PFD and waist harness

dim27 · Joined: 07 Aug 2000 Posts: 3

I searched the forum, and it was discussed a few times in the past, but that was quite long time ago.

Can you share the experience and information on selecting the vest which works with the waist harness? thank you.

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

are you looking for a full on floatation device ? or just an aid to float ?

if so, you might check out the impact vests they have for kitesurfing, they offer both impact protection and some floatation.

esp if you are in salt water, even a minimal impact vest adds quite a bit of float.

rswabsin · Joined: 14 May 2000 Posts: 444 Location: New Jersey

Da Kine makes a combination impact vest and windsurfing waist harness that also has quite a bit of floatation for safety. It's probably exactly what you are looking for. Probably can check it out on their web site but I've also seen them carried by many windsurfing shops.

bobgatpdx1 · Joined: 13 Oct 2002 Posts: 385

Promotion PFD is popular in the Gorge. I've used one the last few years with a waist harness - works well.
http://www.wetsuit.com/store/detail.cfm?product_id=363
bobg

keycocker · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 3598

On a related gear note- I saw a short sleeve shorty in the Neal Pryde Maui store that was called a flotation wetsuit. It was for big wave sailing and was about an inch thick all over. It was an odd spotty color of green for some reason. Suitable for Jaws?

ccyne · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 139

Been using the Dakine impact Vest/harness. It works really well for me.

Swellride · Joined: 27 Jun 1999 Posts: 19

For my dorkfactor#5 learning stages of kiting, I use a kayak vest with my waist harness.

Windsurfing: Big rib-breaking swell days I use a hard plastic motocross vest above my waist harness (webbing them together).

Straight forward windsurfing days...waist harness only.

Kayak Vests: Max+ regulation flotation, active clean designs, high waist for kayak spray skirt…plus…remove it eventually or use separately for other sports. Recommend: black in color w/black harness and or wet suit. Tons of used vests on the market. Don’t worry about the “dork-factor” It keeps others a safe distance away…& off your wave.

Float’nLive

mark · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 181

The Neil Pryde High Hook part number VC4906 works well with a waist harness. You can view it at http://www.neilprydewaterwear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=6&Itemid=8

kmf · Joined: 02 Apr 2001 Posts: 503

I PURCHASED A NEIL PRIDE, WINDWARD SERIES, FLOTATION DEVICE THIS SUMMER TO USE WITH MY LARGER SAILS AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE COMFORTABLE AND EFFECTIVE. IT IS DESIGNED TO WORK WITH WAIST HARNESSES, BUT IT ALSO WORKS WITH THE SEAT HARNESS THAT I USE. KMF

windydoug · Joined: 22 Jun 2005 Posts: 67 Location: Western NY

Check out Pro Limit for their "floating jacket". It is an aid not a PFD. They run big. I am 6'0 and 185 and I wear a small.