| Life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) if | | | | flotation. This extra padding comes in handy for |
| you want to call it by its official name come in a | | | | those gnarly falls. |
| variety of shapes, colors, sizes and materials. These | | | | Whichever vest type you decide on, it is definitely a |
| different wakeboarding vests are made for different | | | | good idea to get a vest that fits so please refer to |
| purposes. Some wakeboard vests are created for | | | | size charts for the best fit. Remember, spending a |
| the simple recreational rider who just likes to get | | | | little time now can save your life later. |
| back behind the boat and wants a vest that will keep | | | | Vests will either be United States Coast Guard |
| them afloat and last a while. The other end of the | | | | (USCG) approved or they won't. USCG approved |
| spectrum are the competition style wakeboard vests | | | | means that the PFD has passed rigorous testing and |
| which are typically going to be very light weight with | | | | is therefore better suited to keep you afloat after |
| minimal flotation. Then you have everything in | | | | taking a hard digger. We recommend that you look |
| between! | | | | for the USCG approval number on any wakeboard |
| Select a wakeboard vest based on your personal | | | | vest you buy. |
| preference and needs, state laws and the water | | | | WAKEBOARD VEST TYPES |
| conditions you expect to encounter. If you are just a | | | | USCGA - Approved in every state and is the industry |
| recreational rider then you probably want to look for | | | | standard for PFD's. |
| a vest with plenty of padding and flotation. You | | | | Competition/Freeride - Thinner and lighter than |
| won't need a super light weight vest if you aren't | | | | USCGA vests. |
| doing 360's over the wake! | | | | Side Entry - Available in USCGA and freeride models. |
| If you are a more serious wakeboard rider, you will | | | | Molded/Sectioned - Available in USCGA and freeride |
| probably want something more in the middle. There | | | | models. |
| are a variety of wakeboard vests that have been | | | | Pullover - Fits like a wetsuit top, not USCGA. |
| created to offer a good amount of flotation while still | | | | Riding Shirts - To be worn under your vest, not a |
| being slim and lightweight to help you dominate that | | | | PFD. |
| wake. Many times these vests will have extra | | | | Rashguard - To be worn under your vest or wetsuit, |
| padding in specific areas more for protection than for | | | | not a PFD. |