: I agree with you that we should set an example. I guess it isn't
: always obvious that some of those shots we publish, particularly
: "first time on the water shots" are taken in very
: shallow water.

I ran into this exact problem, with my girlfriends mother seeing the pictures of our first paddle in her kayak, and exclaiming when she saw this photo:
https://picasaweb.google.com/emmstill/FodelsedagspresentKajakD#5627746572145550114

but then she of course relaxed when she saw the next picture:
https://picasaweb.google.com/emmstill/FodelsedagspresentKajakD#5627739157036494290

and... she did get a PFD for a birthday present two days later :P

I don't own a PFD though, but I do always wear my semi-dry suit when paddling, while it's not optimal because I'm just as likely to float face down, if I'm not unconcious it shouldn't be a problem, and I cannot get my entire body under the surface when wearing it.