The Wingman

[RATbeachrider]

This could be good for those long sessions where hydration is needed.

http://kck.st/1GxMYvh

[mr_proper]

Cool. Unfortunately not for the European market.

[XLR8]

I preordered mine a couple of months back and just got an email indicating they won't be available until Feb 2016.  I am interested in mine mainly for downwinders and in surf, both SUP and prone.  I have had a couple of leash break incidents in fall and winter where being tired, low buoyancy of freshwater and super cold temps make swimming a daunting task.  I am looking forward to it and hope it performs well.

For those interested, the email I received reads:

"This is the team at Hyde giving you an update on the Wingman Life Jacket you pre-ordered. We have been working hard over the past few months with our manufacturer to work out the final details on the vest design; it looks and feels great and we think you will be thrilled when you receive yours.  We have completed the Preliminary USCG testing and are preparing to submit the finalized samples for the Full USCG Investigation.  Unfortunately, due to some slight design changes requested by the USCG we have fallen behind our originally anticipated Fall 2015 delivery.  Below you will see our updated timeline in which we anticipate delivering your vest in February 2016.

As we previously described we will alert you prior to charging your card. We have launched a Kickstarter Campaign this morning to raise money for the remainder of the USCG approval testing. This is a large expense and we need a total of $60,000 in pre-orders to help pay for this and place an initial order. We appreciate your support and confidence in pre-ordering a Wingman, in doing so you have guaranteed yourself the lowest price ever and will be the first to receive a Wingman when they are ready.  You do not have to place an order through Kickstarter, we still have your order recorded and will fulfill it when ready. Please help us spread the word about this Kickstarter campaign by sharing with friends and anyone that you think might be interested."

[WhatsSUP]

Interesting!

I've got a Quatic Inflatable Rashguard ( http://quaticapparel.com/products/inflatable-rashguard ) that I've only wore a couple of times...I instead have preferred the Patagonia R1 Wave Vest - its not an inflatable but does have a good bit of inherent bouyancy given its padded protection capacity.  Neither of these two are USCG approved life vests and it appears the Wingman is ()  Do you have any insight into the level of USCG approval?  I'm guessing USCG Type III given its amount of flotation (22lbs or so)....(the Quatic advertises 8-13 lbs).

[XLR8]

Wingman, I hadn't ever heard of the Quatic but it looks sweet!  I am going to consider getting one for the time being.