Dakine Surface Impact Vest Black | Neoprene Kitesurf Impact Vest
Pickup currently unavailable at NORTHERN WATERSPORTS SHOP
Shipping
UK DELIVERY ONLY
Standard 48 Hours - £2.95 / Free over £60 purchase
Express 24 Hours - £7.95
Tracked - £14.99
Returns
If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return your purchase within 14 days for a full refund or exchange — provided it’s unused and in its original packaging. Customer pays for return shipping.
Please initiate returns request on your customer account.
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Description
Neoprene impact protection at an accessible price. The Dakine Surface Impact Vest is a 50N EN ISO 12402-5 CE-certified closed-cell foam impact vest with front zip, super-stretch design and compatibility with both waist and seat harnesses. Browse the full impact vest range and kitesurfing safety gear at Northern Watersports.
Who It's For
Kitesurfers and kiteboarders looking for CE-certified impact protection at an accessible price point. The Dakine Surface Vest's front zip and stretch design make it one of the more wearable entry-level impact vests — suitable for freeriders, learners in lessons and any rider who wants a certified protection layer without the premium outlay. Harness-compatible with both seat and waist systems.
Key Features
- EN ISO 12402-5 Certified (50N) — CE-certified buoyancy and impact protection meeting European PPE standards
- Closed-Cell Foam Padding — approximately 3cm of closed-cell foam for impact absorption and secondary buoyancy
- Lightweight Neoprene Outer — flexible construction that moves with the body rather than restricting it
- Super-Stretch Design — stretch panels allow full arm and torso rotation without restriction
- Front Zip Entry — easy to get on and off, useful when wearing a harness
- Dual Harness Compatibility — designed to work with both seat and waist harnesses
- Black colourway
Real-World Feel
The front zip is a practical improvement over back-entry vests — you can put it on and take it off while wearing your harness rather than having to undress. The stretch design is notably flexible for this price point. The closed-cell foam gives a noticeable buoyancy assist in the water. Note: this vest runs small — size up by one from your usual size for the best fit.
Setup / Fit
Zip on over your wetsuit, then put your harness on over the top. The vest should be snug but allow full arm rotation. Important: this vest runs small — size up one from your normal size.
Size Guide (Chest Circumference)
| Size | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 89–94 cm | 35–37" |
| M | 94–99 cm | 37–39" |
| L | 99–104 cm | 39–41" |
| XL | 104–109 cm | 41–43" |
Materials
Outer: Lightweight neoprene with stretch construction. Padding: Closed-cell foam (~3cm). Entry: Front zip. Certification: EN ISO 12402-5 (50N). Harness type: Dual — seat and waist compatible. Colour: Black.
Pairs Well With
- Impact vest range — compare across brands and certifications
- Kitesurf harnesses — pair with a compatible waist or seat harness for a complete setup
Why We Stock It
CE-certified impact protection at £50 is the accessible entry point for riders who want a proper certified vest without a premium outlay. The Dakine Surface Vest is the recommendation when someone asks for a simple, front-zip vest that works with any harness and doesn't get in the way of riding.
FAQs
- Is the Dakine Surface Vest CE certified?
- Yes — it meets EN ISO 12402-5 for 50N buoyancy and is CE certified to European PPE standards. This makes it suitable for instructed environments and for riders who require a formally certified vest.
- What does 50N certification mean on an impact vest?
- 50N means the vest provides 50 Newtons of buoyancy (approximately 5.1kg of buoyancy force). This helps a conscious person stay afloat and provides meaningful crash protection — but it is not a full lifejacket.
- Can I wear the Dakine Surface Vest with a seat harness?
- Yes — the Surface Vest is designed for both seat and waist harness compatibility. The stretch design and front zip accommodate different harness configurations.
- Does this vest run true to size?
- No — this vest runs small. We recommend sizing up one from your usual size. If you're normally a Medium in wetsuits, try a Large in this vest. The stretch construction means a larger size won't look or feel oversized.
- How is an impact vest different from a buoyancy aid?
- An impact vest primarily provides crash and hard-landing protection via foam padding, with secondary buoyancy. A dedicated buoyancy aid prioritises flotation. The 50N Surface Vest serves both functions at a basic level but should not replace a full buoyancy aid in high-risk scenarios.
Sources: dakine.com product page, Green Overhead product listing, Windance product listing; sizing from brand size chart.
