kiwiupover forum posts in last 60 days

For impact, we tend to rely on vests and helmets (which also provides cut resistance) but that leaves a lot of the body unprotected. Vests don't cover the stomach or below the ribs very well.

For cuts, the main areas i've seen or experienced are (i) around the hips/glutes/groin/stomach, and (ii) legs/shins/feet. Wetsuits help, but cuts still happen through the wetsuit (whether the wetsuit is torn or not).

I'm looking at cut-resistant clothing to help minimize the risks. There will still be the potential for a stab-wound despite the fabric or wetsuit not being cut. In addition to the Gong shorts and hoodie, i've also ordered some Diston ski tights to layer under wetsuit or normal board shorts. I also use Forward WIP sailing leggings under board shorts sometimes in summer (similar to downhill mountain bike armor).

The ION product looks good but too expensive. I was going to order dyneema fabric and sew some items myself, but the Gong product is priced more reasonably so i decided to order that instead. I'm curious to see the quality when i receive it (in the USA so will take some time).

I think the options I would be interested in are:
1) cold/wetsuit conditions:
a) cut-resistant board shorts and wind-breaker jacket to wear over wetsuit
b) thinner cut-resistant base layer leggings and top to wear under the wetsuit
2) warmer conditions (no wetsuit)
a) cut-resistant leggings to wear under normal board shorts and cut-resistant shirt/hoodie

Some design features that would also be good:
- if there are pockets, small drain holes so water can escape easily without adding weight
- attachment between tops and bottoms so there isn't space between the 2 items for the foil to hit skin
- fabric colors so you are more visible on the water
- minimal use of fabrics that absorb water and increase weight e.g. no cotton

I have the 25 Duotone Unit SLS and nothing to complain about... flies good, light for its weight. *** edit 6.5m SLS

Have a look at some of Lachie White's videos. There's a few he talks about creating extra speed with gusts, generating greater apparent wind etc. www.youtube.com/@LachieWhite