Personal Floatation Devices (Life Vests) Just one persons view.

[Dwight (DW)]

DW - I was checking that exact impact vest online a few days ago. It looks pretty comfortable. I'm not sure I understand  your describe the flotation. If you didn't kick and held your hands above your head in the water, would you float or sink?

I don't charge super big waves but I've taken a board to the ribs a couple times and would wear a vest on bigger days. I'm looking for a little flotation, not necessarily USCG standards though.

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that. Never thought to try it.

The floatation equals a full wetsuit. I wear it most often on big days, before wetsuit season kicks in.

[motopilot]

I think in some cases (bigger surf) it is a great idea.  For others whenever you are ot of your comfort level.  An example happend this fall on Maui.  Our group was sailing camp one / uppers area when I sailed out and found a guy trying to swim out by the second reef.  He lost his gear and can swim but not with winds, surf etc.  He was freaking out the entire way back into shore.  When the group heard about what had happened a couple of them bought v the mustang survival vests the next day.  There is nothing wrong with being safe!

[1tuberider]

I think wearing a pfd is a great idea. 

Our paddle boards takes us places we never went on surfboards.  We can be a lot further from land and if something should happen a pfd could make the difference between finding a cold body or someone alive.

I have broken ribs twice while windsurfing.  A pfd would have protected me from the impact damage.  I have an impact vest now and I should consistently wear it.   

Boaters have the same issues.  Wearing the vest is critical when an accident occurs.  There is usually not enough time to put the jacket on when distressed.  The inflatable vests are good, but I believe they inflate when wet, so we would need a different way to activate it.  Not to easy to pull a cord when we are knocked out. 

I even see some wearing helmets.  Personal protection is a great way to see another day.

 

[shapeshifter]

there are two types of inflatables... the "manual" inflatables which deploy when you pull the cord on the co2 cartridge and the hydrostatic ones which automagically inflates when submerged. the cons of the manual inflatables is that they won't do you any good if you are unconscious the problem with the hydrostatic types are that they inflate if you hit the water. being that i am using an uli i shouldn't be as prone to head trauma unless the paddle winds up between my head and the board.

[surfpainter]

Hey BC...how in the world did you keep your trunks on during that wipeout? is that why you came up laughing?...I know the feeling....Rick

[stoneaxe]

"Big waves" is a relative thing. I'm looking at getting a vest similar to the billabong http://buywake.com/catalog/detail/4Q39x that Evan showed me at the board showcase last week. Anybody know of one made  in a XXL? Brother Bill gave me an inflatable which I used frequently when I 1st started hitting the waves. My biggest concern though is getting whacked on the head from a boulder during a fall not the pounding a big wave can bring or the hold down. An inflatable doesn't help much when you're unconscious.

My last session on Maui was small waves...went off the board backwards and felt a coral head just lightly graze the top of my head...didn't even leave a scratch....10 inches further back though probably would have been lights out. I've always been a strong swimmer but the unexpected can kill you just as quickly.

A related story....10 years ago a cooworker went for a quiet little bike ride with his wife and kids. The kids had helmets on but he didn't. He hit a sewer grate and his front tire stuck...threw him over the handlebars...fractured his skull on the curb and he died two days later. A cheap little helmet and he would have been hurting but alive.

[Kaweeka]

All I can say is amen!  I still find myself amazed at what you can do on a SUP and one is you can ride a really small wave into really shallow water  . . . Before your fall off!  I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon but it will still be a great thing to do on that last wave of the day . . .

Everyone can decide for themselves but after the bruising I got a few days ago and the reefs I've been shooting through I think the helmet will go back on and at least a thin impact vest will be added to the attire.  When I gain more skill and learn to kick out sooner this will change    Then again I will never be cool so what me worry 

[Northern Supper]

All,

I would like to Ditto what Blane has been saying in this thread. I am in Northern California and we get some pretty raw swell and some pretty crazy conditions.  I have paddling in at some spots where there would be only me and tow-in guys out. Swells >25ft at 20 secs. So I figured, if they've got'em I am going to get one.

The vest has made a big difference. I have taken horrific beatings . I got barrel rolled on the underside of the lip at mavs. I was upside down under the lip. It was like falling down an elevator shaft and landing on my back. I was right in the bowl. I lost everything. But I gotta tell you I came to the surface like rocketman. And was able to swim to the shoulder to escape the next one.

I am pretty sure that if I did not have a vest I'd have made a trip through the rocks or worse. But don't be lured into a false sense of security. To me the vest situtation is like english beer vs german beer. You can have it smooth up front and a harsh after taste or you can have it harsh up front and a smooth after taste but you can't have both.

With the vest you are going to take the beating up front. You are going to get beat worse than you have been beat before but the aftermath is going to be much more pleasant. The reason is that you cannot penetrate the face. I have tired to dive under waves with little success. So be prepared to take some pretty big waves on the head in all of their glory. But 90% of the time the aftermath won't be as bad. Unless of course you are near rocks. And then you should expect to get thrown on them and have all your toys broken because with the vest you are "bouy boy".

