Hi All
I am considering buying a buoyancy vest and would appreciate some advice. I see that NP and Da Kine both make one. With the NP your harness is under the vest, with the Da Kine the harness is over the top. Anyone used either? Which arrangement is better? Any other suggestion?
Cheers
Steve.

I've used the NP, bit of a tight squeeze with the vest over the harness but is ok.

Hey Steve,
For your interest non of these vests are boyancy rated in Australia .
I think the NP high hook was popular at the slalom national at Green island over winter??
Naish also make one called the defender. Floatation/impact
The np high hook is the one Karen is talking about, looks more like a floatation vest, Dakine ones are probably the least heard of.
I would say the np or Naish defender would be the go. I have sold both and they are as equally popular.
They do need to be a tight /snug fit or they will ride up a bit.

Steve, I've used vests for years, great in the waves, gives you the extra security and holds your head out of the water, just makes it easier.
I'm pretty sure you need it very tight but over the harness not under.

One trick you could use to stop the vest riding up is to tie a little bit of cord from the vest to your spreader bar. Doesn't seem to get in the way with my rather stylish outfit.

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houston said..

Steve, I've used vests for years, great in the waves, gives you the extra security and holds your head out of the water, just makes it easier.
I'm pretty sure you need it very tight but over the harness not under.

Do you recommend a brand or model and thanks for all the other replies as well

Hi Steve, I use a vest I bought at Tamar Marine called "Gorge Ultra" which I found to be quite good. It sits high so it clears the harness hook well, and give you plenty of freedom around the arms. It has a few small pockets to put a bit of spare rope and snacks in. The only problem is it doesn't have a lot of buoyancy but I found it is enough to give a bit of assistance when water starting.

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Rustbucket68 said..

Hi Steve, I use a vest I bought at Tamar Marine called "Gorge Ultra" which I found to be quite good. It sits high so it clears the harness hook well, and give you plenty of freedom around the arms. It has a few small pockets to put a bit of spare rope and snacks in. The only problem is it doesn't have a lot of buoyancy but I found it is enough to give a bit of assistance when water starting.

Thanks Paul. I will have a look tomorrow. I'm considering all options

Have the NP. Works well with seat or waist harness. Has a built in loop that goes over the hook to stop riding up.

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buzzy said..

Have the NP. Works well with seat or waist harness. Has a built in loop that goes over the hook to stop riding up.

Hi Kaleb. Thanks for your input The NP does sound very good. It might just come down to $$. Also, thanks for all the time you have spent sorting out the membership forms. There are often problems with an online system but your patience is really appreciated.
Cheers
Steve