- Products ...
- Kitesurf
- Kitesurf harness
- Kitesurf impact vest
Kitesurf impact vest
A protective layer that makes all the difference in freestyle and wave riding. GlissEvolution in Pornichet offers impact vests from ION, Forward WIP, Mystic, Duotone, Manera, and Prolimit, in 50 N or without buoyancy.
Learn moreKitesurf Impact Vest: Protection and Buoyancy
Updated September 2026
An impact vest, also known as a protective vest, cushions hard falls on the water. It protects your ribs and back from impacts with your board or bar. It also helps you resurface quickly after a wipeout. Wear it over your shorty or wetsuit, and in most cases, under your harness. Our team of experienced riders at GlissEvolution, your go-to shop in Pornichet since 2005, will help you find a vest that fits your harness and body type. This section is part of our kitesurf harnesses range. For wing foil, check out the wing impact vest section. For more in-depth information, consult our guide to choosing your harness, which explains how to pair the two.
Thin Vest or 50N Buoyancy Aid?
This is your first decision. A thin protective vest prioritizes mobility. It absorbs impacts and you'll barely notice it under your harness, but it offers minimal buoyancy. The thicker 50N buoyancy aid provides significant buoyancy. This is the ideal choice for beginners, strong wind riders, and foil riders, who often fall from greater heights. Remember, neither of these is a life jacket. A 50N buoyancy aid is designed for swimmers and will not turn an unconscious rider face up.
Front Zip, Side Zip, or Pullover Style?
A front zip vest is easy to put on by yourself, even when wet. The side zip and pullover style options create a smoother profile on your stomach, with no closure under your harness hook. If you ride with a waist harness, make sure the vest is cut short enough so it doesn't ride up when loaded. A longer vest works well with a seat harness.
Men's or Women's?
ION offers dedicated women's cuts, Ivy and Lunis. These are not just smaller versions of men's sizes; they feature different torso lengths and chest placements. For other brands, the size chart on each product page provides the corresponding chest circumference.
How to choose your size?
Your vest should fit snugly without restricting your breathing. Measure your chest circumference and refer to the manufacturer's size chart on the product page. If you're between sizes, choose the smaller size for flexible neoprene vests and the larger size for rigid ones. The best approach is to try it on with your harness, which you can do at our store.
What's the Budget for an Impact Vest?
Price ranges in this section as of September 29, 2026, excluding sale items.
| Type | Indicative Budget | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Protective Vest | 100 to €140 | Freeride, freestyle, mobility |
| 50N Buoyancy Aid | 130 to €200 | Beginner, strong wind, foil |
Enjoy free shipping on new, non-promotional gear orders over €150 (excluding oversized packages; shipping costs will be shown at checkout). If the size isn't quite right, you have 14 days to return your item. You can also try on items at our Pornichet store.
The brands we offer
- ION (Germany): Vector, Collision, and Booster for men; Ivy and Lunis for women.
- Forward WIP (France): The 50N Kompact and LowPro buoyancy aids are benchmarks for buoyancy in kite and wing sports.
- Mystic (Netherlands): Juice and Foil Impact Vest offer comfort and support.
- Duotone (Germany): Kite Vest available in seat or waist versions to match your harness.
- Ride Engine (USA), Manera (France), and Prolimit (Netherlands): Pali, Offshore, and Predator are all lightweight protective vests.
Impact Vest and Helmet
Your vest and helmet are the two most crucial pieces of protection for preventing injuries, especially during your first few seasons. Discover Mystic, ION, Forward WIP, and Bangproof helmets in our dedicated section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an impact vest mandatory for kitesurfing?
No law in France requires an impact vest for recreational kitesurfing. Most schools require it during lessons. They also recommend it afterward.
What is the difference between a 50N vest and a simple protection vest?
The 50N is a certified buoyancy aid (EN ISO 12402-5). It supports a swimmer in sheltered water. A simple protection vest protects against impacts but offers little buoyancy. For a beginner, strong wind, or foil, the 50N is the sensible choice.
Is the vest worn under or over the harness?
It is worn under the harness in most cases. The harness then tightens over it. Some short vests can be worn over a waist harness; the product sheet specifies this.
Is a kitesurf impact vest suitable for wing foil?
Yes, for protection. For wing foil, a 50N vest is better because of falls on the foil. The wing impact vest section includes suitable models.
Can you wear an impact vest without a wetsuit?
Yes, over a lycra or directly on the skin in summer. It must be well-adjusted to avoid chafing.
Where can I buy a kitesurf impact vest?
At GlissEvolution, online or in our Pornichet store. We offer new products from all major brands, expert advice, and on-site fitting with your harness.
Why choose GlissEvolution?
With two decades of experience serving kiters since 2005, we're here to help you find the perfect gear. Visit our Pornichet store to try on vests with your harness and get personalized advice for your body type. We offer new and inspected second-hand items, after-sales support, and spare parts. Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over €150 (excluding oversized packages; shipping costs will be shown at checkout). For tailored recommendations, give us a call at 09 62 64 74 77.
Find Us
Visit GlissEvolution at 2c avenue du Gulfstream, 44380 Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique). You can reach us by phone at 09 62 64 74 77. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
