The Starboard Impact Vest is a tried and tested design that has been part of the Starboard Collection for many years. This simple, comfortable vest offers support you’ll need on the water, is slimline and cut low around the arms so as not to interfering with your paddling stroke.  The impact vest offers extra protection to your spine, ribs and organs in a fall, and the extra buoyancy and warmth is great for beginners who may spend a bit more time in the water, helping you to stay afloat.

Features:

• Buoyancy foam core impact vest 
• Soft fleece lining
• Anatomical Fit
• Front zip with zip garage
• Soft trims

Under NZ Maritime Law,  all stand up paddleboarders are required to carry a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

The only exemptions to this are if the stand up paddleboarder is actively involved in surfing (negotiated last year by NZSUP), or in a designated competitive event where the event rules allow PFDs not to be worn (because of safety boat backup).

At all other times you must have a PFD when you are on your paddleboard, whether you are 1m or 1km from the shore.  A wetsuit will not suffice – it must provide at least 50N of buoyancy when inflated.

Life Vest vs. Inflatable Belt – Which is better for SUP beginners?

Non-inflatable vest-style PFDs are a good option for those getting started with SUP. They will help you float without having to worry about manually inflating them. If you’re not a strong swimmer, vests will also help you keep your head above water so you don’t have to work as hard to swim to safety.

No matter which type of life jacket you choose, make sure it’s comfortable so you don’t use that as an excuse to not wearing one.  It’s no good to you if you can’t get to it easily during an emergency.

SUP SAFELY

• Wear the right leash for the conditions
• Wear a PFD
• Know the conditions and forecast
• Carry two forms of waterproof emergency communication (eg phone and whistle)
• Tell someone you're going and let them know when you're back