Buy wakeboard vest for impact protection and buoyancy
A wakeboard vest, also called an impact vest, is a specialised buoyancy aid with hard EVA foam that both provides buoyancy and absorbs the impact of a fall on the water while wakeboarding, kitesurfing or windsurfing. A regular buoyancy aid only provides flotation; an impact vest additionally has a hard shell that protects your ribs, chest and organs from hard impacts. The range includes impact vests for men, women and children, mainly from JOBE with CE 50N buoyancy aid approval. For regular buoyancy aids without impact protection, check out our buoyancy aid collection; for wakeboards themselves, visit the wakeboards.
Which wakeboard vest suits your use?
| Type | Material | Use | CE rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact vest neoprene | Neoprene + EVA hard foam | Wakeboard, wakesurf, intensive watersports | 50N buoyancy aid |
| Impact vest nylon | Nylon + EVA hard foam | Recreational wakeboarding, fast drying | 50N buoyancy aid |
| Comfort buoyancy aid neoprene | Neoprene + soft foam | SUP, sailing, recreational | 50N buoyancy aid |
| Kids impact vest | Neoprene + EVA, weight-adjusted | Children 15-40 kg, wakeboarding behind boat | 50N buoyancy aid |
Rule of thumb: choose a neoprene impact vest with EVA hard foam if you wakeboard seriously or fall on the water regularly. For occasional use, a nylon vest with EVA padding is sufficient and more affordable.
CE rating 50N and what it means
Almost all wakeboard vests in the range are CE certified as a 50N buoyancy aid under EN ISO 12402-5. 50N is the minimum buoyancy for competition use: enough to keep an active swimmer above water, but not enough to turn an unconscious person onto their back. An impact vest is not a lifejacket. For open water or children without swimming ability, choose a certified lifejacket as well.
Frequently asked questions about wakeboard vests
What is the difference between a wakeboard vest and a regular buoyancy aid?
A wakeboard vest has EVA hard foam that is denser and harder than the soft foam in a regular buoyancy aid. That hard foam absorbs the powerful impact when you fall on the water at high speed. Ribs, chest and organs are protected from bruising and contusions. A regular buoyancy aid lacks this hard shell and provides only flotation.
What size impact vest should I choose?
Impact vests are sized by chest circumference and body weight according to the manufacturer's size chart. A well-fitting vest closes snugly around your torso. Thumb test: put both thumbs under the shoulder straps and lift up; if the vest reaches your ears it's too big. For children: size by weight, not by age.
Can I wear an impact vest as a required buoyancy aid on board?
Yes, provided the impact vest is CE certified as a 50N buoyancy aid. For recreational watersports on inland water, a 50N impact vest is approved for fast motorboats and jet skis. For open sea or risk of unconsciousness, you must wear a 100N+ lifejacket.
How do you maintain an impact vest?
Rinse with fresh water after every use in salt water or chlorinated pool. Hang on a wide hanger to dry at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Never store folded with pressure for long periods. Check stitching and buckles annually for wear.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure which model fits you? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