Another plus is that they keep you warm and you can swim forever. I lost a board in december and the offshores were blowing it out to sea. I swam for 2 1/2 hours into open ocean to chase it down.

I am a believer that above a certain size it just doesn't matter, all of your stuff is going to break and you will get injured. Especially if you hit reef, rocks or get bounced off the bottom. The bottom line. In conditions over 10ft at 15 secs or 6 ft at 25 secs. Don't take off on the 1st wave of the set. Choose waves that you can make. Stand on the shoulder and swoop into the bowl. But most of all don't fall.

Haley

[Blane Chambers]

*UPDATE*      The last 4 surfs in waves ranging from  6-10' faces I been testing out a different size (XL) XCEL Method Impact Vest.    I really wanted to surf with it and get used to putting it on instead of the usual, "only on the serious days..."     Get into the habit of wearing one so to speak.      The plan is to wear one a lot next winter.    Sam Pa'e and I had the vest talk so many times and this coming winter I will finally get serious about it and wear it more...    Sam is the first guy I saw consistently wearing one.    He understands the perfect sense it makes.

So here's how its been going...    After so many days of perfect surf I started having tons of fun throwing myself over the falls or letting waves land on me with the full impact then relaxing under water to see how long it would take to surface without any swimming....     Another fun one was let a set wave break right behind me and see if I can take off in the explosion...    (This takeoff is the absolute hardest thing to do!)     My friends were stoked because it took me out of the rotation and they got some comedy to watch.   I would go really deep when a set would come and I would say, "Go for it, I'm just going over the falls..."

The good thing I noticed is because you get less energy taxed after going through multiple poundings, you can actually start to refine your wipeout skills.   I know this sounds weird but for me, I like to put myself into situations that simulate when things get heavy.      When the waves get big and perfect, you have to be willing to pull into the barrel on every wave but things don't always workout so I like to be prepared.    The vest allows for lots of wipeout practice...   

For me this is such a refreshing way to have fun.     Sure making every wave is a blast BUT,  getting hammered can be fun too.      With a vest it makes it even more enjoyable.     Hopeless closeout tube exploration where you can get the killer views, leash testing and underwater travel experiments...     Not in giant waves but fun size uncrowded stuff maybe 15 to 20' faces...    Enough power to light you up..     Something different that the vest opens up for me...   (Not recommending anyone do this stupid stuff but just sharing an update)

When the waves get like this or bigger, at least the body and mind are ready....    Honestly, you don't need a vest for waves like this but I prefer to have one...

[noworrieshawaii]

 
For me this is such a refreshing way to have fun.     Sure making every wave is a blast BUT,  getting hammered can be fun too.   

Funny.. I caught a nasty head cold/sore throat the day I picked up my GORGEOUS new PSH 9'0". Called in sick at work but said what the heck... stay home or check out the head and a half high glass on a weekday...  Anyway, long story short.. not quite up to normal and got caught on the inside by the third set wave and man.. I swear there were 6 more... never seen so many set waves in a row.. I just caught a big breath and dove..and dove... and dove... and dove... Praying my leash didnt break.... Actually was pretty fun.. Cleared the ole sinsus out too...

Dont know how much fun I'd have going over the falls though.. That's kinda nuts... I'd hate to get wacked by my board..

Thanks Blane for the awesome new board. You guys truely take care of your customers...

[Sam Pa'e]

The more I use a life vest the more I tend to learn of it's benefit:

Today I took my SUP skills to another level. I surfed at Ala Moana bowls there were some 8-10ft faces (4-5ft local scale) and I was the only one standing-up. I was wearing my life vest at this spot knowing that today was a very heavy day. If anyone has ever tried surfing this spot at this size you'll know that it can get very heavy at times and this wave breaks from top to bottom and throws over a very shallow reef. I got some sick waves easily double over and got pitted in a barrel and had the front door shut in my face.

The amazing part of this was that after the pounding, after getting your bearing knowing which way is up, breaking surface & getting your next breath of air what most I hate dealing with is the AIR RATED WATER. If you don't know what this is it's a mixture of air and salt water which make the water less dense. Which makes it harder to stay a float. (Keep in mind the bigger/heavier the wave the less dense it gets).Now throw six waves in a set, your getting dragged by your board, your holding on to your paddle, and your caught in the impact zone....A life vest makes it a lot easier to focus.

I also took off on a big wave and got into an accident with a local guy there.

