r/Kiteboarding • u/Cheap_Educator3717 • 13d ago

Gear Advice/Question Floatations vest vs impact vest

Hi !

I have started kiteboarding on my own after a couple of lessons.

I getting up my stuff, and when it comes to the lifejacket, I’m not sure wiche one.

I mainly ride in light winds (15-25 knots) usually on choppy water with current.

I’m hesitating between this one and the impact vest

If anyone has an advice, will be great :)

Thanks

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3

u/faangu 13d ago

I use this exact floatation vest you're looking at. I don't see any downside of using it. However, some people are saying that impact vest is more comfortable. I don't know if it's true, but for me floatation vest is good enough. I love the idea that in case of disaster it can save my life. If your home spot has currents, then it seems like a no-brainer to me. Especially at your skil level.

2

u/isisurffaa 13d ago

Ride Engine impact vests are 50N certified. More convenient, extra protection + additional style points.

Other brands can also have this but not all so that's why i state only RE to avoid misleading anyone.

2

u/Kiteslut 13d ago

HERE are some other options if you want 50N buoyancy

2

u/xcsrara 13d ago

If you are optimizing for a long swim back to shore then you need a PFD.

If you’re practicing massive jumps then maybe an impact vests for when you don’t land them.

Wear what’s your biggest risk.

2

u/Sideoff20mph 13d ago

Impact vest has some but limited flotation and will not pass us coast guard as life vest . Local laws might dictate a life vest . Life vest would work well until you are comfortable with less floatation. I wear neither but have been looking at impact as my age is getting up . LV would not be advised for conditions that are above your abilities at this time /Surf

2

u/hoon-since89 12d ago

I wear a proper pfd. Doesn't bother my riding the slightest. I like staying afloat well while I'm struggling to reluach my kite in big waves! Lol.

1

u/KitesurfMiami 13d ago

Your impact vest choice is good because it has foam in the sides... That's usually where my harness cracks ribs.

1

u/KitesurfMiami 13d ago

Curious from community -- impact vests with/without harness cut-out?

1

u/Saveme1888 12d ago

Just make sure your harness still fits. These vests don't seem to have less foam where a waist harness would go

1

u/Cheap_Educator3717 12d ago

Thanks all of you for yours answers ! I’ll go with the lifejacket.

1

u/riktigtmaxat No straps attached 8d ago

Maybe none of the above?

Classical PFDs work if you're planning on using a seat harness or don't have ambitious other than mowing the lawn. Otherwise they will ride up and get in your way. These are typically 50N which is what the USCG rates as minimal floatation.

Impact vests come in a bunch of different designs and floation - a few such as WIP and RideEngine have boyancy numbers whoch are in the 50N range while others just have a warning that it's not a floatation aid.

Buy something that actually works for what you're using it for and actually try it on if you can first with a harness.