I try to avoid wearing them, but when there is a possiblity of falling in in nasty shore break, I wear one. I'm not a very good swimmer.
I've had a Ripcurl D-bomb for a few years now. It's okay, but when it's dry is shrinks and it takes a while for it to stretch (I don't think it's a water thing.. I believe the material gets exercised over an hour by the chest and it becomes more elastic). By the end of the session it's fine. When first falling in, it's very hard to breath with it on.. so much so, that I feel a bit panicky and I don't have the breath to water start and get smashed in the shore break for 15 minutes. I was wondering if there anything that supports like a seat harness and doesn't rely on fastening around the chest ? (Water wings ? 
)
I wear the NP one. Functional but far from comfortable. Depends a lot upon your body shape. In the worst case, the vest and waist harness become a scarf! If so, then you may want to get one in your favourite team colours 
I use a Quicksilver vest. With a zip and a couple of straps it stays nice and snug and doesn't ride up in the water. I did have to extend the V in the back so the vest and my harness didn't fight over territory as much. The only mistake I made was not allowing for a wetsuit when I was trying on the vest in the shop.
I`ve been using a Dakine surface vest. works great with a seat harness, not restrictive at all, and gives good bouyancy for water starting.
Select to expand quotewhitsun said..
I`ve been using a Dakine surface vest. works great with a seat harness, not restrictive at all, and gives good bouyancy for water starting.
Been thinking about getting one of these.
Has anyone compared the Surface v Kicker vests in terms of buoyancy and comfort?
I always wear a prolimit impact vest if the wind is up and i might crash but you should probably think about learning to swim well .
I use a NP one which works well and I like it because the hydration pack clips onto it.
It also has a strap that goes under your harness hook to hold it down.
You definitely don't want one that is so tight it restricts breathing.
You do want one that will not ride up when you are in the water.
Select to expand quoteslalomfreak said..whitsun said..
I`ve been using a Dakine surface vest. works great with a seat harness, not restrictive at all, and gives good bouyancy for water starting.
Been thinking about getting one of these.
Has anyone compared the Surface v Kicker vests in terms of buoyancy and comfort?
While both offer a level off bouyancy they are mainly impact vests.
After having broken some ribs, I use the D'K Surface vest when in shallow flat water such as Primbee.
I wear a NP Bouyancy vest, which is CE 50n approved, for deep water locations such as Botany Bay, which offers some level of Impact protection (but still broke my ribs while wearing it). By law in NSW you have to wear one off these.
The Surface vest is far more comfortable but not Bouyancy rated.
Select to expand quoteSurfinfreak said..
Is an impact vest enough of a flotation device for entering races?
Yes usually, I wear the KA Impact Vest and have never had a problem
Thamks mate, take a sickie tomorow. If the wind is in I am thinking Suttons after I drop the kids at school
Select to expand quoteWindxtasy said..
I use a NP one which works well and I like it because the hydration pack clips onto it.
It also has a strap that goes under your harness hook to hold it down.
You definitely don't want one that is so tight it restricts breathing.
You do want one that will not ride up when you are in the water.
Absolutely agree with all this. NP Cabrinho vest good all round I think.
Thanks all. I'll suss out people's suggestions. Whitsun's surface vest might be the way to go.
