What type of life jacket works best?

[mdh01]

For those of you who wear life jackets while kiteboarding, what style works best for those of us that use seat harnesses....Kayak vest?

Mark

[Reds]

I use a neoprene water ski type life jacket. It rides up just slightly with my dakine seat harness but all in all it is comfortable and it offers pretty good impact padding. It also helps keep me warm. Bought it at THE HOUSE. I've never tried the kayak style for kiting.

[Dave G]

I made a lame promise to wind surfing father of 70 (me 46)that i would wear a life jacket while kiting...so i wear a impact vest not to look cool but to in my mind satify my obligation. It has some floation with a wet suit and works pretty well.
On the bid lake or the ocean you can still duck dive some waves and still have some float.....maybe?

just a thought////

[Tom L]

When I'm out in real narly conditions, I use this one with a seat harness, from Neil Pryde. Less bulky than a kayak PFD.

http://usa.neilprydewaterwear.com/index ... d=8&node=0

I think I ordered mine form http://www.adventuresportsmiami.com

[mdh01]

Tom,
Cool jacket! I see they have a low hook version and a high hook. For a seat harness I assume the low hook model would be best. I like how the jacket is purpose built to connect to the hook and minimize ride up!

This might be just the thing...I assume you find it pretty comfortable to wear?

Mark

[Bryce]

I have a kayak style one. It rides up high enough so I can wear my waist harness. I'll have it at the crossing if anyone wants to try it out.

[JAE]

I've been using my Barefoot shorty. It has built in floatation and a little extra padding on the butt. I think they make full suites for barefooting too that would have floatation built in. Barefoot suits are a little spendier that regular wet suits, but it's pretty cool having the integrated floatation.

[Tom L]

Tom,
Cool jacket! I see they have a low hook version and a high hook. For a seat harness I assume the low hook model would be best. I like how the jacket is purpose built to connect to the hook and minimize ride up!

This might be just the thing...I assume you find it pretty comfortable to wear?

Mark

Mark,
Mine is actually the High Hook but I am using it with a seat harness. I called Adventuresports in Miami and asked them for advice, and I ended up with the high hook. I've tried 3 PFD's and this would be my favorite. I really like it, very comfy, and doesnt get in the way. Nice velcro pocket in the chest area if you want to carry something. Sometimes I ride with the hook through the hole in the vest and sometimes I don't. It does keep it from riding up, if that's an issue. Even though they say wide adjustment range, I would pay close attention to the Pryde sizing numbers, and talk to someone in Miami to get the size right. Not sure if they can be obtained locally.

[djmadmike]

I like the Dakine Nitrous shorts with the built in harness as it rides low and does not move--very comfy too. I use a standard life vest around here and in SPI I will use an impact vest (less flotation but water is normally shallow)
Rock on
Mike N

[jbs]

I use a low profile kayaking vest with a DaKine seat harness. Haven't had any problems with the jacket riding up. They seem to work well as a combo.

[Terry Dunklee]

Mark -- I have the high hook Neil Pryde like Tom. I use a waist harness and have no problems with the jacket getting in the way. I love it and never kite without it. Isthmus sailboards in Madison carried them last year. As I recall, they are not a coast guard approved life jacket but do pass the European standards and provide very adequate flotation in a relatively thin light vest. They also give some impact protection.

[Tom L]

I'm about 5-6", so that's proably why I went with the high hook model to go with a seat harness. Taller people might want the low hook for use with a seat harness.

[Barry P]

I've used the high Kayak style REI jacket for a few years.

Lately I've stopped wearing it because I'm convinced the separated and cracked ribs I've enjoyed since using it are from the relatively stiff foam it is built from transmitting kite body slam energy to me too effectively. Although I'd like to use a vest, I feel safer on a kite without it.

Needless to say, I'm looking for a high riding 'cushy' flotation vest that will do the energy dissipation job better.

[mdh01]

Great info everyone! I went with the high hook Neil Pryde...Isthmus sailboards in Madison still carries them.

Thanks!

Mark