Kiteboarding and Wakeboard Impact Vests

Ensure Safety with an Impact Vest

Impact vests, often termed comp vests, safeguard you from harsh impacts during kitesurfing or wakeboarding. Usually crafted from neoprene, these vests have a foam core that absorbs impacts to your chest in the event of crashes or mishaps. It is usual for kiteboarders, wakeboarders and water skiers to don a vest. Striking the water at high speed can be perilous, making it the difference between sustaining a fractured rib or just a slight bruise.

There is a diverse collection of impact vests to match your preferences. Some are unisex and others cater specifically to genders. They also differ based on the sport you engage in. Wakeboard vests offer maximal protection with foam that encompasses your entire torso. Kiteboarding or kitesurfing vests are tailored to fit beneath the harness, thus offering reduced protection in this part but ensuring they do not interfere with your kite equipment.

Are Impact Vests and Life Jackets the Same?

Simply put, no. Impact vests are meant for protection, while life jackets and buoyancy aids are designed to keep you afloat. Certain designs may provide a level of buoyancy, yet there is never a promise of 100% flotation. Nonetheless, the advantage of a kite or water ski vest is their lighter build, allowing you more freedom of movement.

If there is ever any doubt regarding the level of protection or buoyancy an impact vest provides, consult the individual product specification to ensure clarity.

Should you feel the need for something to maintain buoyancy, have a look at our range of Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids.