Astral is a company run by kayakers and canoeists who feel that as paddlers, their gear should make the user feel more comfortable, confident and safe while pushing themselves and their sport. Owner and head of R&D, Philip Curry, first starting designing PFDs and buoyancy vests in 1994 and has developed all time favourites such as the Green Jacket whitewater rescue vest PFD as well as being the first whitewater PFD manufacturer to replace the old toxic PVC foams used for flotation with newer, greener recyclable PE & low toxicity NBR foams.