Water sports vests come in two main types: regular flotation vests called life jackets and impact vests. Both types offer different benefits, so it's important to understand the differences between them to make sure the vest is suitable for your needs.
Buoyancy vests / life jackets - The type to use for SUP
Life jackets are the vests you need if you do water sports such as SUP. They are CE approved as mandatory vests on non-powered sailing vessels. Therefore, by wearing or carrying a life jacket on board your SUP or kayak, you can avoid a fine if the police should stop you. Of course, it's for your own safety that you should bring it, it's just good practical information regarding the legislation in this area.
NB: Lifejackets and lifejackets are not the same thing. A life jacket keeps you afloat in the water, while a life jacket has a collar and turns you right side up in the water so you don't drown.
Regular life jackets are designed to keep you buoyant in the water. They are made of buoyancy materials that help support your body weight and keep your head above water. Regular life jackets are typically made of foam or neoprene, which is a type of synthetic rubber that is waterproof and flexible.
One of the main benefits of regular life jackets is that they are extremely comfortable to wear. They are designed to fit snugly around your body without restricting your freedom of movement, so you can enjoy your favorite water sports without feeling burdened by the smaller range of motion.
Regular lifejackets are very versatile. They can be used for a wide range of activities, from SUP and kayaking to cozy sailing. They come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your taste and needs, and can be easily adjusted to fit your body size and shape.
A lifejacket size is given in the amount of kilos it can carry. The life jacket is therefore purchased by weight. When it comes to fit, there are usually many adjustment options to provide optimal comfort and freedom of movement.
Different types of lifejackets:
Lifejackets come in many different models and types, which can do different things and cover different needs. The big difference is between regular life jackets and inflatable life jackets.
A regular life jacket is very well known and it can be, for example, a vest like the Sport II from Helly Hansen. This is a classic vest where you are protected the second you hit the water.
Another type of vest is an inflatable vest such as the Alto vest from Spinlock. This type doesn't look like a life jacket, but it has a cartridge inside, so if you trigger it, the vest inflates. The advantage is that if you're an ephemeral and mostly out sunbathing and sailing where you can bottom, it can be nice to wear a less warm vest.
The disadvantage is that if you fall in, you have to actively deploy it yourself, which can be stressful if you're not fond of water or are a child, for example. That's why we don't recommend this type of vest for children.
This type of vest also requires a new cartridge every time you trigger it. However, there's no doubt that it really gives the feeling of freedom and complete freedom of movement while staying within the law.
Impact vests
Impact vests, also known as wakeboarding vests or kiteboarding vests, are designed to protect you from impact from falls while participating in high speed and high intensity water sports activities. Made from a combination of foam and neoprene, they are thicker and more protective than regular life jackets.
The main benefit of impact vests is that they provide extra protection for your body in the event of a hard fall or impact. They have extra padding around the chest, back and ribs to absorb shock and protect your vital organs. impact vests also have a more snug fit than regular vests, which helps reduce the risk of the vest falling off during a fall.
One of the disadvantages of impact vests is that they are generally less comfortable than regular life jackets. In addition, they are not CE approved as a mandatory vest for SUP or kayaking.
Different types of impact vests:
The big difference between the types of impact vests is whether or not there is room for a trapeze. In sports where a trapeze is used, such as kiteboarding and windsurfing, space is made for this in the vest. This is by removing the bottom pads so that the trapeze sits closer to the hip, so you have a more direct feel and it doesn't slide around on the pads. You can find impact vests for kite and windsurfing here
Remember that an impact vest should fit close to the body. You need to be able to move freely and breathe, of course, but it needs to fit very tightly. to get the optimal effect.
Impact vests for wakeboarding and the like, where you are pulled, there is powder on the entire upper body to absorb shocks from crashes. This is something to be aware of when buying an impact vest.
Vests divided into Newton
Vests can be categorized based on their buoyancy level - measured in Newtons. The levels include 50N, 100N, 150N and 275N. Below we have described what the different vests can do, divided into the Newton levels we have at One Open Sky.
- Level 50 life jackets are designed to keep the wearer afloat, but not to flip a person in the water. This level is suitable for SUP, kayak or other use in sheltered waters where help is close by in case of an accident.
- Level 100 life jackets are designed for those who may have to wait for help. There is not enough buoyancy in the vest to roll you over unconsciously, but helps keep you afloat until help can arrive.
