How is this vest on the beach? Don't plan to boat, just looking for beach/pool use?
154162
I haven't taken it to the beach. I'm sure it would be ok. My 4.5 year old really puts it to the test in the pool. He is still learning to swim, jumps in every chance he gets, and the vest still held up. Hope this helps.
154163
This should be okay on beach. We use it in a river with young non-swimming kids and they enjoy splashing around in it. They do go on the river in inflatable rafts wearing these and they have worked fine for that as well. The children are never near the water unmonitored in these however.
149335
It might be easier if you are a fast swimmer. I swim laps with mine but I am a slow swimmer. The vest is a little restrictive but does keep me warm. Thanks
1700601
I haven't used it that way yet, though I fully intend to! We're taking it to the beach next month. My only concern - it gets warm in there as it is, it may get really stuffy under direct sunlight...
1124067
yes. I'm very happy with it. I don't wear it in the water, but it keeps everything dry in the boat between dives.
272197
Swimming laps might be better with a vest. I'm very cold natured so I would use it for laps at 84 degrees, but I think a vest would be enough for most people after getting warmed up. Keep in mind it does run very small. You wouldn't want it too tight for that activity. I wasn't hot in it riding bikes at a casual pace for an hour after snorkeling. It's very flexible but it's still a wetsuit material.
293122
I purchased this as I have an outdoor pool that I use year round. I do live in SoCal so the winters aren't extreme. The water still feels cold initially but once the suit gets wet and I start moving it is very comfortable. It can be a bit difficult to get off when it's wet. It took me a couple of times to figure out the best way to get it off, but I did figure it out. I am very satisfied with it.
255364
I think it would be fine for use on the beach, as long as you take-a-long something to tie it down with (bucket of rocks, concrete blocks, & bungee cords, etc). It really doesn't take much wind to move it or knock it down. Good luck & have fun!
1494765
I purchased this vest to use while fishing from a boat. I like it because there is much less bulk than a regular life vest. The vest inflates itself when the red handle on the left is pulled. Although I have had no problems with mine, if I could not swim, I don't think I would bet my life on i
416595
It was a true fit for me (normally a XL or 1X in ladies due to chest and got a XL). Of course, you want a wetsuit to be a little snug. I use it for kayaking, and it has good flexibility. I love that I can unzip it if I get too warm. I'm 5'1" and pair it with the crop pant separate, and get a nice fit.
1543678
Don't swim in deep water. I imagine you would sink!!! You would have to be a pretty good swimmer just to manage the weight of the wet vest alone! If you are going to try it, I would recommend having someone responsible nearby for safty.
162053
William, I think a tradional surf or diving wetsuit would be too hot for out-of-water sport activities. They are incredible insulators, so I would be concerned about overheating or dehydration. I wear my suit half way (to the waist) when I goto the beach. The drive is only 15 minutes, but in that short time of inactivity I'm starting to get very warm. Also, there is the chafing factor. Tradional surf wetsuits will chaf surfers in high friction areas such as the armpits and neck. I can only imagine the chafing you'd get if you ran in one! If you still wish to wear a wetsuit in your workouts, my recommendation would be to look at the lighter weight wetsuits that triathletes use.
1405096
There is a mesh pocket on the back side; it might do for a lightweight plate in a pinch. But I would use a regular plate carrier under this vest. Ditto on checking out the MainePrepper on YouTube.
2142691
I wouldn't use out in the ocean without a life vest. But on calm water yes.
26644
I don't think that this is the vest for you then. It's perfect for over a thermal, but an insulated jacket may be a bit much. Also, it will flop around too much if not fastened on the sides.
225908
I have used mine in the ocean, lakes and the pool, but I don't swim daily. It is certainly in great shape after a summer's use -- no fading or stretching that I notice.
617738
This is a great vest. I am 6'2", 240 lbs. Wife has those hehehe's fits over them great. Wearing it all of the time now. Early spring I was involved in a drowning rescue at local lake. Grandfather and 12 year old grandson. fishing pole went into water, grandfather fell overboard trying to save a $0.000 pole. Came up 4 days later. Sad. Yes, wife and I have vest on board, we fish all of the time. Getting older, Had tried another of these TYPE vest several years ago. Could not stand the fit around our neck. This one, Put it on and wear all day. After the spring event, We put our new Onyx A-24 vest on. Never take them off. That is our deal with all of our children. We are 80. Now, get it on and wear it.
1351586
My boys wore this vest with and also without a swimshirt with no problem. The vest has a "tail" that goes between the legs which keeps it in place.