Any tips on choosing the right flotation vest and harness? Do they get on okay generally? Or do you have to look out for compatibility issues?

Cheers advanced!

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K Dog said...

Any tips on choosing the right flotation vest and harness? Do they get on okay generally? Or do you have to look out for compatibility issues?

Cheers advanced!

The only pain that i have with my floatation vest is that i need to tock it into the harness becuase its quite long. I have seen these upper chest floatation vests that would probably do a better job and may give you more buoyancy when waterstarting.

But hey... I dont know what i'm talking about

K Dog, I tired heaps of different ones when I started out and finally stuck with a Neil Pryde one. Most seem to work if you use a seat harness, but with a waist harness you need one with a cut out so it doesn't keep jamming the vest up into your neck. The pryde one is light and easy to get on and off and has pockets to keep keys, spare downhaul line, flares, EPERB, rubber life raft, well you get the picture
Check out the Pryde one here:
http://www.neilprydewaterwear.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=265:high-hook-ce&catid=73:vests&Itemid=189

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jh2703 said...

K Dog, I tired heaps of different ones when I started out and finally stuck with a Neil Pryde one. Most seem to work if you use a seat harness, but with a waist harness you need one with a cut out so it doesn't keep jamming the vest up into your neck. The pryde one is light and easy to get on and off and has pockets to keep keys, spare downhaul line, flares, EPERB, rubber life raft, well you get the picture
Check out the Pryde one here:
http://www.neilprydewaterwear.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=265:high-hook-ce&catid=73:vests&Itemid=189

Ive got a seat harness & bought a waterskiing vest that I keep from riding up ( to a degree ) with clip hooks Ive sewn on. I still find it too bulky & restrictive so i will be buying one of the Neil pryde ones when i get $.They look very slimline & cut out around the arms so they wouldnt interfere + they are designed to go around the harness hook so they dont ride up.
Boy they must be even better than i thought if they can hold a rubber liferaft!..must get one..do they carry flares too?

Thanks all.

jh2703 - that vest sounds pretty sweet.

Any preferences on seat harnesses or waist? What feels natural? This might be a personal thing I would imagine... some like some not?

I use a Neil Pryde impact vest harness. Its very comfortable and gives good support to the torso when windsurfing. Its floation is pretty good. It has a quick release harness hook system, similar to the ratchet system found on ski boots.

The only downer is the lack of pockets for keys. I checked the NP website and it doesn't look like they make them anymore but I'm sure there are some old stock for sale in shops around the place.

Neil Pryde as JH recommended. Ive been using mine for 2 years now and it not only makes it easier kicking around for water starts it also saves some bruising to the ribs etc from those "few" crashes I have.

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K Dog said...

Any preferences on seat harnesses or waist? What feels natural? This might be a personal thing I would imagine... some like some not?

I think it's just personal preference, I've always used a waist harness and don't think I'll change...They are good for blasting, bump and jump and waves as you need to be able to get in and out of the harness quite often. If your more of a speedster or long distance sailor I'd lean towards a waist harness for more control and comfy ride. I've got friends that just won't change from there old seat harness, It looks like you just get use to one or the other.

......And a waist harness just looks cool

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......And a waist harness just looks cool

Well that just seals it!

so how come they haven't made a "man-kini" harness+flotation leotard yet? or have they?

50 / 50 on these...

there really freekin uncomftable,, and effect ur sailing.... they're crap to swim in which make chasing ur gear even harder....


but after getting mega drilled at lano n gerro, it would have been nice to have one on to reduce the fear factor...


a find a full length wetty and my harness gives me enough float for dodgy sailing spots.

More than a vest. It goes well with an onion bag harness or anything not too sharp and pointy.

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K Dog said...

Thanks all.

jh2703 - that vest sounds pretty sweet.

Any preferences on seat harnesses or waist? What feels natural? This might be a personal thing I would imagine... some like some not?

I prefer a seat harness as I dont weigh much & I feel I can carry more sail with one.They are harder to hook in & out of esp gusty conditions.I certainly wouldnt win any fashion awards though with the seat harness & fluoro pink bulky vest..

NP vest with Da-kine xt seat harness. With the seat hook through the vest the harness wont slip down and the vest won't ride up and choke you while you waterstart.

Thanks for your opinions lads! The waist harness school have swung me over to that camp... and will look around for the mankini version - gotta look pro on the water right?