I came across something old about a competition to design a lifejacket that people would wear in boats. It got me thinking what would make you wear it instead of like most people. For me, it would be a mobile phone holder, drink holder, hat holder, and somehow keep the sun off.

Traditionally im a no shirt ,free ,wind in ya hair sailor. But after a few BIG swims last year I decided to purchase a buoyancy vest as my fitness was nowhere near what I thought it was.
I went for a Forward WIP 50N. Its got storage pockets, impact prevention, signal whistle n fits my 110kg carcass like a glove without restricting much movement.
As a windsurfer I think bulky flotation is your worst enemy. Ever tried to swim after a windblown board n rig in an opposing current?
Possibly one of my best investments yet.
I dont hit the water without it now. Waterstarts easier. Keeps me warm n also cuts down on sunburn. A must have.
What's YOUR life worth?

For some it's great. If u need to duck dive a wave in the surf with gear they can be a death trap!

Something that doesnt turn me into tommy turtle when wearing a waist harness.

Absolutely nothing hanging off. Doesn't interfere with a waist harness and offers rib protection.

Stretchy said..
I like the impact protection. A crack on the ribs ain't no fun

Ditto

Wgat would I need in a life jacket to make me wear it?

Answer,,, Me

I kinda figure my life is worth preserving (some may argue otherwise) as it's important to me.

If you don't believe your life is valuable enough to you to justify you wearing a PFD then it doesn't matter how many bells, whistles and go faster stripes you put on it, you won't wear one.

Simple choice realy

ballast said..
Since one of the guys who used to sail with us broke six ribs going into the mast and then spent Xmas in hospital a few years ago. I almost always wear my Neil Pryde high hook every sail. No real problem swimming in it.
Haven't had as bad an off as he did, but I reckon I have saved a few bruises.

I had a bad off with a Neil Pryde vest last Feb. Badly bruised ribs and 5 1/2 weeks before I could sail again.
I went and bought a Forward impact vest and I wear it every sail... At times I thought I was overdoing it wearing a helmet and impact vest in 10-15kts of wind but I got caught when a big S came through recently and had another bad off..
Bruised intercostal muscles again..I suppose it must have helped and maybe I would have had broken ribs without it but I'm a bit disappointed.. I feel for better protection it would be good to attach some sort of dense foam down the sides in addition to the supplied side bits .

I have an Ion impact and Neil Pride high hook ce50. The Neil Pride I had to cut away some of the padding in the lower back to better fit my harness. Both offer little rib protection which is what I'm after, having broken mine three times now. So I'd like to see low profile padding with better spread on the side rib areas. Pleased to see some of the suggestions above.

I've re evaluated my rating after last night.
First stack ( Neil pryde buoyancy vest) I can't remember how I hit the gear.I think it was a glancing blow to the ribs. It took 5 1/2 weeks before I could sail..and I went asap..
Last stack was like a hooked in jump gone wrong . I was smashed onto the boom from height , straight onto the narrow carbon arm. I managed to sleep on the bad side last night (2 1/2 weeks). That's my chiros marker for when it's probably ok to try for a sail.
So although it didn't stop a lot of pain it's less of an injury and recovery is a lot faster.
I still think another layer in the side pockets is a good idea ( karrimat material or similar).
Sail this week?? I've lost all my muscles..

Richiefish said..

Peter Hands said..
Mine is custom from Safety Marine Aust, with extra padding across the plate holding my collarbone together - rope goes through harness hook - always wear it, except wavesailing - float for waterstarts, impact protection, warmth if needed, safety if it all goes wrong, legal compliance - don't even notice it now

I don't think that one is legally compliant mate. (except in smooth waters).Not on a boat anyway. A PFD type 50 needs to be yellow or red.

I don't think the colour has anything to do with it. There are several brands selling colours other than that (incl black) which have the relevant standard stamped on them.

Dip916 said..
I don't think the colour has anything to do with it. There are several brands selling colours other than that (incl black) which have the relevant standard stamped on them.

Yeah the colour used to be a factor back when they were Type 1, 2 & 3. Type 1 and 2 had to be hi-vis and Type 3 could be any colour.

Now that they are Level 100 (old Type 1) L50 (old type 2) and L50S (old type 3) they don't seem to mention the colours anymore but I think the L50S is still probably the only one allowed to be other than Hi-vis.

Yep 50 can be any colour. 100 n up for boating must be brightly coloured.

elmo said..
Wgat would I need in a life jacket to make me wear it?

Answer,,, Me

I kinda figure my life is worth preserving (some may argue otherwise) as it's important to me.

If you don't believe your life is valuable enough to you to justify you wearing a PFD then it doesn't matter how many bells, whistles and go faster stripes you put on it, you won't wear one.

Simple choice realy

I do wear a PFD, mostly to be legal, as we have very aggressive Marine police on Lake Mac. I would prefer to have the choice though.

A very enlightening podcast by the Freakenomics team many years ago called, "The dangers of safety", confirmed my belief that not all advances in safety are good. Examples - airbags in cars can give the false impression of invincibility - NFL players wearing helmets caused an increase in head trauma due to players leading with their heads in tackles. Brilliant podcast.

I used to teach outdoor education, including sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. While I believe PFDs are essential in these situations, many a time the PFD became the issue in a rescue (stuck on something, unable to get out from a capsizes vessel....).

Increase the level of Safety in something and you tend to increase the users apathy at the same time. The best piece of safety equipment is an alert active brain.

Put extra pieces of EVA in the side pockets of my FWIP vest. Protection feels much better now. The design of this vest makes it a very simple job to do

^ My My Master Shifu!
By the look of that,Christmas holidays hasn't been kind to you.
Big belly n a lil extra whiskers?