bouyancy aids

While it is natural to focus on the hook & harness getting caught I wonder if this is borne out in terms of frequency compared to other tangles. After all the hook is a very simple thing, open ended, smooth and instinctively accessible. Tangles behind you are much more confusing and a simple half hitch of sheet could be a real problem around anywhere especially a lower limb where it is difficult to reach. 

Originally posted by Eisvogel Interestingly, it's from Dutch "vangen" (to catch) and was originally a line from the peak of a gaff to the mast or elsewhere to stabilise it (Gaff rigs are still very common in the Netherlands). No idea why the Americans then used it instead of kicker. Of course, the German term is far more descriptive: "Baumniederholer" (boom down hauler).

Interestingly, it's from Dutch "vangen" (to catch) and was originally a line from the peak of a gaff to the mast or elsewhere to stabilise it (Gaff rigs are still very common in the Netherlands). No idea why the Americans then used it instead of kicker.

I've actually got a magic marine one that is longer and too big for me. I think I was alluding to sailing gear in general. Its all aimed at those lithe young things. 

Flotherchoc I think was the correct spelling, I think it was French.

Musto also made their version of it (as one of their versions) with detachable arms on it, so it did the job of a spray top too. There were also a couple of manufacturers (Piel and Typhoon among them from memory) who incorporated the buoyancy aid into a wetsuit, but they weren't very popular.

It must be time for somebody to re-introduce the Musto longer style shaping? As well as being thinner the waist belt genuinely held the buoyancy aid in position. Today's high fit garments are too high for any belt to fit under the rib cage - no wonder they ride up. For Maxibuddah's interest, Pryde do their buoyancy aid in 3XL and up in sizing, although this isn't really any bigger than most companies XL