ION has a few offerings. I'm enjoying mine - easy to forget that I'm wearing it & adds a little floatation.
Hey I was asking on another thread - it seems obvious, but what exactly does an impact vest protect against for a foiling winger? Should I be seriously considering getting one? How about a helmet?
Not sure about the impact vest but I always wear my Gath helmet, keeps the sun off my bald head and keeps me warm when it's cold. Had too many stitches surfing over the years to think it can't happen! Good friend on Maui almost drowned two days ago, she can't remember a thing but was kiting on a twin tip, someone saw her being dragged under water by the kite - unconscious, managed to drag her to the beach giving her one arm compression on the way in. Lifeguards took over on the beach, she regained consciousness and had a night in hospital.She had obviously crashed and whacked her head on the board, black eye and stitches. Can only think the risk wing dingin' is similar or maybe greater, honestly can't see a reason not to wear a lightweight comfy helmet.
Any decent distance journey or in challenging conditions (Speed Winding, Learning new tricks/moves) I will wear a helmet and an impact/floatation vest. Helmet basic water one, not sure of brand. Vest I love wearing my Prolimit Float vest. I do N95 over just a basic impact as I figure if I am going to wear it, it may as well be really safe.
www.prolimit.com/product/floating-vest-freeride-waist-size-zip/
My iPhone max fits in the front pocket along with a spare GoPro battery, and there hydration loop fixtures on the back with a hose loop on the shoulder strap if you like to have hydration too. The side synchs help you get it nice and tight with no movement.
I use it for SUP racing, Windsurfer One Design racing, DW Foiling and Wing Foiling. Good price too.
Ride safe,
JB
I have the Ion vest with a zipper up the side. I like it but 6 months in the zipper is broken.
Really like that vest JB. Think the connections on the side are better than a zipper.
Do you know if any shops stock that vest in Sydney? I like to try things on before buying.
thanks Brad
I have been using the gath helmet and mystic impact vest extensively as I work my way through the learning curve in this new sport. I wouldn't want to fall from way up there on the foil at speed without them.
I have the Star vest and it's great. They seem to have a foil specific one, but my guess is the difference is minimal and mostly a marketing reason to charge a premium.
www.mysticboarding.com/products/men/impact-vests
Just make sure the vest is padded all the way down to the waist. I find a lot of kite vests that are unpadded around the tummy area because they think you'll be wearing a harness. Those don't work for winging because it leaves a large section unprotected if you aren't wearing a harness.