Ok I'm thinking of getting one of thesehttp://www.sunshinecoastsailboards.com.au/vmchk/Safety-Gear/Impact/Floatation-Vests/NP-High-Hook-Buoyancy-Vest.html
Looks like I'll have to buy online as the local shop doesnt deal with Pryde.I'm wondering about fit. I don't want to order one and have it come through the wrong size. I assume if you give your 'dress' size they should be able to match one to fit? Do they have much adjustment? Also what do people think of them? Ive got a cut down skivest & Ive got straps to hold it down but it still rides up & chokes me..[}:)][}:) Any local suppliers in the Newcastle area that might have them?
SBC; I just bought a 'medium' prolimit impact vest from Simon at Boardcrazy Brisbane; its not a full bouancy vest officially but its a lot more comfortable doesn't ride up and has plenty of velcro adjustment for a snug fit if wanted. Much more efficient for hooking and unhooking harness. Looks cool too.
Sue, I just picked up one of these from Wind surf n snow, and they work very well. For an extra $50 you can get a "camelbak" style water pouch to go on the back so you can have a drink while sailing.
If you give them a call at the shop down there, ask for Anne and she will be able to help you with womens sizing. They can mail it up to you and price was same as that one from the sunshine coast.
I looked at Board Crazy, and they have some Mystic "impact vests" that a few of the guys around here use but they arent as floaty as a proper buoyancy vest. Depends what kind of thing you're looking for.
cheers
james
Yes the NP one is certified to the level that the NSW Maritime require (and also Windsurfing NSW for insurance during racing).
WSS website doesnt show everything that they have, just give them a call 9971 0999.
If you already have a camelbak I'm sure you could figure out a way to make it fit.
cheers
james
Sue
Agree with James. ring Anne & discuss.
I have one also - all good.
from Seabreeze prev discussion;
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/harnesses-and-floatation-do-not-mix/
(google is your search friend, also SB search)
Sue, you wont ever regret buying one
I run a seat harness and have the hook tab tight so the hook isn't too low when hooking in and out. I just bend forward when its on, and slip the hook over it. Keeps the vest from riding up in the water also. 
It's the only piece of NP equipment in my whole kit but has lasted me almost 7000km of sailing (unlike Leo's mast 
). It is starting to look a little long in the tooth but shows no sign of giving up the ghost anytime soon. The front pouch carries a down haul tool/screwdriver, mobile phone in Aquapac and a severne batten tensioner/bottle opener. I also wear my camel pack over the top without any hassles.
PS - oops sorry I also have a NP uphaul rope for my big boom but haven't really used it much at all.
Looks like Ill be ordering one today..My usual vest zip has gone so as well as it riding up I have to try & put it on over my head which is a pain.[}:)]
Strangely the size L to XXL is rated with a Euro Standard 50N which qualifies it for Australian Standard Type 2 and 3. Anything smaller and the rating drops 45N-35N which means it doesn't qualify, that's if you are pedantic about the legalities, flotation wise it makes no difference, smaller person smaller jacket...simple. This spec is off the NP website.
BTW, I'm picking mine up in a day or two, the final selling point for me was the camel back, I get very thirsty out there.
I think it has a pocket for one at the rear? Have to check, haven't picked up mine yet...BigW sells the bladders for around $15. Or am I mistaken and someone said they carried water in the front pocket?
Got it o/night..wow! Its so comfy! It doesnt have anywhere near as much buoyancy as the other one I had but it was over the top.It was really hard to swim in and uncomfortable. I hope this one will still have enough bouyancy to help waterstarts with a big sail .I can hardly wait to use it! I might look a bit less daggy now too!
The first thing my partner said was that it isnt visible enough & I need some fluoro..It doesnt worry me .I usually give way to anything bigger than me anyway.
It has 4 tabs on the back.My camelback is in a 'pouch" with tabs on it so being lazy I just used string to tie it on.It even has a little tab on the front to hold the nozzle.
Thanks Sam!
Well they must pass..first fall yesterday the MSB boat came over.I think they thought I was drowning as the mast tip was pointing to the bottom of the lake [}:)] ( what causes that? )..and it took me ages to get it up ready to waterstart.Anyway I had my Neil Pryde vest on and they didn't question me but just went off when I started.
