Open Discussion on the use of Life Jackets (PFD)

[Tony Soprano]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... reId=10001

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... /15591/0/0


http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... reId=10001

This is what I currently use:

http://www.southport-rigging.com/browse.cfm/4,4430.html

NEILPRYDE WIND HIGH HOOK VEST

[Tony Soprano]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... assNum=158

The ultimate life jacket, but may be to long and could be in conflict with your hook and mobility.

[greg d]

I used to wear my whitewater pfd. it's nice and comfy, but I did notice that it would make bodydragin upwind a chore with the extra flotation it added. Personally I agree with dave, the 4/3 wetsuit adds substantial flotation. and i don't really feel the need for a full on PFD.
I am seriously considering an impact vest though, any reccomendations?

[Blackbird]

As for one who doesn't wear a PFD, I can say the only argument against wearing one has been stated... "it interferes with my harness". Hah, well, several manufacturers have the integrated waist/impact vest setup. I have certainly thought about them, especially when wanting to push my own envelope. Usually we are all reactionary creatures. Hopefully the event is only just bad enough to make us change our ways... I have had several small events that make me think... but then again, I haven't changed my ways in regards to the use of a PFD or impact vest. Maybe...

[vdeub]

interesting thread.

This is what I currently use:

http://www.southport-rigging.com/browse.cfm/4,4430.html

NEILPRYDE WIND HIGH HOOK VEST

Tony,
does yours ** NEILPRYDE WIND HIGH HOOK VEST** interfere with a waist harness ?

does it reduce the impacts strengh like an impact vest ? does it protect ribs ?

[Tony Soprano]

It has a cut out for your spreader bar, and is from neilpryde for windsurfing.

I use a dakine seat harness, but it should work for a waist too. it is NOT coast guard approved but gives added buoyancy of holding up 50 lbs.

I just upgraded to another setup, I will be trying this out at Crissy today.

This life jacket is coast guard approve class 3

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=12387

with a waterproof light attached to it

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... lassNum=51

and my radio is this that fits in the pocket, i like this radio because alkaline batteries are more reliable then rechargable , this radio comes with both, The rechargeble only worked for a few months. i just replace the batteries every month.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... assNum=542

[Tony Soprano]

If impact protection is your thing go for something that says is for water skiing.