Which Impact Vest is suitable for each sport?

Foiling in any kind of sport, whether windsurfing, winging, kitesurfing or sailing can come with risks to your safety with some big, heavy crashes involved from time to time. As such, especially when competing, appropriate personal protective equipment is required such as a helmet and an impact vest. Wearing an impact vest not only provides buoyancy in the water, but upon impact with the water at speed, it protects your torso area from any added injury or bruising.

The Forward WIP range is the most prevalent brand in the foiling scene, the series is designed specifically for ‘riders/sailors going fast on water’ and all the impact vests are CE certified 50N buoyancy aids and compliant with regulations required for competing internationally (like iQFoil).

Breakdown of the Forward WIP Range :

Impact Vest 50N - 

Top of the range, all singing all dancing vest! This vest provides the most protection and is recommended for those competing at the highest level. Firmer yet low profile, the high density thermoformed foam padding on the vest provides maximum comfort and manoeuvrability whilst protecting your body and providing buoyancy when needed. This vest includes a variety of features for any rider at any level, including high vis and reflective strips for visibility in the water, front and back pocket for snacks, spare parts and hydration; and a harness loop to hook in to. A waist harness can be worn under or over the vest, adaptable to what you find most comfortable. Also, on the inside there are grip strips to stop the vest moving around when on the water. The best protection and performance for all board sports and sailing.

Check out the 50N impact vest here.

Kompact Neo Vest - 

A popular choice for windsurfers as it is designed to be used with a harness over the top. The vest contains no foam panels on the bottom half to allow for a comfortable, streamline fit of the harness on top for the rider. The 50N buoyancy and impact is then packed into the top half of the vest and is therefore the bulkiest vest of them all. The added thermoformed foam on the chest panels allows for extra padding and reduces discomfort on a fall into the water. Anti slip vest also ensures a comfortable ride with a harness as it won’t ride up when crashing or sailing. Great option if you want to wear your waist harness as usual but want an impact vest with buoyancy when kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Check out the Kompact neo vest here.

Wing Neo Vest -

Specifically designed for wing foiling with a comfortable, slim fit and lightweight feel. Wing neo vest also acts as a harness with a harness loop and removable harness hook incorporated to relieve pressure off your arms and prolong sessions. This is suitable for winging as you do not need as much as support as windsurfing where an actual harness would be required separately. Webbing strap at the back allows for a leash to be attached – no need to wear an additional waist belt when wing foiling with this vest. Full padding around the torso – front, back and side to protect full torso and ribs. Hook can be removed to be used for other sports too.

Check out the Wing neo vest here.

Flow Neo Vest -

Suitable for a variety of sports, the thin profile allows for a super comfortable fit and maneuverability, great for smooth movements when windsurfing, sailing or winging. Having a slim neoprene profile allows for a seamless feel on top of a wetsuit, and is less bulky when trying to get up onto a board or boat when foiling after a collision or falling off! This is the most versatile vest in the range as it allows for a waist harness to be worn underneath the vest with the addition of a harness loop on the front, suitable for those windsurfing or kitesurfing (you just need to size up).

Check out the Flow neo vest here.

Recommendations for level and sport:

Darcey Shaw, team rider, competes internationally for iQFoil and wears the Kompact Vest when windsurf foiling.

Bjorn Dunkerbeck, professional windsurfer, wears the 50N Impact Vest for his slalom sprints with space for adding hydration and lead weights.

Wing Neo Vest shown here for wing foilers who like to perform tricks or on longer distance sessions with the added hook option and incorporated harness.

The sizing of these vests can be important and crucial to their performance of protecting you on impact and their comfort when riding. If you can, pop in store to try these vests on and wearing your wetsuit helps to feel the comfort and anti-slip of the vests. 

Get in contact with us for any more guidance on fit, style and suitability to you and your needs!

01202 700503

info@pooleharbour.co.uk