wakesurfing vest

(wakeman7) · (wakeman7) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-09-2007, 8:05 AM

Is a cga vest required for wakesurfing in florida

(nickypoo) · (nickypoo) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-09-2007, 8:48 AM

I would imagine it is, but whether it is or not, you either sink or you float.

(wakeman7) · (wakeman7) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-09-2007, 9:04 AM

People dont where a vest when they surf in the ocean so why would you ned a vest with a 3 ft high wave.

(ed_g) · (ed_g) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 03-09-2007, 9:12 AM

C'mon, everyone living in Florida knows this.

It's so the gators have a tougher time pulling the wakesurfers under the water.

Ed G
Clermont, Florida

(donnieb) · (donnieb) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 03-09-2007, 9:19 AM

First I think it's the law (though I could be wrong -- you're probably more familiar with FL boating rules). But more importantly you have the risk of CO2 poisoning from the boat exhaust, and if someone gets dizzy or disoriented, I'd rather that they have a vest on -- even if they are great swimmers

(nickypoo) · (nickypoo) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-09-2007, 9:59 AM

How 'bout the old "catch an edge and bink your head off of the platform" maneuver. The wave is not the danger.

No risk of CO poisoning with an FAE.

(Message edited by nickypoo on March 09, 2007)

surfdad 03-09-2007, 10:02 AM

I hate to be a stickler here, but well I guess I am. :-)

First off it's CO that is the dangerous gas and for the most part really isn't a significant risk while wakesurfing. Certainly there are risks associated with CO poisioning and boating, but not anymore significantly for wakesurfing. In many studies, due to the stationwagon effect, the rear seats of the boat have higher concentrations of CO than where the wakesurfer typically rides.

Notwithstanding, IMO for all watersports behind a boat a PFD is a wise choice.

In respect to FL law in particular, they do follow most of the NASBLA recommendations and my understanding is the specific language is:

"No one may water ski or use another aquaplaning device unless they are wearing a U.S.C.G. approved non-inflatable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable personal flotation devices are prohibited. "

(nickypoo) · (nickypoo) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-09-2007, 10:28 AM

I can't wear my Donald Duck blow up vest?

How come everything with you is non-blow up Jeff?

(jeffsv211) · (jeffsv211) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 03-09-2007, 10:53 AM

Surfers need to be able to penetrate the wave when they fall to protect against the wave driving them into the reef. I heard Kelly Slater mention this about BIG waves. Surfers are also generally attached to their board with a strap/line. If you are behind the boat you are generally in deeper water than surfers ride in also.

(wakeman7) · (wakeman7) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-09-2007, 12:29 PM

Ok good reasons.
thanks I just wasnt sure. makes sense