I noticed this post and I wanted to give a real solid answer to this.
I am head paddle instructor at
www.supnh.com (Stand Up Paddle board NH)
I also been paddle boarding Winnipesaukee since 2006. I was looked at like a weirdo back then. (that's another story)
The women in the picture paddle boarding from the Laconia Daily Sun was wearing a PDF. It was around her waist/ looks like a fanny pack, it inflates when you pull the handle. Some of the hot headed marine patrol will not accept this waist PDF, others are okay with it.
The board itself is 11 foot long and is a GIANT PDF! with that said, if you ever slipped off and bumped your head on the board. That's bad news bears for you!
HONESTLY !If you are going for a long paddle across Winnipesaukee than be smart. i hope to see everyone out on the water this season, be safe!
Chris@supnh.com