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

firstpoint said...

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

just a follow up,wing wetsuits from sydney have a competition suit,pdf3 aust standard 3mm body with built in floatation,$329 retail .info on their site.just one i googled

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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DavidJohn said...

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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what brand are they. i can't make it out
cheers

These seem to work too

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

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

OG SUP said...

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

Go to Deja Vu in Essendon Phil....heaps of differnt PFD options...its a water ski/wakeboard shop