Non-USCG approved vests?

This topic may have already been covered, but I'm new: I would like some opinions on whether it is a bad idea to wakeboard with a vest that is not USCG approved.

Well if the coast USCG says no then its prolly okay as long as you dont get hurt or knocked smooth out, but thats just the way I think. I use a seedoo racing vest cause I have been knocked out and that jacket will float you and all your freinds plus it rolls you onto your back by itself. The non USCG is way more comfortable though. Go with your gut.......

I wakeboard with a jetpilot stance a-10 non-approved vest and just keep my eyes out for any sherrif boats, used to use it in competions, taking the season off, I love it becuase when you take a hard fall the channels displace the water and you don't brake any ribs!!

Will the sherrif actually come and fine you for wearing it while wakeboarding?

In my opinion, it's just not worth the risk. Go with USCGA. Plus, you won't have to worry about getting a ticket.

I agree with tyler. They don't hinder you to the point where you can't do a certain trick. And If you can't do a certain trick because of your USCGA vest, then you probably shouldn't be doing that trick at all.

(Message edited by electricsnow on June 19, 2004)

Tara, they will when they do "safety checks". At my lake during the first of the year they always like to come up to boaters and jetskiiers and ask them if they know the rules, where there safety equipment is located, and check for the life jackets. On really busy weekends they also like to have a ranger or sherif checking the boats and fisherman to make sure everything is legit. They will fine you, and it can be costly. Like this one fisherman who didn't have a single life jacket in the boat and had the max capacity which is 8 I think. He was mad.

Just have an approved jacket for everyone in the boat. If you like the non approved ones ride w/it and if you get stopped say that you are training for a competition and everything should be ok.