{"product_id":"mystic-block-impact-vest-kitesurf-impact-protection-vest","title":"Mystic Block Impact Vest | Kitesurf Impact Protection Vest","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mystic\"\u003eMystic\u003c\/a\u003e Block is their go-to kite vest for riders who commit to big airs and heavy wipeouts. Built around proprietary Clash foam with generous padding across the chest and ribs, it absorbs the kind of high-energy impacts that come with looping kites, swell landings, and powered riding — all without the bulk that makes cheaper \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/impact-vests\"\u003eimpact vests\u003c\/a\u003e unbearable to wear under a harness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor 2024 Mystic have refined the Block specifically for kitesurfing: JAKO neoprene adds meaningful warmth alongside the impact protection, and the lower waist panel is deliberately left unpadded so your harness can sit flush without pinching or riding up. If you spend serious time in the water and want your body still working when you paddle back in, this is the vest that earns its place in the kit bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiscipline:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kitesurfing — freeride, freestyle, wave. Also suitable for wingfoiling and general watersports where rib protection matters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate to advanced riders who are consistently powered up, boosting, or riding in onshore conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Anyone who loops their kite, rides swell, or simply values rib and torso protection without compromising harness fit. Not designed as a buoyancy aid — this is a pure impact vest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClash Foam construction\u003c\/strong\u003e — Mystic's own impact-absorbing foam runs across the chest, shoulders, and ribs. It's denser than generic EVA yet stays flexible, so it cushions hard landings rather than just restricting movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJAKO neoprene outer\u003c\/strong\u003e — adds a layer of thermal protection over the impact foam, making the Block genuinely wearable in UK water temperatures without needing a separate thermal layer underneath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnpadded harness zone\u003c\/strong\u003e — the lower panel is intentionally left free of Clash foam so your waist or seat harness can sit directly against the vest without creating pressure points or bulging out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSilicon non-slip harness print\u003c\/strong\u003e — a textured silicone grid on the waist panel stops your harness creeping upward during a session. Small detail, big difference on longer rides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYKK front zip (Fzip)\u003c\/strong\u003e — reliable, field-proven hardware that gets the vest on and off quickly, even with wet hands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZipper lock\u003c\/strong\u003e — a secondary tab holds the zip at the top so it can't creep open mid-session or during a wipeout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCE approved impact protection\u003c\/strong\u003e — meets European safety standards for impact vests. Not a CE-rated buoyancy aid or personal flotation device.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eReal-World Feel\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Block sits firmly in the \"serious protection\" end of Mystic's vest range — this isn't a thin skin vest that you forget you're wearing. You will notice the Clash foam coverage, especially across the chest and lower ribs, but it never feels like wearing body armour. The JAKO neoprene keeps things warm enough that you won't need to double up in a 3\/2 wetsuit season, and the unpadded waist panel means a well-fitting harness stays exactly where it should. The silicone grip on the waist is genuinely effective — the harness stays put. Front zip makes gearing up fast, and the zipper lock is the kind of small reliability detail that matters when you're relaunching in breaking surf. One honest note: if you're exclusively foiling in flat water with a board-shorts-style harness, a lower-coverage vest might suit you better. But for kite-specific riding with a proper kite harness, the Block is hard to beat at this price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSetup \/ Fit\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Block runs true to Mystic's standard impact vest sizing — refer to the size chart below based on your bare chest measurement. If you're borderline between two sizes, size up: Clash foam compresses slightly with use and a snug fit that restricts breathing is counterproductive. Put the vest on before your harness (not over it), zip up fully, then pull your harness on over the top. The silicon waist panel will grip the inside of your harness strap and keep everything in position.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMaterials\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOuter shell:\u003c\/strong\u003e JAKO neoprene (M-Flex construction for stretch and warmth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImpact protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clash foam panels — chest, shoulders, upper and lower ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarness zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlined \/ unpadded lower panel with silicone non-slip print\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e YKK front zip with zipper lock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertification:\u003c\/strong\u003e CE approved impact vest (not a buoyancy aid)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSize Chart\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeasure your bare chest at its widest point. If you're between sizes, go up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChest (cm)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChest (inches)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85–89 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e33–35\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e89–94 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35–37\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e94–99 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37–39\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e99–104 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e39–41\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e104–111 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e41–44\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXXL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e111–119 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44–47\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSource: Mystic official size guide. Measure over a rash vest or thin base layer if you plan to wear one underneath.