Lots of well considered insight and perspective in this thread. Compliments, and thank you, to the participants.

Cheers,
James

Again, there are some impact vests that are Type III USCG approved PFD, see below. Also, far smaller, less bulky Type II inflatable PFDs can also be USCG approved. You may be able to get away wearing certified inflatable PFDs, see below.



http://www.stearnsflotation.com/SWAT-Series-Mens-Neoprene-Vest-P1972.aspx
A USCG approved impact vest

I would argue vigorously against using USCG approved but heavy and bulky Type III "ski jackets" as being hazardous to kiters through impeded motion and general bulkiness. Many states have exemptions for "vessels" under a certain length. It doesn't sound like it but does this exemption exist in Utah? After all a boogie board qualifies as a vessel, so what about them?


http://sailing.about.com/od/lawsregulations/a/InflatablePFDlegal.htm
A USCG approved inflatable vest

u can always go with the fanny pack pfd (it's coast guard type iii approved so legal to fulfil utah requirements)



Inflatable Belt Pack PFD from Mustang Survival

install mast track. Now it is a sailboard.
It is still a sailboard when the sail is not attached.
Or attach a universal joint to your board handle holes, etc.
Come to think of it, a couple of brands actually already use "mast tracks" as footplate mounts.
they are exempt.
Right?
show someone a raceboard or surfboard with a mast track, what is it?
a short windsurfer, that is what.
...it's all about the loopholes, when they make silly laws.

thanks for pointing that out, edt. I wasn't aware that inflatables can be type III CGA. Starting to look like this will be a permanent requirement for us, so the inflatables will likely be the best way to satisfy the law with minimum comfort/risk impacts. we were also told that the PFD needs to be somewhere "on the vessel", so we could even just strap the fanny pack type to the board handle or footstrap to satisfy the law. Although, since these are minimally invasive, might as well strap it to myself in case it was ever actually needed.

As the original poster.
I totally agree withe James.
It started out looking like the topic, was heading off topic, then an argument situation, (boots, helmets)
Thanks for getting back on topic and offering insight.

I wonder if this will happen in more states soon?
It looks like a Coast Guard ruling that any state could start to enforce.

I propose a kite company look into the prospect of an impact vest
with inflatable USGC approved incorporated in it.

Easy for me on the outside to say that, lots of $ and time would be involved.

Marty

I'd be prepared to belied you if only you gave hard evidence for that.

I very much doubt your assumption about pdf's uselessness. As a matter of fact the only fatalities I know about (in Thailand and Mauritius) were not due to skull fracture, but guys gone adrift.

Has anyone published data skull fracture vs overall deaths? That would be relevant.

Hmmm.

As well as I like the idea of having a PFD as it WILL save lives, I am somewhat contradictionary...

If it is warm, and out at your local break, sideonshore - in shorts only, maybe a top 1mm - why would you ever wear a PFD ?

I know it might not be the "sane" thing to think - but c'mon - most of us would never wear a PFD in these conditions, right ?

So it is always a hmmm hmmm and so so IMO, and not that easy to say what you want to do.

Of course, a PFD might save your life, true, but you also have to weigh it out against how good and free you feel - and THIS is what it is often all about , and not to be overlooked IMO.

PF