Just getting started in the sport and wondered what people views were on wearing bouyancy aids is it standard in the sport or is more a personal choice?

shouldn't anything to do with safety be standard!
depends very much on conditions also but if you are just starting out i would def wear one,acts as a form of impact protection if nothing else.
even now if the conditions a rough i wear my impact jacket, which is up for sale if you are xl ; a bit too big for me.

It is personal choice, but as Neil says, its your dafety thats at stake, so theres no reason not to wear one.... That said, I've never worn one for kitesurfing or windsurfing.... A helmet however is a must in my opinion.

Al.

Anny recommendations on suitable bouyancy aids?

aha i also have as new bouyancy aide large size left over from my boating days, will sell cheap say £10 .
if you go to borth send us a message and will bring it with me. dark green and grey.

I'm on the scrawny side, it might drown me!!! Thanks for the offer though.

All good advise above. Can you swim.....in the sea? If not, fancy treading water for about 4 hours until the coast guard pick you up?

Having said that, I rarely wear mine now!

I wear a boyancy aid most of the time extra warmth at this time of year and impact protection.
I would say its a lot easier water starting but as this is the kite forum I won't


Befs

I just use col for impact protection - if there's a loose board about I put him between me and it - sorted!

Hey i resemble that remark


[Edited on 8-1-2005 by col123]

Courtesy of aber uni canoe club. I always wear a boyancy aid. Especially at this time of year its good for keeping you bouyant and your head out of the water as its so damn cold. As BEFS said, its very helpful for waterstarting for windsurfing but if anything a very useful impact vest for kiting just in case things get a bit to wild.