Author Topic: Wakeboarding PFD?  (Read 12249 times)

2Rivers

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Wakeboarding PFD?
« on: October 23, 2017, 03:43:18 PM »
I need to replace and old Astral pfd (Tempo 200) that I've been using for whitewater. Since one is not "sitting" when paddling, it got me thinking about different pfd types that may be better suited for whitewater paddleboarding.

Standup paddling puts one in an upright position like a wakeboarder, so why not use a CGA pfd designed for that application. Some believe one needs a "rescue" grade pfd for whitewater applications like Astral's Greenjacket rated Type5 (16.5lbs/74 newtons). Type3 waterski/wake vests and whitewater vests are rated at 15.5lbs/70n and the majority of whitewater vests available are only Type3, so I believe as long as it's rated Type3, one is good to go regardless of the style.
 
The other benefit with a wakeboard type vest is the fuller coverage on the back, hip, and neck areas. The only downside I can see is the lack of pockets for storage. I've also seen some vests that adapting a safety release strap for leash usage would not be a problem and there's even functional spots for attaching an external safety knife and a whistle.

So moving forward, I'm now really struggling with the idea of getting another kayaking vest when I'm not kayaking. I also believe that getting back onto the board after a fall would be much easier, faster, and ultimately safer with wakeboard type vest. I've found the added bulk of a kayak vest can make it quite cumbersome at times.
 
So I'm curious if anyone else is using a CGA wakeboarding vest for whitewater purposes. Any pros and cons other than what I pointed out? Thanks!
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Badger

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Re: Wakeboarding PFD?
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2017, 06:40:46 PM »
They are called impact vests. Lots of posts on them if you search the forum. Mostly about using them for surfing.

I like the "Comp" style over the USCG approved vests. They are a lot less bulky. I have the O'neill Gooru Tech Comp and love it. I can swim for miles in it and not worry about drowning and it doesn't hinder my paddling a bit.

I guess on a river you would probably want one of the CG approved impact vests just for compliance. You might check out the O'neills.

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« Last Edit: October 23, 2017, 06:55:16 PM by Badger »
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fredi

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Re: Wakeboarding PFD?
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2017, 06:03:48 AM »
What I expect from my RiverSUP PFD:
1- quick access to knife
2- loops for passing my quick release belt on. Because I find that a belt going under the PFD is very dangerous.
3- allowing stand up paddling
4- additional floating
5- additional protection in case of fall on hard surface

For item 1 and 2, I suppose you'll have to sew something on. For item 3 and 5 I suppose that Wakeboarding PFD are probably better than kayak PFD. For item 4 I think it depend on the model and if you wear a wetsuit.

wilder

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Re: Wakeboarding PFD?
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2017, 11:36:47 AM »
I think its a great idea for the added protection of your spine and sides. Which models also have a knife attachment? Gotta say I love having lots of pockets. Seems like theres some room for innovation in a SUP specific river PFD.

2Rivers

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Re: Wakeboarding PFD?
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2017, 01:54:45 PM »
What I expect from my RiverSUP PFD:
1- quick access to knife
2- loops for passing my quick release belt on. Because I find that a belt going under the PFD is very dangerous.
I've found some wake vests that I can rig a belt to, but Corran makes some good points here about not attaching it to the vest... Go to 0:27 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-DS2uqSxQY

Which models also have a knife attachment? Gotta say I love having lots of pockets. Seems like theres some room for innovation in a SUP specific river PFD.
For the knife attachment, I'm actually considering this since it can be adapted to most shoulder straps which allows me more pfd options...
https://www.mtiadventurewear.com/products/accessories/weba04200000-mtab
+1 on room for innovation! I've already conceived an improved design. Now if I could only get it into production. Maybe someone can get me in contact with Dan Gavere at Starboard?
« Last Edit: October 26, 2017, 02:00:10 PM by 2Rivers »
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2Rivers

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Re: Wakeboarding PFD?
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2017, 02:05:53 PM »
Does anyone here have any experience with MTI's new Vibe pfd for whitewater SUPing?
https://www.mtiadventurewear.com/products/new-for-2017/web706e00000-vibe
I know it's more of the kayaking style vest, but it looks a bit slimmer and longer in the belly area.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2017, 02:28:15 PM by 2Rivers »
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fredi

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Re: Wakeboarding PFD?
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2017, 01:22:21 AM »
2- loops for passing my quick release belt on. Because I find that a belt going under the PFD is very dangerous.
I've found some wake vests that I can rig a belt to, but Corran makes some good points here about not attaching it to the vest... Go to 0:27
[/quote]
Corran has a ww kayak PFD very tight at the belt level, so for him, just the belt without passing through loops on jacket is the best option. I personally have a sea kayak PFD with no elastic at the belt level, so a belt can easily go under the jacket, that's why I need loops for my belt on the jacket. Wakeboard PFD can have the same issue, depending on model (the good ones are tight so that the jacket don't go up when falling, but the cheap ones don't).

 


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