Just inquiring can this PFD be used in all the SUP races around Australia or Not.

The MOCKE RACER PFD is so big and bulky it's a joke

They are legal still in Vic but for how long I'm not sure. Not legal in NSW..

I've been researching PFDs as I need a new one, I looked at the Mocke Racer and thought the same as you, bulky, especially with the hard poly blocks in it.

I've been seriously considering a Vaikobi. Looks much sleeker than the Mocke Racer and is legal across Aus with a Bladder pocket and front storage pockets.
If you're thinking about buying, maybe we should approach them together to see if we can get a discount.

http://www.vaikobi.com/products/v-ocean-racing-pfd-hi-vis-orange-new

Can't be used in NSW Phil.......unless you're Andy Davies

I use the Vaikobi one and its very comfortable. It has a lot of adjustment and ventilation so you really get used to it.
The newer versions now have velcro on the front pockets I believe which is great. Hi-Vis too.

I've got the Vaikobi, doesn't restrict paddling at all.
I have worn it when no requirement just to carry the hydration pack thingy in the back, when I'm on a board with no where to put a water bottle.
There is a lesson in that I don't want to admit to.
But I find I get hot - drenched in sweat in 12 - 15 degree air temp.
But then I do have the hydration thing.
I wore the bum bag things for a while, but as a floatation device they are useless - stop you getting fined but that's it.
I have some inflatable ones on my boat that might be the answer - uninflated just a couple of straps, inflated full (no idea what the classification now is) PFD.
These are offshore yachty type things, which may be a good compromise.
When it cools down I think I will wear the Vaikobi one, I'm usually on my own with powerboats around me with no spatial awareness, so the high vis ticks a box too.
We need to stop being scared of these things before the powers that be make us paddle in 360 degree inflatable bubbles.

I bought the water bladder thing independently of the PFD. It's n the fridge at my work so I can't check, but I would doubt it is more than 1 litre.
The pocket would fit a much bigger one.
I found it almost impossible to get a decent drink out of it through the tube / straw thing anyway.
I carry water bottles on my boards for hydration - I have fitted Stic It I think pads and put on bike holders to carry a water bottle.
Helmy downwinded my V1 at Merimbula, and lost the water bottle at Pambula River mouth - first wave took it out.
I have seen JM and DC prone boards with water bottles mounted I think in a fin box on the deck - can you add to that Phil?
Once it is hot I wear a very loose top for sun protection, but still end up drenched in sweat.
I'm not racing anyone so I can cool off easily though
Water bottle mounts

From my experience rowing in an open water skull, attach a glue on leash plug. Then attach the bottle holder to the plug.

Select to expand quote

Nozza said..


I bought the water bladder thing independently of the PFD. It's n the fridge at my work so I can't check, but I would doubt it is more than 1 litre.
The pocket would fit a much bigger one.
I found it almost impossible to get a decent drink out of it through the tube / straw thing anyway.
I carry water bottles on my boards for hydration - I have fitted Stic It I think pads and put on bike holders to carry a water bottle.
Helmy downwinded my V1 at Merimbula, and lost the water bottle at Pambula River mouth - first wave took it out.
I have seen JM and DC prone boards with water bottles mounted I think in a fin box on the deck - can you add to that Phil?
Once it is hot I wear a very loose top for sun protection, but still end up drenched in sweat.
I'm not racing anyone so I can cool off easily though
Water bottle mounts

Water great idea.. .. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Water-great-idea/

I agree mocke racer is bulky & uncomfortable when worn out-&-about.
I do not find it to be so when dw-ing in our conditions...
(today Millers run I'd call 22^C air on the water, water 18^C, wind 20-28kts, small (1-2m) cross-following swell, 11.4km in 54min,34sec (SIC bullet 17'4). chilling)
I sat next to Nikki & Dawid in shuttle, very uncomfortable in my pfd & got a few skew looks...
no-one else was wearing one... until they hit the water.

I discounted it for too long to wish anyone else do the same without at least thinking "what do I require?"
it ticks more of my boxes than anything else claiming "pfd"

very nice mods on the unltd.