I've been looking into getting an impact harness or PFD. Is anyone using an Impact Harness, they seem to be more popular with Kiteboarders?
Do the Impact Harnesses help you float?

Most of the PFD's are quite thick around the waste area so it makes the waste harness a little tricky to fit. Has anyone found one that it thin enough to use with a waste harness?

Thanks

I use one of these all the time now

http://www.neilprydewaterwear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=8&node=1

Fits nice and snug, not bulky.
Hooks over your harness hook so it doesn't ride up under your chin,
provides flotation making water starts easy
helps with impact.
Got it from
www.sunshinecoastsailboards.com.au/
They had to order it in for me as they hadn't seen them yet but they might be stocking more now about $125 approx.
Had it for 4 months and I would feel naked without now, its great to be able to lie in the water after a huge stack and not have to think about staying afloat.

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wormy said...

I use one of these all the time now

http://www.neilprydewaterwear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=8&node=1

Fits nice and snug, not bulky.
Hooks over your harness hook so it doesn't ride up under your chin,
provides flotation making water starts easy
helps with impact.
Got it from
www.sunshinecoastsailboards.com.au/
They had to order it in for me as they hadn't seen them yet but they might be stocking more now about $125 approx.
Had it for 4 months and I would feel naked without now, its great to be able to lie in the water after a huge stack and not have to think about staying afloat.

yep i agree i reckon these ones from pryde are pretty good...they also come with a removable camel back which clips on the back and the front pocket is handy for bits and pieces.. i sometimes keep a camera in it.
not sure how it would go with a waist harness as i use a seat harness when not in the waves.

Yeah, looks nice but how well does it go with a waist harness?

I was using a floatation vest to learn waterstarts but have done away with it now; it was too cumbersome. I miss that floaty feeling but I'm over the "safety" thing for the time being. It'd be nice to know you'll float even if you're knocked unconscious, though...

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Wet Willy said...

Yeah, looks nice but how well does it go with a waist harness?

I was using a floatation vest to learn waterstarts but have done away with it now; it was too cumbersome. I miss that floaty feeling but I'm over the "safety" thing for the time being. It'd be nice to know you'll float even if you're knocked unconscious, though...

yep i do use it for the 'safety thing' as it helps to offset the lead (9kg's) i strap to my guts when its windy it gives me some piece of mind when i hit the piss on the odd occasion... extra lead aside it still is fairly unobtrusive and when your sailing you dont notice its there too much.....i guess it doesn't look that cool, but then.. it suits me perfectly

i should add this particular 'buoyancy aid' prob wont save your life if you are knocked unconscious as its not a pfd 1 rating...

I use waist harness with it no problem, and no it will not save your life if you are knocked out however it does assist in flotation and impact and I look really cool in it

Wouldnt mind looking at one of those myself.
Does anyone know if anyone in Vic stocks them?