NSW Maritime is at present considering change of legislation via a "Lifejacket discussion paper".
This paper willl affect SUP Paddlers and all small recreational watercraft eg 'Sailboards and Kayaks' proposes that Cat 3 PFD are worn in ocean conditions at all times more than 100 metres from land. This may go on to further legislate that PFD's are worn in lakes and rivers if more than 100m from shore.
This will obviously be an issue for a lot of people, if it is for you have your say on the links as below. Whether in NSW or not.
If passed this means you will have to wear a PFD on a sailboard or SUP at all times except for the surf. Inflatable versions ie Bum Bag do not seem to work as they require activating. Cat 3 is the same as worn on a Jet Ski etc.
There is also move for the legislation to become National, if you are not in NSW this does not mean it does not affect you. (PFD's in the Doctor race??).
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Read the discussion paper and provide your feedback at:
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/index.html
There is an online survey there to complete.
i have lodged my objections...
"I am a regular windsurfer in both sheltered water and wave ride. i participate in wave riding compertitions on a regular basis.
first in the open ocean environment where it is being proposed to wear a life jacket, it would simply be total impractical in wave riding conditions. Often windsurfers will fall in the impact zone of breaking wave where we are required to duck our gear under waves to prevent breakage of equipment and injury to ourselves. wearing a pfd in these situation would render the rider completly incapable of performing this task, therefore putting themselves and gear in great risk.
I have once been caught under my sail in waves and only just freed myself in time, i have little doubt that if i had taken your advise i would not be writing this.
performance winsurfing requires full range of movement that i believe would be hindered by a pfd. By the way windsurfers dont capsize, we intentionally go up side down when performing tricks!
if these changes to legislation come into place i will NOT be casuality of there stupidity with regard to our sport. so please fell free to call me so i can tell you where and when i am not wearing PFD (potentially fatal devise)."
"bring your tape measure , not easy to judge 100m on water"
How does that apply to the nswwavesailing if it doesn't apply in surf? Not that we often have surf that is.
Maybe someone can come up with a "bouyancy harness" with just enough floatation that still allows you just duck under your gear when caught in the waves after falling in!
It says..
"When is it a requirement to wear a lifejacket now?
In NSW it is compulsory to wear a lifejacket when:
• crossing a coastal bar;
• riding on a personal watercraft (e.g. jetski);
• engaged in tow-in surfing; and
• on a canoe, kayak, windsurfer or kitesurfer when 400 metres or more from shore. "
so it reads to me, we should all have them now if sailing .. 
It may impact NSWWA Insurance more, will they cover us if we do have an accident and the rider has no life vest... I think this is really important.
I can imagine everyone in this years nationals wearing yellow floatation devices ...as it seems they are mandatory in NSW already...and maybe W.A.. ? 
