Any tips on choosing the right flotation vest and harness? Do they get on okay generally? Or do you have to look out for compatibility issues?
Cheers advanced!
K Dog, I tired heaps of different ones when I started out and finally stuck with a Neil Pryde one. Most seem to work if you use a seat harness, but with a waist harness you need one with a cut out so it doesn't keep jamming the vest up into your neck. The pryde one is light and easy to get on and off and has pockets to keep keys, spare downhaul line, flares, EPERB, rubber life raft, well you get the picture
Check out the Pryde one here:http://www.neilprydewaterwear.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=265:high-hook-ce&catid=73:vests&Itemid=189
so i will be buying one of the Neil pryde ones when i get $.They look very slimline & cut out around the arms so they wouldnt interfere + they are designed to go around the harness hook so they dont ride up.
..must get one..do they carry flares too?
Thanks all.
jh2703 - that vest sounds pretty sweet.
Any preferences on seat harnesses or waist? What feels natural? This might be a personal thing I would imagine... some like some not?
I use a Neil Pryde impact vest harness. Its very comfortable and gives good support to the torso when windsurfing. Its floation is pretty good. It has a quick release harness hook system, similar to the ratchet system found on ski boots.
The only downer is the lack of pockets for keys. I checked the NP website and it doesn't look like they make them anymore but I'm sure there are some old stock for sale in shops around the place.
Neil Pryde as JH recommended. Ive been using mine for 2 years now and it not only makes it easier kicking around for water starts it also saves some bruising to the ribs etc from those "few" crashes I have.
so how come they haven't made a "man-kini" harness+flotation leotard yet? or have they?
50 / 50 on these...
there really freekin uncomftable,, and effect ur sailing.... they're crap to swim in which make chasing ur gear even harder....
but after getting mega drilled at lano n gerro, it would have been nice to have one on to reduce the fear factor...
a find a full length wetty and my harness gives me enough float for dodgy sailing spots.
More than a vest. It goes well with an onion bag harness or anything not too sharp and pointy.
NP vest with Da-kine xt seat harness. With the seat hook through the vest the harness wont slip down and the vest won't ride up and choke you while you waterstart.
Thanks for your opinions lads! The waist harness school have swung me over to that camp... and will look around for the mankini version - gotta look pro on the water right?
