187 posts
For impact, we tend to rely on vests and helmets (which also provides cut resistance) but that leaves a lot of the body unprotected. Vests don't cover the stomach or below the ribs very well.
For cuts, the main areas i've seen or experienced are (i) around the hips/glutes/groin/stomach, and (ii) legs/shins/feet. Wetsuits help, but cuts still happen through the wetsuit (whether the wetsuit is torn or not).
I'm looking at cut-resistant clothing to help minimize the risks. There will still be the potential for a stab-wound despite the fabric or wetsuit not being cut. In addition to the Gong shorts and hoodie, i've also ordered some Diston ski tights to layer under wetsuit or normal board shorts. I also use Forward WIP sailing leggings under board shorts sometimes in summer (similar to downhill mountain bike armor).
The ION product looks good but too expensive. I was going to order dyneema fabric and sew some items myself, but the Gong product is priced more reasonably so i decided to order that instead. I'm curious to see the quality when i receive it (in the USA so will take some time).
I think the options I would be interested in are:
1) cold/wetsuit conditions:
a) cut-resistant board shorts and wind-breaker jacket to wear over wetsuit
b) thinner cut-resistant base layer leggings and top to wear under the wetsuit
2) warmer conditions (no wetsuit)
a) cut-resistant leggings to wear under normal board shorts and cut-resistant shirt/hoodie
Some design features that would also be good:
- if there are pockets, small drain holes so water can escape easily without adding weight
- attachment between tops and bottoms so there isn't space between the 2 items for the foil to hit skin
- fabric colors so you are more visible on the water
- minimal use of fabrics that absorb water and increase weight e.g. no cotton
187 posts
I always wear helmet and impact vest (and foil edges somewhat sanded down but i guess i need to take more off). I was even chuckling to myself this week noticing the butt-holes in several friend's wetsuits and thinking how awesome i am to have foiled for 4 years and never got a wetsuit tear! So, of course, this week I joined the butt-hole crew! Nasty 6cm skin scratch (through 3mm wetsuit) right by an artery and very close to the family jewels! (and 2 weeks ago another friend got a ~10cm deeper scratch across his abdomen below his vest)
I'm now on the search for additional protection to cover at least from the bottom of the vest to the thigh. Ideally with an EN388 cut resistant rating or similar. Options include:
- cut-resistant board shorts with a rash guard shirt (for over the wetsuit and/or summer use)
- cut-resistant baselayer underwear (ski racing has this but it's $1k+ for top and bottom)
- DIY: dyneema makes a fabric (dyneema diamond) which i could buy and do a DIY shorts and jacket
For existing products, best i found is Gong sells 'Bodyguard' shorts and shirts which have a high cut resistant rating (EN388 standard 5-stars) for euro $100-150 each. They look like a good option but might be hard to get in the USA.
Has anyone used them, or found other options?
Thanks! And be safe out there :-)
