Inflatable Vests for Big Wave Surfers
Just like surfboard leashes, all inflatable rescue vests can (and will) fail. The danger of a vest giving a false sense of security is very real. All manufacturers of these big-wave inflation vests emphasize the importance of gaining ocean safety knowledge, surfing ability, and mental and physical training before buying a vest. It is just a backup of your training, to be deployed only when all else fails.
UP vest by Blue Soup
The UP vest is the first European-built inflation vest for big wave surfers. Tried and tested in the world’s biggest waves at Nazaré.
The Airlift vest clearly inspires the Upvest, as it has similar features.
However, the UP vest takes this a step further with surprising new options:
Lightweight, 4-way stretch material.
Add your logo: print custom design.
Choose the thread for your C02 canister: 1/2”(Europe) or 3/8”(USA)
Details:
Price: $510
Where to buy: Online
Available online: Yes
C02 included: No (order here)
Shipping: Yes. Worldwide
RELATED PRODUCTS: CO2 CARTRIDGES
Quicksilver - Airlift One
UPDATE 2020:
It appears that the Quicksilver HighLine Pro Airlift vest is no longer in production. Or at least it’s not clear when it will be in production again. You might get lucky and find some remains of the inventory in Quicksilver board stores, but it appears unlikely that it will be restocked.
Highline Pro Airlift Vest by Quicksilver
Quicksilver created a hardcore surf inflation vest in that super bright Quicksilver red. Die-hard big-wave legends Peter Mel and Jamie Mitchell were closely involved in the development. Once launched, this vest was given to a large number of top-notch big-wave surfers (think Eddie invitees). Smart move, because it quickly became visible in photos and videos of jaw-dropping big-wave surfing across the web. That, and the fact that you can buy this vest without any big-wave risk training, made this inflation vest the option of choice for surfers looking to buy a vest.
The big difference with the Patagonia vest is that Quicksilver Airlift is worn OVER your wetsuit (just like Jeff Clark’s Surf Inflation vest).
The vest is available only for in-store purchases at select stores worldwide. You'll have to sign a waiver and register the vest with Quicksilver.
Details:
Price: $1200
Where to buy: In select Quicksilver stores.
How to buy: In person, sign waiver.
Available online: No
C02 cartridges included: No (order here)
Shipping: No
Personal Surf Inflation Vest (PSI) by Patagonia
For 5 years, this vest was only available to elite big wave surfers. It was the number one choice in big wave line-ups around the world, but hard to get without the right connections.
Patagonia's Personal Surf Inflation vest can now be purchased, but only if you've completed a Big Wave Risk Assessment course .
("Exclusively for experienced big wave surfers")
Details
Price: $1250
Where to buy: Patagonia Store in Haleiwa and FCD Surfboards in Ventura.
How to buy: It is available exclusively to experienced big wave surfers who have been certified by the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG).
Available online: No
C02 cartridges included: No (order here)
Shipping: No
Patagonia strongly recommends to use their PSI vest in combination with their flotation vests and wetsuits, so that you have guaranteed flotation, even if your inflation vest fails.
UN vest by Blue Soup
The Patagonia vests are widely considered the best inflation vests available. However, for a long time not everyone could obtain them; you need a Big Wave Risk Assessment Training Certification, and they are sold only in select brick-and-mortar stores.
Those vests are not available online.
Among many other features, one of the most relevant aspects of this vest is that it’s designed to be worn underneath your wetsuit.
In response to recurring requests, the makers of the “UPvests” decided to launch a version that also fits under your wetsuit.
The UNvest by Bluesoup is worn UNDER your wetsuit for maximum protection. Because of that, it is nearly impossible to have the vest get ripped off, and the wetsuit provides an additional layer of safety, shielding the vest from being punctured by external objects like sharp bushes, fins, sharp metal corners on boats, garages, hotel rooms, etc., etc.)
It’s a simple, nimble design that's an excellent option for riders seeking rugged, reliable buoyancy without bulk.
Jeff Clark’s Inflatable Surf Rescue Vest By Quatic
This was the first expert-built inflatable vest for big wave surfers that could be purchased by all (big wave) surfers, thanks to the man who developed it Mavericks Pioneer Jeff Clark.
This vest is 100% self-reliant: you can operate it on your own. It’s easy to put on, you can inflate the bladder with your mouth to adjust buoyancy, and it uses Co2 cartridges. Best of all: you can reload the cartridge yourself, without ever taking the vest off. This vest was innovative at launch because it included a new feature: the option to blow into the vest while wearing it, so you can manage your buoyancy as needed and save expensive CO2 cartridges without taking the vest off.
To this day, Jeff Clark’s inflatable vest is the only big wave rescue vest that can be recharged in the water without getting off your board.
Price: $499
Where to buy: Online
How to buy: Order from webshop
Available online: Yes (refill here)
C02 included: Yes: 2x 25 mg 3/8”
Shipping: Yes. World wide
UPDATE 2022:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company that manufactured this vest (Quatic) went out of business. It appears that the vests are no longer manufactured.
