Foiling PFD's Foiling PFD's

Foiling PFD's

Vaikobi offers a range of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) specifically designed to meet the demands of foiling enthusiasts. These PFDs combine safety, comfort, and performance, making them ideal for high-speed water sports like foiling.

  1. FOILSPORTS
  2. Foiling PFD's
  3. Impact Protection Series
  4. Foiling Thermal Clothing
  5. Foiling UV Clothing
  6. Foiling Wetsuits
  7. Foiling Accessories
  8. Foiling Water Shoes + Socks
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DESIGNED TO PERFORM

Vaikobi offers a range of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) specifically designed to meet the demands of foiling enthusiasts. These PFDs combine safety, comfort, and performance, making them ideal for high-speed water sports like foiling.

Key Features of Vaikobi's Foiling PFDs:

  • Sleek, Low-Profile Design: Vaikobi's PFDs feature a streamlined design that minimizes bulk, allowing for unrestricted movement and reducing drag during foiling activities. 
  • High-Visibility Colour Options: Available in vibrant colours such as pink, fluro orange, cyan, and fluro yellow, these PFDs enhance visibility on the water, promoting safety in various conditions. 
  • Hydration Compatibility: Certain models, like the VXPII Race PFD and V4 PFD include hydration pockets, complete with hose guide tabs for hands-free hydration. 
  • Ample Storage: The V4 life jacket has large front pockets with drainage mesh provide convenient storage for essentials such as water bottles, cell phones, or marine radios, ensuring that necessary items are within easy reach.
  • ISO 12402-5 Level 50 Certification: Vaikobi's PFDs are certified to the highest safety standards for inshore water sports, offering reliable buoyancy and peace of mind during foiling sessions. 

Choosing a Vaikobi PFD for foiling offers several advantages, including enhanced mobility, high visibility, hydration space, storage utility, and long lasting components. 

Need a foiling wetsuit? Check out Vaikobi's range of wetsuits and neoprene tops for foiling. Vaikobi also make accessories for foiling including polarized sunglasses for foilsports, and UV50+ protective garments for wingfoiling, tow-foiling and downwind foiling.

FAQs
What is a PFD life jacket?

A PFD (personal flotation device) is a certified safety garment designed to keep you afloat in the water. All Vaikobi PFDs are certified to ISO 12402-5 (Level 50), which means they're built above the minimum buoyancy required for watersports including kayaking, surfski paddling, dinghy sailing, SUP, and foiling. When selecting a PFD, Vaikobi recommends sizing by chest measurement rather than weight — a correct fit ensures maximum comfort, freedom of movement, and performance in an emergency. Read our complete guide to how to choose the right PFD for you.

Why does my Vaikobi PFD show a different Newton rating to 50N?

All Vaikobi PFDs meet ISO 12402-5 (Level 50), providing 50 Newtons of buoyancy relative to your body weight. Because lighter users need less lift to achieve 50N, the actual lift rating varies by size:

V4 Ocean Racing PFD:

  • XS: 40N lift
  • S and above: 50N lift

VXP / VXS / VXI:

  • XS and S: 40N lift
  • M: 45N lift
  • L and above: 50N lift

Always size by the weight guide on our website rather than the listed lift rating, as this ensures full 50N compliance, which matters if your PFD is being checked at a race or event. Note that Level 50 PFDs are designed for conscious, active users in sheltered waters. For offshore or rough conditions, a higher buoyancy rating may be more appropriate. Read more in our guide to PFD buoyancy levels and safety.

What is the difference between a PFD and a life jacket?

PFD, life jacket, buoyancy vest, buoyancy aid, and life preserver are all terms used interchangeably around the world - they all refer to the same type of safety garment designed to keep you afloat in the water. The key difference worth knowing is that not all PFDs are equal: buoyancy ratings vary from Level 50 (suitable for inshore watersports) through to Level 150+ (designed for offshore and rough water conditions). Choosing the right one depends on your sport and the conditions you paddle or sail in. Read more in our guide to the difference between a PFD and a life jacket.

What is a Level 50 PFD / life jacket?

A Level 50 PFD (also known as a Level 50 life jacket or buoyancy aid) provides 50 Newtons (N) of flotation and is the most widely used buoyancy rating for watersports - ideal for kayaking, dinghy sailing, SUP, and paddling in sheltered waters where rescue is readily available. It's designed to keep a conscious, active person afloat while allowing the freedom of movement needed for performance sport. Read more in our guide to PFD buoyancy ratings and what they mean for your safety.

Do life jackets expire?

Life jackets don't have an official expiry date, but they do degrade over time with regular use and UV exposure - so it's important to inspect yours regularly. Check for signs of wear including damaged buckles, faded fabric, or compressed foam before every season. Find out exactly what to look for in our guide to life jacket expiry dates.