I tried out my new vest today, having had no wind around since it arrived a week ago.

As background, I'm getting back into windsurfing after many years away and surprisingly discovered that I am slower, heavier and somewhat lacking in cardio (rule #1 - Cardio). A few weeks ago I got a bit of a scare when the breeze dropped and i discovered my cardio limitations very quickly trying to water start in low to nil breeze, even more so then having to swim the board back to the beach.

With the vest on today I found the water starts were far more comfortable and controlled, concentrating on the sail and board rather than drowning . And yes, after trying to squeeze one more run out of the iffy breeze, it died again and i had to swim it back in again, twice as far, but much more comfortably this time.

I've read a few comments on this forum about the vests, but thought I'd give some feedback anyways. I'm sold on it, particularly in our gusty local conditions.

For info...
I got the M-L size. I'm at the upper scale of the chest size (105cm plus wetty), but it fits fine and i didn't want to go up to a XL-XXL size.
In the water I could feel it pushed up slightly by my waist harness, but not enough to cause any issues.
I didn't notice any restriction/obstruction hooking in.
I felt no restriction to arm movement (even when sidestroking 100m to the beach )
And no, i didn't get the camelbak, I prefer my rehydration to come from a cold beer afterwards.

I have one of these and wear it every time. Combined with a waist harness I sometimes feel a bit bulky, but like you say, there are compelling reasons. In addition to the energy conservation and buoyancy, they keep you warm and provide good protection for the ribs in a crash. There is even a pocket for the keys.

I wonder if you got knocked out from a forward catapult hitting the mast------ would it keep you from drowning?

Nice post mate.

I've been wearing an old dinghy sailing PFD and whilst it works okay, water starting causes it does ride up and cover your mouth and nose! Yep, just while you're sucking in the big ones, getting that CI sail to drain its 20kg of water from the luff, you have something trying to suffocate you!

So I've ordered a DaKine impact vest that is pretty similar to the NP.

My thought is, wear a jacket, protect your ribs and most of all - remember rule No. 32

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petermac33 said..
I wonder if you got knocked out from a forward catapult hitting the mast------ would it keep you from drowning?

Nope. That is the primary difference between a lifejacket and and a buoyancy vest. The lifejacket's collar is meant to turn you on your back and face up if knocked out. Buoyancy vest floatation only.

Not if you landed face first I'm guessing. If you were semi conscious and could keep face up, I'd prefer the chances.

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So I've ordered a DaKine impact vest that is pretty similar to the NP.

My thought is, wear a jacket, protect your ribs and most of all - remember rule No. 32

Always enjoying the little things (like obscure movie quotes). I'm loving getting back on the water after all these years and I reckon the vest is a good investment. I struggle to see how you guys get these big cammed sails out of the water. I'm working at the lightweight end with an S-1 5.7m.

..... and I'm going to go and download Zombieland to watch it again!

Mort can you let us know where you picked one up from?

I'm chasing one also (except need XL), and no one has stock.

My old Bourke sailing vest had a plastic hook, and no way that is going to be trusted, it's probably 30 years old

Better to have a vest than nothing, IMHO

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crustysailor said..
Mort can you let us know where you picked one up from?

I'm chasing one also (except need XL), and no one has stock.

Bought mine from SHQ Sandringham when in Melbourne for Xmas. They had plenty then.

thanks boys, got one coming down