Dinghy development: Female Buoyancy Aids

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Female Buoyancy Aids

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12148
Printed Date: 08 Jul 25 at 10:24am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Female Buoyancy Aids

Posted By: jaydub
Subject: Female Buoyancy Aids
Date Posted: 07 Sep 15 at 8:27pm

Trying to persuade my better half to ditch her 15-20 year old Busta (yes, really!!!) buoyancy aid.

Just wondered whether the female buoyancy aids on the market were shaped any differently than the male/unisex ones or were basically the same design but in girly colours.

Ladies, any recommendations?

Replies:

Posted By: craiggo
Date Posted: 07 Sep 15 at 8:39pm

In general I think they are pretty unisex and as such aren't always great for women. My wife spent a reasonable time looking for one that she felt secure in. She ended up choosing a magic marine ba which has neoprene inner belt secured with Velcro which prevents it riding up.

Posted By: Fraggle
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 8:34am

The only one I have ever felt comfortable in is the rooster ladies freeform black diamond buoyancy aid http://www.roostersailing.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Product_Code=RBAFF&Category_Code=buoyancy.

It has a split panel in the front so that it actually goes around curves rather than flattening everything. Soo much comfier than any other buoyancy aid around. Makes a change for sailing gear to be designed for female shape rather than just made pink or baby blue like most things are.

Posted By: jaydub
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 12:32pm

No side zip on the Black Diamond IIRC. How easy was it to get it on and off?

Posted By: rogerd
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 3:11pm

My wife who has all the curves in all the right places really struggled to find a buoyancy aid that didnt push everything up or flatten so it was really uncomfortable.

She settles on one with a front zip.
I cant remember the name and am not able to check at the moment but it is black and Orange.

I will get the name tomorrow.

Posted By: Bootscooter
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 4:00pm

Have a look at Rooster - my daughter loves hers

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Posted By: Fraggle
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 4:12pm

I've never had an issue with getting the black diamond on and off jaydub. Mine is a very early version without the neoprene covers on the buckles so may be easier. Best bet is to try one on and see how get on with it as I know some people prefer zips (I personally find them annoying on BAs)

Posted By: Oatsandbeans
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 5:38pm

I am amazed that this thread has stayed completely on topic and has not be hijacked by sexist chauvanists - it would never have happened on Sailing Anarchy- I can just image how it would have gone there!!

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 5:41pm

Yep, it appears the US sailing population has really got a major attitude problem.

Posted By: iiiiitick
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 6:23pm

Just to lower the tone then.......I know lots of sailing girls and they all seem to wear ordinary sailing clothing but I have seen those wet suits with projections glued on in the bosom area. Was the life jacket nicknamed Mae West called this because of its resemblance to the physical characteristics of the voluptuous Miss (is that a gun in your pocket or are you really pleased to see me) West?

Posted By: scotsfinn
Date Posted: 08 Sep 15 at 10:23pm

Look at new Spinlock wing buoyancy aid.

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Largs Sailing Club. D-Zero GBR 57, B14 744
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