MTI stands for Marine Technologies International. From the beginning of the company outside of Boston in 1991, MTI was founded with the main purpose of building life jackets for paddlesports. For a long time paddlesports pretty much just meant canoeing, whitewater kayaking, and rafting. Today, the word “paddlesports” encompasses just about anything that can float and be moved in the water using a paddle. Have you seen people driving around with a surf board strapped to their roof rack, yet you’re miles from the ocean? It’s more than likely a Standup Paddle Board (SUP) which is powered by what looks like an extra-long canoe paddle.
 
Yep. SUP is Paddlesports, and MTI makes one of the best USCG approved life jackets for SUP. Check out the new slim shape FLUID 2.0 packs – enhanced performance and comfort raising the bar on inflatable belt pack PFDs.
 
Yes, if it’s powered by the paddle, MTI makes a life jacket for it. So what’s up with the new MARINER LINE? Well, life jackets designed to perform for paddlesports are perfect for the small boat sailor, too. The kind of near shore sailor who is hanging their butt over the rails, ducking under the boom, trimming and easing the sails, and feathering the tiller; the kind of sailor who knows that the chance of capsizing and having to take a swim is a real possibility. Like paddlers, they are not afraid to get wet sometimes. They understand that its part of the thrill and challenge of the sport, and more than likely to happen. So we took four of our best vests and gave them a performance makeover — streamlining pockets, adding safety and trim details and inventing the BIGHT KEEPER© — a handy place to stash a loop of line right on the front of your jacket. Smart. Just like wearing a life jacket when you boat.
 
We believe that if we can keep pushing our life jacket designs to a higher level, more people will choose to wear their PFD not because the law says you should, but because it’s the smart thing to do. With an MTI jacket, we make it easy to just WEAR IT. That really is what MTI stands for: Life Jackets for people who love to play in human powered small boats. Don’t be afraid to get wet sometimes.
 
It’s part of the fun!