Author Topic: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards  (Read 2872 times)

Bulky

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Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« on: April 18, 2019, 10:57:24 AM »
Trying to take reasonable steps to stay safe on my morning solo paddles out on the ocean, as I need some new rashguards, I figure it wouldn't hurt to get some in hi-vis orange or green.

Surprisingly, nothing pops up very quickly in my internet searches.  I usually buy the Victory Koredry stuff but they have just standard colors.

Any recommendations out there?
Santa Barbara, CA

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hbsteve

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2019, 11:47:45 AM »
Xcel Wetsuits usually has lifeguard yellow.  Also try Vapor Appreal.

JimK

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2019, 11:50:45 AM »
SUPreme has a florecent yellow Lety me know what size you are looking for

JimK
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Wetstuff

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2019, 01:39:38 PM »
Bulky,  Why not a simple flagman's vest? ...those meet all kinds of Hi-Vis specs for cheap.  Use your regular rashie or rubber for comfort.

Jim
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TallDude

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2019, 01:56:59 PM »
Bulky, I just wear a red hat. The problem with that is all the power boaters think I'm a buoy and use me as a turning mark.  ;D  But seriously, they do anyways with or without high visibility gear. What's up with that? A wide open ocean and they have to clear me by 50 feet. 
It's not overhead to me!
8'8" L-41 ST and a whole pile of boards I rarely use.

The Kernel

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2019, 07:45:27 PM »
I'm much shorter than TallDude; with my body shape, I might be mistaken for the float from a crab pot.

My go-to rashguard:  https://www.columbia.com/mens-pfg-terminal-tackle-long-sleeve-tee-FM6094.html
Mine is some bright color (green I think) that I would know the name of if I wasn't color blind.

Also have a yellow Excel from a few years ago--a long-time favorite, but it's beat up from heavy use.

I became a fan of high vis rashguards years ago when I was SUP surfing with my brother in big conditions and we lost track of each other.  I was worried he had drowned, but he had just gotten pummeled and washed up on the beach.  He wanted to go back out, but couldn't track ME down because of course everyone was wearing black wetsuits so we all looked the same.  Now when I go out with guests or I'm teaching, I wear my high vis as usual (you can see I'm even wearing it in the picture for my handle here on the Zone) and I have the guest/student wear one as well.  It's makes things MUCH easier, especially when it's crowded. 

When people ask me why I wear one when I go out alone, I usually reply that--given my age--it will make body recovery easier.
« Last Edit: April 18, 2019, 07:52:02 PM by The Kernel »
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surfcowboy

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2019, 07:59:00 PM »
You can also go to a sports uniform place that has a heat transfer machine and get them to cut and heat press on reflective strips or a design like on those vests.

They can buy the material or you can. Sign shops also do this sort of thing.

I have a cheap vinyl cutter and heat press in the garage and have done all sorts of weird stuff like this.

Deadbait

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2019, 08:59:11 PM »
I use regular quick-dry shirts when I paddle out in the ocean for safety and visibility.  Most of them are made of the same material as rash guards and usually less expensive.  They also have more color choices and styles. (loose fit, tight fit, long sleeve, short sleeve, etc.) 

Wetstuff

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2019, 06:59:08 AM »
Bait...  Forget the shirt - I'll take his body.


Jim
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Bulky

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Re: Recommendation for High Visibility Rashguards
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2019, 10:18:11 AM »
Bulky, I just wear a red hat. The problem with that is all the power boaters think I'm a buoy and use me as a turning mark.  ;D  But seriously, they do anyways with or without high visibility gear. What's up with that? A wide open ocean and they have to clear me by 50 feet.

Thanks.  I always wear a red hat, but I was recently watching another paddler head out (actually pretty rare around here) and was amazed how, even with a bright hat on, she became invisible pretty quickly.  I realize when I'm going a mile or more offshore, it really doesn't matter much what color I have on, but just figure it's one easy step to take that might help me in some situation. 

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks!
Santa Barbara, CA

SIC RS 14x24.5
Infinity Blackfish 14'
Naish Glide 14' (2012)
SupSports Hammer 8'11
Starboard WidePoint 10'5
Ke Nalu Mana, Konihi, Maliko

 


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