Forums > Kitesurfing General

Keep me afloat the best?

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Created by deXtrous > 9 months ago, 13 Nov 2009
deXtrous
NSW, 451 posts
13 Nov 2009 4:03PM
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Hey folk. So I finally got some kiting lessons yesterday (with Glen from xshore - great bloke and instructor). It was pretty hard for me to manage everything (the waves, kite and my position) without taking in some big gulps of water.

I want to buy some kind of vest or wet suit that will help me keep afloat so I can progress faster so I wanted to ask here first if anyone had any insight to which would be the best for this? Maybe some brands or models of a suit that will help me out :)



Cheers folk!

Idiot
WA, 577 posts
13 Nov 2009 1:26PM
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After a while that you'll get better you will still using it to reduce the impact of a hard crash.
I know every one will tell you to HTFU but a hard crash will hurt like hell if you don't have the PFD on.

Fat Mike
65 posts
13 Nov 2009 2:16PM
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The NPX vests interested me momentarily after I knocked myself unconscious kiting recently, something to keep me afloat while I came back to life. But i decided the extra clutter and warmth of a vest was too much hassle. IMHO they look slim and well designed for accommodating a harness.

http://www.npxwetsuits.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200&Itemid=286

Don't know of many crew using them for flotation though...


waxman
SA, 1390 posts
13 Nov 2009 4:58PM
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Idiot

HTFU.............lol

waxman
SA, 1390 posts
13 Nov 2009 5:03PM
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deXtrous said...

Hey folk. So I finally got some kiting lessons yesterday (with Glen from xshore - great bloke and instructor). It was pretty hard for me to manage everything (the waves, kite and my position) without taking in some big gulps of water.

I want to buy some kind of vest or wet suit that will help me keep afloat so I can progress faster so I wanted to ask here first if anyone had any insight to which would be the best for this? Maybe some brands or models of a suit that will help me out :)



Cheers folk!


Congrats on surviving your first lesson. It is allways the hardest and its normal to drink a bit of water, but i wouldnt rush out and get a pfd if this is the only reason. You will progress past body draging in your next lesson prob, and be doing board starts, once ridding the board you may find no use for the vest. I would borrow one if it helps in the next lesson but just put your extra cash towards more lessons and you will be up on the board and ridding in no time.

sillymanwithamoustache
TAS, 97 posts
13 Nov 2009 5:39PM
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waxman said...
Congrats on surviving your first lesson. It is allways the hardest and its normal to drink a bit of water, but i wouldnt rush out and get a pfd if this is the only reason. You will progress past body draging in your next lesson prob, and be doing board starts, once ridding the board you may find no use for the vest. I would borrow one if it helps in the next lesson but just put your extra cash towards more lessons and you will be up on the board and ridding in no time.


I agree with waxman no rush to go out and buy a pfd.

What i'm wondering has anyone every tried one of those wetsuits that has built in flotation i think they use 'em for water skiing, and how was it good for kiting?

milko
NSW, 604 posts
13 Nov 2009 5:51PM
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My guess if you had your lesson with Xshore you would be living somewhere on the mid north coast.. you have some awesome learning spots up that way where it is only waist deep.. the boys at muddies (old bar) are a great bunch of blokes. and they just love having heaps of beginners around.. you can also try smiths lakes on the sandbar side.. and Wallis lakes. right opposite the ruins camping ground there is a council depot.. if you go in there the nor easter gets in there enough..

deXtrous
NSW, 451 posts
13 Nov 2009 6:03PM
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milko said...

My guess if you had your lesson with Xshore you would be living somewhere on the mid north coast.. you have some awesome learning spots up that way where it is only waist deep.. the boys at muddies (old bar) are a great bunch of blokes. and they just love having heaps of beginners around.. you can also try smiths lakes on the sandbar side.. and Wallis lakes. right opposite the ruins camping ground there is a council depot.. if you go in there the nor easter gets in there enough..


Thanks for the tips, but I live in Sydney and only made the trip up there for the lessons. I think Glen took us to the spot at old bar, which was awesome. I definitely want to go back up there on a spare day because there are just so many killer spots!

Thanks to everyone else too who replied. I think I may go for another lesson down here in Sydney before I decide to buy a vest or wettie.

poor relative
WA, 9105 posts
13 Nov 2009 6:45PM
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Idiot said...
every one will tell you to HTFU but a hard crash will hurt like hell if you don't



suface2air
QLD, 701 posts
13 Nov 2009 10:01PM
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I learnt and iam still useing a water sking wet suit . It makes it very easy too put board on your feet and easer water start, dont have to like dog paddel while getting in right position or kite in right spot . it dosnt get in the way very easy too move around with , just need someone around when you are finshed your session to help peel it off ya . Well worth the money and like they said before crashes do happen and it could just save your life .

Ellobuddha
NSW, 625 posts
14 Nov 2009 4:00AM
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Idiot said...

First I bought a Billabong PFD and my harness was pushing it to my face.
Luckily someone stole it from me then I bought this one



It is a Nail Pryde wind surfing/kite surfing harness and it have a place for your harness hook.

I'm happy with it.


If you decide to get a vest - I fully agree with getting a Neil Pryde. Just enough float without being bulky. You dont know you've got it on.

kiter77
VIC, 273 posts
15 Nov 2009 3:31PM
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How about the Liquid Force impact vests, are these okey to use with a seat harness?

hemi340
NSW, 4 posts
16 Nov 2009 12:50AM
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Check out www.watersportswest.com . Click under accessories. I purchased a Ripcurl kitesurfing vest 3 weeks ago. Keeps meet afloat and the thick padding protects you from any impacts.
The vest was $75.00us dollars and postage $44.00us. I received the vest from Florida to Sydney within 6 days.

Speak to John on 0011 1 727 517 7000 or send him an email.
You can wear a seat or waist harness with the vest.
Hope this info may help.



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