Do you know the difference between a comp vest and a Coast Guard Approved Vest? With all the different styles of life jackets, it can be hard to determine which is right for you. Keep reading to learn about the differences between CGA life jackets and comp vests.
COMP VESTS
Comp vests are thinner compared to other vests on the market. They provide less floatation but are more flexible, allowing riders to do more on the water. This style of vest is typically worn during water sports competitions and at some wake parks. This is because it is less restricting than a standard CGA life vest.
Some riders prefer a comp vest because of how they fit. They are supposed to fit super snug to the rider and are lighter weight. Comp vests also allow riders more mobility while behind the boat or while trying new tricks at the wake park.
This style of vest is perfect for competitions or for someone who wants to advance their skills at the wake park with ease. Even though this style of vest is popular it is not Coast Guard Approved or legal on all bodies of water.
Even though these vests are not legal on all bodies of water there are places where you can wear them. One place where they are legal is at some wake parks, but it is up to the park to make that call. Some wake parks may require you to wear a CGA vest, it just depends on which one you are riding at.
Another place is during water sports competitions because there are trained professionals there overseeing the event. Be sure to double check the rules about vests before going to the competition.
COAST GUARD APPROVED VEST
Coast Guard Approved or CGA vests provide more floatation while you are in the water. There are a couple of different kinds of CGA vests. Type 1, type 2, and type 3 are typically by boaters or people operating personal watercrafts.
Type 1 and Type 2 Vests
Type 1 and type 2 vests have padding that provides extra flotation around the neck, so that when someone falls in the water, they will land face up in the water. Most states require that children under 12 wear a CGA vest and toddlers must wear a type 2 life jacket while on a boat. Age requirements and types of life jacket kids need to wear will vary by state.
Type 3 Vests
Type 3 vests do not have anything around the neck like type 1 or 2. Yet it still provides similar floatation while in the water.
Most riders prefer a type 3 CGA vest because it is easier to move in versus a type 1 or type 2 vest. Many water sports brands have started making type 3 CGA vests with water sports in mind, so riders can get flexibility like a comp vest but the floatation of a CGA while still being legal for public lakes.
Most states require that children under 12 wear a CGA vest and toddlers must wear a type 2 life jacket while on a boat. Age requirements and types of life jacket kids need to wear will vary by state.
Laws and Regulations
Every state has different laws regarding life jackets. Before jumping on the boat, double check the local and state laws regarding life jackets. Curious about your state? Click here to find a guide to each state's regulations and laws around CGA life jackets from the US Coast Guard.
WHICH VEST SHOULD I WEAR?
When you are behind the boat or at the wake park, you should always wear a vest. What type of vest depends on where you are going to be on the water.
Even though comp vests are not legal on all bodies of water there are places where they are. One place where they are legal is at some wake parks, but it is up to the park to make that call since they are on a private lake. Another place is during water sports competitions because there are trained professionals there overseeing the event.
CGA vests are the only vests legal on all lakes and bodies of water. These are ideal for anything you are doing on the water. CGA vests are required for any activity behind the boat no matter your age. This includes surfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Never do any water sport without a vest on.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT VEST FOR YOU
Finding the right life jacket for you is important. There are a lot of factors to consider like will I be on a public lake, what will I be doing while boating, and what are the laws in my area? These are some of the questions you should consider before buying a life jacket.
If you have any more questions feel free to give us a call. We would love to answer any questions you may have so you can enjoy your time on the water with the right gear.