I know that in the videos you see people in swimsuits without any protection, but many times they are experts who no longer fall or who know how to fall so as not to be at risk, or perhaps they take off their protection to record a shot and put it back on. For me, safety equipment (especially when learning) is essential:
Helmet
The most important. I don’t want to scare you, I have not yet hit my head with the board, with the foil or the dock, but if I did it could be fatal, not only because the blow itself could kill you but because you could only be unconscious but drown when you are in the water afterwards. A basic aquatic helmet is cheap, you can find them for €30 and for much less second hand. Your life is worth much more.
Impact vest
A blow from the dock, the board or the foil can crack a rib. This security will give you confidence to get rid of fears and focus on the technique without fear of falling. These vests have been sold for a long time for sports such as kite or windsurfing. In addition to protecting against impacts, it also protects you from cuts caused by the foil. If I hadn’t forgotten this day, the neoprene on my back wouldn’t have been cut.
Life vest
The impact vest is fine, but a common life vest is thicker and gives me more peace of mind in the face of impacts to the chest. It is not as pretty or essential but it gives you that extra safety and also because it is more common they are cheaper than impact vests.
Anti-cut T-shirt
They are starting to make polyethylene T-shirts to avoid cuts (like this one from gong). I have an impact vest so I haven’t bought one, but I think it’s the minimum if you don’t have an impact vest. So far I’ve only cut the neoprene on my back with the low aspect foil, but with the high aspect foils, according to what other people say, it must be quite common to get cuts.
Long wetsuit
When learning, I recommend wearing a long wetsuit even in summer. In case of an impact, you will still feel it, but it will be a little more cushioned and it will also reduce possible cuts as in this example.
Booties
A bit for the same reason as the long wetsuit. If your foil or stabilizer is short, it may be advisable because it is not difficult to hit the foil with your foot., it can be easier to cut yourself. Apart from a fall, when you’re close to the foil in the water you can accidentally hit the stabilizer.
Leather or neoprene gloves
Some people also use them to avoid or reduce possible cuts with the foil. I don’t see them as necessary at the moment.
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