Floating & impact vests

Buy windsurf flotation vests and impact vests

Do you want to be on the water safely? Then having a floating or impact vest is a must! There are many different things that you can pay attention to when purchasing a flotation vest or impact vest.

What is the difference between a flotation vest and an impact vest?

There are major differences between a flotation vest and an impact vest. Both types of vests each have their own purposes with the associated advantages and disadvantages. Below we explain these different protection vests.

Buoyancy vests

Buoyancy vests are intended to keep your body above water when you are in the water. After all, water is your worst enemy when windsurfing and can contain vicious currents or cold. Falling into water can have a major impact on your body. In this case, a flotation vest ensures that you remain afloat above water and that you can fully focus on returning safely.

NB! A flotation device is not a life jacket. A flotation vest does not have a collar and will therefore not ensure that your head remains above water if you become unconscious.

Impact vests

An impact vest ensures that the blows on the water are absorbed when you fall off your windsurf board. The vests are therefore most often used by speed and wave windsurfers. Impact vests not only look cooler but are generally a lot more comfortable than buoyancy vests. However, the disadvantage of an impact vest is that it offers less buoyancy than a flotation vest. An impact vest can be compared to your wetsuit in terms of buoyancy.

What to look for when buying a windsurfing flotation vest or impact vest?

When buying a flotation vest or impact vest, it is important to think about the size, the purpose and whether or not you want to wear it with a harness. We will tell you more about this below.

The size of a flotation vest or impact vest

It is important that the vest fits well around your body. If the vest is too big, it will creep up during the windsurfing session or shift during a fall. At first glance this does not seem like a very big problem, but on the water this is not nice. That is why we recommend ordering a flotation vest or impact vest one size smaller.

What are you going to use your buoyancy vest or impact vest for?

When purchasing a windsurfing flotation vest or impact vest, it is useful to consider what you want to use the vest for. Do you want a vest with a lot of buoyancy or are you looking for an impact vest that absorbs the hard hits? Think about what you need and make a choice based on that.

Does your harness fit under your flotation vest or impact vest?

Not every harness fits in combination with a flotation vest or impact vest. In general, a windsurf seat harness always fits any flotation vest or impact vest. With a windsurf hip harness it is always wise to try it on first.

Advice when buying a windsurfing flotation or impact vest

If you have any questions, you can always contact one of our employees. He or she can give you personal advice and think along with you in what is appropriate for your situation.