what is the best buoyancy vests & aids i'm useing n/p race sails and i find im useing to much energy water starting 
I have a prolimit impact/ weight vest.
It is not a rated pfd but it does help and you can use the pockets for weight or supplies or I guess additional foam.
It floats 5kg of lead easily so maybe 8-9kg of float.
Not bulky and does make a difference and keeps you warmer in winter. I have taken to wearing it all the time. Fix my gps to the shoulder strap.
I got mine from WA Surf for $219.
keef, in addition to what lao shi recomendation ( I use a NP high hook vest same sort of thing) I use one of these floatation devises on boom end at start of season when using big sails. Stops the buggers from sinking. I actually made one from a cut down pool noodle.But they work a treat, and you dont burn up energy 
www.easyuphaul.com/waterstarter/default.htm
Keef,
I use the NP vest, It has plenty of float and pockets to keep all your spares in..If that NorEaster comes through next weekend I'll be down your way and you can give mine a go. If you like it I can pick one up for you from the Wetspot when I come back down.
Cheers Jason.
Jh2703, Do you wave sail with a NP vest? i brought the same one after nearly drowning a few weeks ago, and was wondering what are they like in the surf? if you loose your board and sail can you still swim ok to your rig?
the bom is predicting 15 to 25 on tuesday, seabreeze says 15, ill stick some EVA down my wetty
Keef,
Looks like I'll be down on saturday/sunday...Unless the forecast changes that is. Just hope the rain is gone and the northerly swings a bit more to the NE.
Flipper,
I no longer use the vest, I find my harness gives me all the flotation I need. It was good when I was learning to waterstart but have not had it on since. I don't think it would bother you too much in the waves It's not too bulky, Most of the big wave riders these days swear by impact vests with flotation of some type.
Cheers.
"Me"
Keef
+1 for the NP.
Was told (by family) to get one after 1.5km swim
Good impact protection, flotation. You don't notice it when you're having fun.
Sam's got them - cheap insurance/re-assurance
I use one of the NP vests and wrap the bottom strap on the vest thru and around the harness hook where the hook cutout is on the vest.
This prevents the harness riding up at all.(Thanks 4 that tip Mineral)
I'm with Wino on this one. You only need it once and its paid for itself bigtime.
Makes flying those larger cammed sails juse a little bit easier too.
Keef, just stop falling in, that'll solve your problem> 
I have a Pryde impact vest harness combo which works but I don't like the position of the hook.
your not wrong there des the problem is i like my custom it's about 70lt or less and run a 6/7,there's no room for era and your in the drink, done 57 k's on the CA55 and only dropped 2 jibes with a rss5/8, i must admit it was a sweet combo,
