Kiteboarding and Wakeboard Impact Vests

Ensure Safety With an Impact Vest

Impact vests, also referred to as comp vests, are essential for shielding you from hard impacts during kitesurfing or wakeboarding activities. These vests are often constructed from neoprene and feature a foam core that helps to absorb impacts to the chest area in the event of a fall or accident. It is common practice for kiteboarders, wakeboarders, and water skiers to wear a vest. Striking the water at high speeds can be hazardous, and wearing a vest can mean the difference between sustaining a broken rib or just experiencing a minor bruise.

There is a diverse selection of impact vests to suit your preferences. Some are designed as unisex, while others are tailored specifically for men or women. The design of the vest can also differ based on the sport you are engaging in. Wakeboard vests offer the highest level of protection with foam covering the entire torso. Kiteboarding or kitesurfing vests, on the other hand, are tailored to fit beneath the harness, therefore providing less protection in this area but ensuring they do not obstruct your kite equipment.

Are Impact Vests the Same as Life Jackets?

In short, they are not. Impact vests are crafted for protection, while life jackets and buoyancy aids are intended to keep you buoyant. Certain styles offer a measure of buoyancy; however, there is no assurance that they will ensure complete floatation. Nevertheless, a kite or water ski vest is advantageous as it is lighter and allows for a greater range of motion.

If you are ever in doubt regarding the level of protection or buoyancy a vest provides, it is advisable to inspect the individual product specifications for clarity.

Should you require a garment to keep you afloat, explore our collection of Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids.