Rhode Island just enacted a mandatory PFD law for all board sports except prone surfing (in surf). Recall some PFD discussion on the podcasts for safety in downwinders, any recomendations on comfortable, slim PFD’s?
You can look for “paddle vests” which is what kayaker’s use and SUP guys like to use. They’re shorter in length and have wider arm openings with not much on top of your shoulders. They often have pockets in front and a place to store a water bladder in the back.
Cheap generic option that I tested off of Amazon. Only 1 zipper pocket in front. No easily useable pocket in the back. It’s cheap. It works. You can find some fisherman’s vests that are similar too.
Do you need it to be USCG certified? That could come up I guess. Here is a generic “impact vest” that is USCG certified. It is also cheap and fine. It covers more of your lower abdomen, coming down closer to your waist. You can slide a harness hook on the straps in front.
This isn’t USCG certified. But it would likely fit the bill and is sold in store at Walmart near me in Los Angeles at least. They have women’s and kid’s versions of it also. It’s very similar to the DaKine impact vest that I saw in a shop recently.
Then you have expensive and wing foiling specific impact vests. This is the one I would get if I had $200 to spend on a vest.
This ones really good: WIP Water Protection Light Vest 50N - Forward - houstonkiteboarding
Lighter style, its not a real PFD though