I was taking off on a big set and this guy was paddling up my wave. I was on his left side and he saw me taking off, well he bailed his board in front of me and my board ran over his board over. We got tangled up and pounded. We took six waves on the head I was getting the worse beating of my life I've ever had at that spot. Again dealing with the white water and current movement the vest made things a lot easier to focus. I was PISSED OFF but after looking at his board and saw three fin slice's through his board completely to the stringer, I was so grateful no one got KILLED. He was very apologetic, admitted fault and asked if I was alright.....I was fine

I don't recommend this to everyone, but if you would like to take your SUP to another level PLEASE be aware of the danger and the risk your putting yourself into. There's ways to avoid a risk and ways to control your risk. People and hazard co-exist every day and we do things to put some kind of control on our risk. Think about this next time you jump in your car and DON'T BUCKLE UP!!!

Aloha Sam........
P.S....People +Hazard=Risk

[gkona]

Haley,
  What kind of vest do you wear?
Sam,
 What about you ?what kind of vest do you use?

[linter]

i wonder how the xcel method compares to the dakine in terms of impact protection and float.  anyone got any ideas?

[PonoBill]

I'm sitting here with a giant cigar-shaped lump on my top left rib thinking "maybe I should start wearing an impact vest". Wasn't even a big wave--a dinky little waist high short period Oregon shorebreak mushburger. But I got the board right in the ribs and it paralyzed my diaphragm but good. Took quite a while to get a breath, and nearly a week later every time I cough I'm in serious pain. With a vest it would have been nothing.

[Blane Chambers]

More..... Just a quick little test on vests I've tried....   Sorry about not including retail prices.   I forget exactly how much I paid...

Here's what's left of my vest quiver...      What's missing is my Dakine Impact vest but I got a similar picture off line...    I also had another XCEL USCG (US Coast Guard Approved and another Body Glove one that I can't remember the name. )  

TYPEIII USCG PFD's (Type III PFDs are to be used in near-shore waters when there is a good chance of a quick rescue. Wearers will usually have to turn themselves face-up in the water and may have to lean back to avoid turning face-down. Type IIIs have the same minimum buoyancy as Type IIs and come in many types and styles. They are often designed with fashion in mind, as well as safety. Float coats and vest styles can often be worn to provide extra warmth in addition to safety.)



I'm adding a rating scale from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest or best.

Body Glove Motion.   This vest is cut higher in the neck and arm pit.   This makes for a more uncomfortable feel when sitting on the board or floating after getting thrashed.   Kinda chokes and gives more chance of rash in the arm area when paddling.   I lasted only one surf with this one.
USCG Approved: Yes
Buoyancy: 5
Comfort: 2
Agility: 2
Protection: 5
Overall Quality: 3+ (Straps need to be tucked inside the back...)


XCEL Mack  OK lower neck cut.   OK slightly lower arm pit cut.    Still a beefy feeling vest that feels restrictive.   I wore this vest on a big day and felt like it hindered crouching low to turn...   Will not use it again...   Lasted 4 surfs with this one.   Paddling never gave me rash.
USCG Approved: Yes
Buoyancy: 5
Comfort: 3
Agility: 3
Protection: 5
Overall Quality: 5   (Good, Solid Construction)


Dakine Matrix Impact Vest  This vest is by far the best looking, best protecting and best constructed vest on the market.     This really is a bummer because for me, this one and its front, straight zippered equivalent is very restrictive for SUP compared to others...   Super high neck cut and high arm pit cut.     It is also very stiff which is why it feels so safe.    Getting in and out of it is TOUGH! 
USCG Approved: No
Buoyancy: 3
Comfort: 2
Agility: 2
Protection: 5
Overall Quality: 5+   (Awesome construction and beautiful!)


Stearns (Generic Vest) This is a cheap vest I got from WALMART for approx $50.    It's so generic they didn't bother naming it.    It was the first one I ever bought.    Figured I try a cheap one first...   My favorite USCG vest.  This thing has impressed me the most.    The only thing I don't like about it is the straps are outside instead of tucked into the back.    I'll sew in some improvements myself.    Ultra low arm pit cut and low neck cut...    I recommend wearing a lycra top over this one to keep things in place.
USCG Approved: Yes
Buoyancy: 4+
Comfort: 4+
Agility: 4
Protection: 4+
Overall Quality: 3  (Cheap but you can get 2 for the price of one!)


XCEL Method Impact Vest  This is my go to vest for most days.   Really comfy and great agility.    It's not USCG approved but has decent floatation.   Looks pretty good to...      Got absolutely hammered many times in this one and it saved me from hits quite a few times...    Stoke rating is high with this....
USCG Approved: No
Buoyancy: 3
Comfort: 4+
Agility: 4+
Protection: 3+
Overall Quality: 4+  (Looks good and made well)


Hope this helps people choose something that is right for them...   I'm only one person with one view so look elsewhere for more info to help you find the right one for your body...   If any vest manufacturers are out there that think they have a better product than these and want me to try it I WILL PAY FULL RETAIL for one if it looks better, more comfortable, and is USCG approved.   Not looking for anything free.   Looking for something GOOD.

Aloha,
Blane


www.paddlesurfhawaii.com