been older (55) and not the strongest swimmer, was after ppls thoughts on floatation if things go wrong in decent waves with a long swim in.
Ie loost board.
Do ppl wear pfds, impact vests, in surf? Not a cool look but safe?

Read loads on should be a competent swimmer, wish I was, but unfortunately it's not happening.
Thanks for any input.

Is this the one ?
www.naishkites.com/product/defender_vest

Yes you're older than those under 55 but I wouldn't put you or me in an old category just yet. I would suggest building your swimming endurance for a start, being able to swim at least 2k's. If you're not competent or confident don't go out

Gboots said..
Is this the one ?
www.naishkites.com/product/defender_vest

Gboots mines the older version,it bloody hard to duck under waves with it.

rgmacca said..
Do ppl wear pfds, impact vests, in surf? Not a cool look but safe?

The most important thing to do is learn some techniques, and prepare yourself.

- dont panic. If you panic you will consume all your air in seconds and get exhausted immediately. This is the most important: learn to relax and not struggle with the wave movements: do not try to get upright for instance, let you go with the flow and be tumbled about. What would have seen like minutes underwater would then feel as seconds. A PFD or flotation vest will be of no use if you panic or even are too stressed.

- learn how to swim in the ocean while conserving energy: for instance using your legs consumes 5 times as much energy as tour arms, so try to use only your arms. Swim with you head above the water and rotate your shoulders, etc...

- reading techniques for swimming in open waters will help somewhat, but most tutorials are written for fit racers. You need to adapt these techniques to find ones where you spend as little energy as possible, so train a bit in chop. An impact vest will help spend your energy only for propulsion and not for staying afloat, so it will help quite a bit.

- learn to asset your environment and prioritize things: ditch the paddle, you can always buy a new one if you stay alive. Choose between going to your board or to the coast. Learn to see the rips, and try to get out of the outgoing rips or use the inbound ones, ...

Agree with Colas on so many points, especially not to panic.
Big waves for me started with windsurfing Taranaki, New Zealand. To survive I did work out to get fit in both cardio and weights (high rep but lower weight) but also swimming lengths.
When suddenly you go down with half a breath its so important not to panic under water especially when you dont know which way is up ( no leg rope on windsurf). Yes you hear big wave surfers talk about this and at the start your thinking they are talking cr@p but believe it!
But when you do get to the surface swim as fast as you can to your gear with purpose to get out past impact zone.
BIG wave surfers now wear inflatable vest but the waves they are riding are next level and safety team on hand to collect on jet ski. The waves I'm riding now still have power but don't want to have vest when you can't get under waves.
Always remember the adrenalin when you catch the set wave and shred it

I'm 58yo and my wife believes I have gills behind my ears. I am comfortable in the water but that only came from swimming lessons, practice and training. Water, especially surf is too dangerous to find yourself floundering. Controlling the feeling of panic is vital and I would always recommend an investment in improving swimming skills and water confidence. I always wear a pfd downwinding but I also carry a PLB, phone and signaling mirror. But in surf the need to duck dive is an important skill as is comfort in being rolled a few times. IMO pfds are there to help should you get in to trouble, not to stop you from getting in to trouble. A small investment in a lesson and training will add to safety, confidence and greater enjoyment in this awesome sport.

Have nearly reduced the second 0'Neill "techno vest" I have owned to shreds.....gives an "average swimmer and surfer" a big big survival advantage if you lose your board in biggish scary stuff. Forget that macho "you weak pussies you need an impact vest" stuff.
Surfing is about having fun .....and feeling vaguely safe while you are doing it ?

I've used one for DW but also general surfing mid winter as they keep you toasty. I tend not to surf big waves but I like the fact I can duck under waves but still pop up a little quicker too. Been a while since I've worn mine....but make sense mid winter....our water gets 5 degrees C and minus air temps.

Recently bought this as designed to be rated 50 life jacket and an impact vest with side pads.
Also has pocket for knife for kiters with high cut to fit harness.
No restriction for paddling or swimming .
For old blokes it's nice to have the word Forward on the front