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Sam.Spoons View Drop Down
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Posts: 3401 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Sam.Spoons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: PFDs
    Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 8:36am
As a long time Windsurfer/racer I always wear a PFD in the form of my nappy harness  Embarrassed . as much use as a chocolate fireguard as a life preserver but I'm 100% with GRF that on a board a BA is rarely more than a hinderance. I always wear one on a boat though, 53+ years of conditioning I guess. 

Oh and occasionally, windsurfing in a real blow and some waves (note I didn't say 'wavesailing' as that description could only be applied to my windsurfing in the loosest sense) I'll wear a BA just to make water starting slightly easier.
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Medway Maniac View Drop Down
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Posts: 2788 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Medway Maniac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 9:37am
Just last Sunday, I capsized and my BA snagged on the edge of the board and stopped me getting onto it.

Some while ago, I noticed how easily I got onto the board from the water, and spent the rest of the race congratulating myself on my fitness, only to go into the changing room and find my BA hanging on the hook...  It definitely gets in the way during capsize recovery, and my Gill BA was chosen for its lack of bulk.
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tgruitt View Drop Down
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Posts: 2479 		Post Options Post Options   Quote tgruitt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 9:44am
Originally posted by 423zero

Serious question,  who would actually sail without a buoyancy aid ?
I wouldn't, just to kick it off


I used to race in the 12ft Skiff without one unless it was windy. It's amazing how warm they keep you though, if you don't wear one you need to stick an extra rashie on!


Edited by tgruitt - 13 Apr 17 at 9:45am
Needs to sail more...
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turnturtle View Drop Down
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Posts: 2538 		Post Options Post Options   Quote turnturtle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 3:23pm
I realised the futility of them when one of the bloody things pinned my sister face first into the water courtesy of a tiller extension snagged through the arm of one.... she'd have been a goner had it happened on a singlehander.  

That said, I would insist my kids use them - they are not strong swimmers and above all, I don't want to be featured in the Daily Mail for irresponsible parenting - but frankly for me, no, I doubt I'd wear one again for casual dinghy sailing unless it were mandated by the rules of the club I was sailing under.

I would also support a general move towards elective use for adults.





Edited by turnturtle - 13 Apr 17 at 3:24pm
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423zero View Drop Down
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Posts: 3420 		Post Options Post Options   Quote 423zero Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 5:58pm
What is technical specification for a 50 newton buoyancy aid, ie what is it supposed to do ?
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JimC View Drop Down
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Posts: 6662 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 7:28pm
Two significant things the buoyancy provides are:
- to keep your mouth further from the water, significantly reducing the risk of secondary drowning.
- to greatly reduce the amount of energy you have to expend swimming.
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G.R.F. View Drop Down
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Posts: 4028 		Post Options Post Options   Quote G.R.F. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 7:45pm
Originally posted by JimC


- to greatly reduce the amount of energy you have to expend swimming.
 Really? Not done a lot of swimming then clearly, they absolutely hamper progress made swimming. One of the things that can happen to us (windsurfers) and to a certain extent dinghy sailors, the board/boat can get carried away quite quick by surf or wind, there is no way you would keep up or chase a board down wearing one, I'd bet the house on it, but in reality worse than that you're betting your life on it.
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davidyacht View Drop Down
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Posts: 1345 		Post Options Post Options   Quote davidyacht Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 8:12pm
The problem with the current generation of buoyancy aids is their tendency to ride up when in the water, some kind of crutch strap could improve performance, but might restrict movement while sailing.
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tink View Drop Down
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Posts: 789 		Post Options Post Options   Quote tink Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 10:00pm
Originally posted by davidyacht

The problem with the current generation of buoyancy aids is their tendency to ride up when in the water, some kind of crutch strap could improve performance, but might restrict movement while sailing.

I wear a Spandex top as others have mentioned which reduces the rise up. It still allows the shoulder straps to be grabbed and the wearer pulled from the water. Vest types are available which makes the shoulder straps more visible. You can buy retrofit able crotch straps or even better thigh straps. 

Alternatively I also have the open style hiking pants which tend to fall down, I have fitted shoulder straps which I wear over the buoyancy aid and hold it in place 

The manufacturers of dinghy buoyancy aids are not dealing with this issue very well, kiteboarding, canoe and commercial buoyancy aids appear to be better.
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andy h View Drop Down
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Posts: 69 		Post Options Post Options   Quote andy h Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 17 at 10:05pm
To me I reckon that for every anecdote of the time a buoyancy aid has caused an issue there must be a hundred where they've saved a potentially bad situation.  There's plenty to be gained in analysing the issues and improving the design of BAs, but I'm certainly glad we're all forced to wear them.
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