[bolger] Re: Life Vests
----- Original Message -----
From: David Ryan <david@...>
> Speaking of maritime disasters, I am extremely fond of what kayakers
> call a "squirt vest." The reasons for its name are a little hard to
> explain, but what it is a lower floatation type III vest. Because of
> its smaller size, it's very easy to wear all the time, and a lower
> flotation type III that's on you is a lot better than a type V
> stuffed in the bow.Once upon a time I had a dingy racing style vest,
> this is much better.
You can see a picture of a squirt vest on my home page. As a former squirt
boater, I can attest to the comfort and range of motion these things allow.
The only problem with them in truly warm climes is that they can be very hot
due to their snug fit. But that can be said of any life jacket, I suppose.
I've been looking longingly at the inflatable vests in the West marine
catalog for those hot days when it's not likely I'll get wet, but want to
wear a vest just for safety's sake. In cold water you can't beat real the
real thing, though.
John Bell
Kennesaw, GA
jmbell@...
http://jmbell.home.mindspring.com
FBBB --
Speaking of maritime disasters, I am extremely fond of what kayakers
call a "squirt vest." The reasons for its name are a little hard to
explain, but what it is a lower floatation type III vest. Because of
its smaller size, it's very easy to wear all the time, and a lower
flotation type III that's on you is a lot better than a type V
stuffed in the bow.Once upon a time I had a dingy racing style vest,
this is much better.
Another great item is a surfer's wetsuit. Modern wetsuit designs are
extremely comfortable, provide extra floatation, but most of all,
keep you warmer. I am comfortable 1/2 mile out sans PFD (I surf
without a leash, so I get ample open water swimming practice.) But
this time of year (water 45, air 30,) 100 yards without a wetsuit
would drown me for sure. I own 5 suits ranging from a vest to a 5mm
winter suit, and go through the whole range in the course of a year.
February (water 38, air 25) brings us some of our nicest conditions
for both surfing and boating, but with the right suit, it's perfectly
comfortable. Up near PCB, guys bring big coolers filled with warm
water to ladle into their suits for a little heat recharge.
If you buy your suits off season (winter weight in the summer, summer
weight in the winter,) you can get great deals. A well made suit will
last 3-5 years of 3 days a week service.
YIBB,
David Ryan
Minister of Information and Culture
Crumbling Empire Productions
(212) 247-0296
Speaking of maritime disasters, I am extremely fond of what kayakers
call a "squirt vest." The reasons for its name are a little hard to
explain, but what it is a lower floatation type III vest. Because of
its smaller size, it's very easy to wear all the time, and a lower
flotation type III that's on you is a lot better than a type V
stuffed in the bow.Once upon a time I had a dingy racing style vest,
this is much better.
Another great item is a surfer's wetsuit. Modern wetsuit designs are
extremely comfortable, provide extra floatation, but most of all,
keep you warmer. I am comfortable 1/2 mile out sans PFD (I surf
without a leash, so I get ample open water swimming practice.) But
this time of year (water 45, air 30,) 100 yards without a wetsuit
would drown me for sure. I own 5 suits ranging from a vest to a 5mm
winter suit, and go through the whole range in the course of a year.
February (water 38, air 25) brings us some of our nicest conditions
for both surfing and boating, but with the right suit, it's perfectly
comfortable. Up near PCB, guys bring big coolers filled with warm
water to ladle into their suits for a little heat recharge.
If you buy your suits off season (winter weight in the summer, summer
weight in the winter,) you can get great deals. A well made suit will
last 3-5 years of 3 days a week service.
YIBB,
David Ryan
Minister of Information and Culture
Crumbling Empire Productions
(212) 247-0296