As I am not getting any younger and after hearing about Phil's ribs and a few others I am keen to get myself an Impact Vest/PFD for the bigger stuff and maybe downwinding (in winter anyway).
Anyone have any recommendations? I thought I remembered DJ having one but couldn't find the post. I have checked a heap on the net and the Jet Pilot ones look good, but not sure whether to go an impact moulded type or a more bulkly PFD one.
Cheers
John
Hi Goatman
I recently got myself a PDF for kiting as I'm not much of a swimmer and also not getting any younger.
I went with the dawn patrol by Ripcurl as it was only a bit more bulky than an impact vest and actually fitted better. I think the main thing to think on is how much flotation do you want as an impact vest traditionally only gives you approx 10kg i.e it takes 10kg off your weight to make it a bit easier to float.
The coast guard approved vests have flotation ratings 1 being the best with a neck support so if you were knocked out you would rise with your head out off the water so to speak. 2 & 3 are the same but 3 doesn't have the approved colours i.e not bright/floro etc.
Try a few on is my recommendation and find one that isn't restrictive on your arms. I found the jet pilot ones a bit too bulky and the wake ones allot better but like a wetsuit it comes down to your bodies fit.http://www.hyper.co.nz/ride/wake/detail/?id=1785
just a thought but how would a short john barefoot waterski wettie be,no sleeves for paddleing but floatation built in,just came to me after reading this thread and they would surely meet race requirements
These guys supping on the river kwai in thailand are kitted out with some sort of vests. Dunno what sort but a quirky video.
just a thought but how would a short john barefoot waterski wettie be,no sleeves for paddleing but floatation built in,just came to me after reading this thread and they would surely meet race requirements
Thinking the same thing got some mega hold downs last time out in big stuff. The 12er tows you a long way.
I have a vest I used to use for towins will wear it next time to reduce the time underwater and the protection. Really comfy from rip curl see link below.
A few of us here in Melbourne wear these.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=54357&SearchTerms=PFD
I also have a DaKine impact vest.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=52201&SearchTerms=big,wednesday,at,big,left
DJ
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Got the same one DJ has pics of pfd yellow ultra.
Used it a couple of times and in the doctor race. Really comfortable no restrictions when paddling heaps easier to get back on the board when you fall off and the drinks bladder compartment on the back is insulated, helps keep your drinks from getting warm.
Never used it in the surf so not sure about that yet.
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Right now I am tossing up between the blow up doll and the rubber froggy.
Thanks for the input guys, I am leaning towards the rip curl one as well.
Hey Goatie,
I have no doubt in my situation an impact vest definitely would have helped.
I use the same vest as DJ when surfing the outer reefs it gets solid and a helmet like Dogmeister as well as I realised I could have easily drowned. No one would have got to me in time.
The vest is low slung and very easy to paddle and surf in!
I dont give a rats if I look like a dork!
Phill
That Starboard impact vest looks pretty good.. and would be great for big wave surfing.
But for those getting one for down-winders and open ocean paddling you'd be better getting a PFD because an impact vest is not an approved PFD.
DJ
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Make sure you get one with good side buckles. If it has no buckles like that Starboard one and a good wave hits it it will unzip it and rip it off. Ocean and earth do a good tow vest its on there site, i wear it for towin and sell them and no complants yet about them. LF do some good ones as well.
Jacko
Thanks for the heads up Jacko,
There is very little to choose from down here. We didnt know those brands existed.
The Trek vest has the buckles and zips thats one reason we chose it.
phill
Thanks again guys for the advice. The buckles thing makes sense Jacko - will check out the O & E ones as well.
Cammo, I like the look of those Jet Pilot impact vests also.