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Block is designed to work under a kite harness, so pair it with anything from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/kitesurfing\"\u003ekitesurfing accessories\u003c\/a\u003e range. If you're building out a full kit setup, browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/kites\"\u003ekites\u003c\/a\u003e and boards — the Block works equally well with a seat or waist harness, so there's no compatibility concern regardless of your harness choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy We Stock It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe're a rider-owned shop on the Wirral, and most of us have the bruised ribs to prove why impact protection matters on a tidal estuary in 20 knots of westerly. The Mystic Block is the vest we recommend when someone asks what actually works rather than what looks good on a product photo. Clash foam genuinely outperforms basic PE foam at absorbing dynamic impact loads, the YKK zip won't fail you mid-winter when your hands are numb, and the harness-compatible cut means you don't have to choose between protection and comfort. At £139.95 it sits at the serious end of the market — and it earns that position.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I wear the Mystic Block Impact Vest under my harness?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — the Block is specifically designed for this. The lower waist panel is left unpadded so your harness can sit flush, and the silicone non-slip print stops it migrating during a session. Put the vest on first, then pull your harness over the top.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the Mystic Block a buoyancy aid?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The Block is a CE-approved impact vest, not a personal flotation device or buoyancy aid. It will not provide the buoyancy of a dedicated PFD or life jacket. It is designed purely for impact protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Mystic Block Impact Vest keep you warm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt provides some thermal benefit thanks to the JAKO neoprene outer — enough to extend your comfort window in spring and autumn without a separate thermal layer. It is not a wetsuit replacement, but in combination with a thin base layer it makes a noticeable difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat sizes does the Mystic Block come in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eXS through to XXL, covering chest measurements from 85 cm to 119 cm. Measure your chest and refer to the size chart above. If you're between sizes, size up — the Clash foam will compress slightly with use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat colourways is the 2024 Mystic Block available in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Block is available in Black, Navy, and Retro Orange. Stock levels across colourways vary — check the variant selector above or contact us if you need a specific colour confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I use the Mystic Block for wingfoiling or SUP?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The Block's coverage and harness-compatible cut make it well-suited to wingfoiling, where rib impacts from the foil and board are a real risk. It's overkill for flatwater SUP touring, but ideal any time you're moving at speed with a harness or near a foil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MYSTIC","offers":[{"title":"XS \/ Black","offer_id":58246026658179,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-BK-XS","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"S \/ Black","offer_id":58246026690947,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-BK-S","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"M \/ Black","offer_id":58246026723715,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-BK-M","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"L \/ Black","offer_id":58246026756483,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-BK-L","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL \/ Black","offer_id":58246026789251,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-BK-XL","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XXL \/ Black","offer_id":58246026822019,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-BK-XXL","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XS \/ Red","offer_id":58246026854787,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-300-XS","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"S \/ Red","offer_id":58246026887555,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-300-S","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"M \/ Red","offer_id":58246026920323,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-300-M","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"L \/ Red","offer_id":58246026953091,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-300-L","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL \/ Red","offer_id":58246026985859,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-300-XL","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XXL \/ Red","offer_id":58246027018627,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-300-XXL","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XS \/ Navy","offer_id":58246027051395,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-NA-XS","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"S \/ Navy","offer_id":58246027084163,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-NA-S","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"M \/ Navy","offer_id":58246027116931,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-NA-M","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"L \/ Navy","offer_id":58246027149699,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-NA-L","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL \/ Navy","offer_id":58246027182467,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-NA-XL","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"XXL \/ Navy","offer_id":58246027215235,"sku":"M24V-K-BL-NA-XXL","price":139.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0696\/9576\/6814\/files\/35005.230212_900_01_b418663e-802b-4440-809d-3767c52e759a.png?v=1781512471","url":"https:\/\/www.northernwatersports.co.uk\/products\/mystic-block-impact-vest-kitesurf-impact-protection-vest","provider":"Northern Watersports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}