I was wanting to buy a better life jacket for wakeboarding and I wanted to know if it had to be USCG approved?

Question

It seems like every vest that is cool and can protect my ribs when I fall while wakeboarding isnt USCG approved. Also if this is any help I live in texas.

Answer 1

Hyperlite vests are all USCG approved I think, but mine, my brother's, and everyother Hyperlite vest I have seen are USCG approved. You can check it out at www.hyperlite.com

Answer 2

Truthfully you can wakeboard without any vest at all. But...

But do you want to? Why do you want to wear a vest at all?

Well the law is one reason but the other reason the main reason is will it protect me if for some reason I fall get knocked unconcious will it keep my head above the waterline so I won't die? That is the main reason you want a vest. The USCG puts the vests through their tests and if they fail then you know they won't protect you like they should if the worst were to happen...

And do not think the worst can't happen... another boater, drinking plows into your boat and you. chaos ensues... It is 10 minutes before anyone arrives on scene and you have been facedown the whole time... CPR??? Sure but your brain has suffered needlessly because you wanted to look cool and awesome while wakeboarding... My answer may seem harsh but in reality if you had a child you would not want them looking good if they weren't safe would you? Your parents? Would they want you to take a chance? A lot of people are impacted in accidents... Not just you... Lots of people care for you I am sure...

So.. Keep looking buddy.... There is bound to be something that you can wear, look good and be safe with it!!! I have faith in you!!! Have fun... But be safe...

Answer 3

they dont have to be. all most every wakeboarding life jacket is not approved.all you really need is something that can keed you aflot and protect you. after that is up to you. i like super small ones but i know people who like uscg approved ones just as much