECCO to the Vector creates an additional layer of safety which I’m super stoked on,” says NRS Athlete and Germany’s most decorated extreme kayaker Adrian Mattern. “While users still need to make smart and informed choices for their personal safety, if RECCO saves a single life or helps in a situation where you would otherwise have no option for assistance, it is already invaluable. By opening up new pathways and thinking outside the box, NRS has made a crucial leap forward towards making sure that I—and others—can shred safer than ever before and is changing how we think about rescue and paddler safety on and off the water.”

True to its technical rescue purpose, the Vector balances unrestricted freedom of movement with crucial safety upgrades, including dual integrated RECCO® reflectors and an interconnected internal webbing harness for maximum security during live-bait operations and technical rescue scenarios. By combining their revolutionary Orbit Fit System™ and universal Every Body Design™ philosophy, NRS has reimagined traditional PFD construction with the Vector—a high-mobility, low-profile design featuring precision-cut, pre-curved foam that eliminates the need for gender-specific sizing.

Additionally, the sustainably built vest utilizes a 100% PFAS-free design crafted from post-consumer recycled ripstop nylon and PVC-free foam.

NRS athletes and representatives are available for comment and interview.

Media Contact: Emily Nuchols // emily@undersolenmedia.com // 360.510.8696

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About NRS

100% employee-owned, NRS is the world’s leading supplier of equipment and apparel for water recreation, safety and rescue. Founded in 1972 with a vision to create a better kind of company, NRS is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of its customers, employees and community. For more information on NRS, visit www.nrs.com, email the company at service@nrs.com or call 877.677.4327.