Kiteboarding and Wakeboard Impact Vests

Protect Yourself With an Impact Vest

Impact vests, often referred to as comp vests, serve as a safeguard from strong impacts during activities like kitesurfing or wakeboarding. Usually crafted from neoprene, these vests feature a foam core to help cushion impacts to your chest in the event of crashes or accidents. It’s typical for kiteboarders, wakeboarders, and water skiers to wear a vest. Travelling at high speeds on water increases risk, and a vest might mean the difference between a fractured rib and just a superficial bruise.

Impact vests come in many styles to match your preferences. Some are unisex, while others are specific to either gender. They also differ based on the sport you engage in. Wakeboard vests offer maximum protection and have foam coverage over your entire torso. Kiteboarding or kitesurfing vests are adapted to fit beneath the harness, providing less protection in this area but ensuring they don't interfere with your kite gear.

Are Impact Vests and Life Jackets the Same?

Simply put, they are not. Impact vests focus on protection, whereas life jackets and buoyancy aids aim to keep you afloat. Some vest styles may offer some buoyancy, but they cannot assure you of complete flotation. However, a benefit of a kite or water ski vest is their lighter design, allowing greater freedom of movement.

If you're uncertain about the protection or buoyancy level a vest offers, check the specific product details to confirm.

If you believe you require something for buoyancy, explore our range of Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids.