Front vs Side Zip For Dinghy Sailing
Choosing between a front zip and a side zip buoyancy aid involves balancing the ease of putting it on against the need for a streamlined fit during active sailing.
Front Zip Buoyancy Aids
These function like a standard jacket and are common for recreational use and training centers.
Pros
- Ease of Use: The jacket-style entry is simple to put on over bulky layers like drysuits or thick wetsuits.
- Longer Design: Often more comfortable when the user is less slim, due to the longer length extending to the navel/hip area.
- Better Ventilation: You can unzip the front to cool down quickly while on land or during a lull in racing.
- Emergency Removal: Easier to take off quickly if you become snagged or trapped under a capsized hull.
- Adaptability: Usually features more adjustment points, making it easier to fit different body shapes or clothing layers.
Cons
- Snagging Risk: The central zipper and buckles can catch on the mainsheet, hiking straps, or the boom during low manoeuvres. This is more common on lower cost models, higher cost models will feature enhancements such as buckle and zip covers to reduce this risk.
- Trapeze Conflict: The zipper and front bulk can interfere with a trapeze harness hook, often causing the vest to push up toward the chin.
Side Zip Buoyancy Aids
These are often preferred by competitive racers and those using performance skiffs or catamarans.
Pros
- Streamlined Profile: The solid front panel reduces the chance of snagging on rigging or the boat’s equipment.
- Optimised for Trapezing: Most are high-cut at the waist to provide a clear space for a trapeze hook, ensuring the vest stays in place while out on the wire.
- Large Storage: Often features a single, large "kangaroo" pocket on the chest for storing tools, snacks, or radios.
- Secure Movement: Provides a wrap-around fit that moves with the torso, which is beneficial during aggressive tacking and gybing.
Cons
- Awkward Entry: Usually requires being pulled over the head, which can be difficult with limited shoulder mobility or bulky spray tops. However, many models have side zips to improve this.
- More Suited for a Slim/Short Fit: The short design can finish well above the navel/hip area.
- Heat Retention: Less effective at venting heat since you cannot simply open the front to let air in.
Summary for Dinghy Sailors
| Feature | Front Zip | Side Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Recreational sailing, coaching | Racing, skiffs, trapezing. |
| Snagging Risk | Moderate (zipper/buckles). | Low (smooth front). |
| Comfort with Harness | Can be bulky/interfere. | Excellent (high-cut). |
| Ease of Entry | Very Easy. | Moderate (Over-head). |
Don't Forget Your Safety
Most buoyancy aids have a storage pocket. So always remember to think safety first. Here are our most popular items that customers like to store for personal safety.
