Ultimate Life Jacket & Wake Vest Buyer's Guide

 When it comes to wakeboarding, wakesurfing, or any water adventure, choosing the right life jacket or wake vest is just as important as selecting the perfect board. A well-fitted vest enhances your comfort, mobility, and most importantly, safety on the water. 

With so many options available, knowing the differences between CGA (Coast Guard Approved) life jackets and competition vests, as well as understanding sizing and materials, will help you make an informed decision.

• Required by law for most boating activities

• Ensures maximum flotation and safety

• Ideal for beginners, kids, and casual riders

• Designed to keep you afloat even in emergencies

• Greater mobility for advanced tricks and maneuvers

• Lightweight and flexible for a snug fit

• Provides some impact protection for falls

• Best suited for wake parks, winch riding, and controlled environments

Important: Always check local regulations before using a comp vest, as they are not legally considered life-saving devices.

Easiest way to tell a CGA vest from a competition or impact vest:

• CGA vests designed for behind the boat have three points of contact: a zipper and two buckles.

• Basic CGA vests for kayaking or other watersports, that is not for behind the boat activities, include just 3 buckles.

• Most impact vests do not have three points of contact, but some vendors create designs that resemble CGA vests. Always check the product description or contact us if you’re unsure.

• Example: The Ronix Vader Impact Vest looks like a CGA vest but is actually an impact vest

Jet Ski & Waverunner Users – Important!

• The quickest way to get a ticket while riding a jet ski or waverunner is by wearing an impact vest.

• Law enforcement looks for those three points of contact to verify CGA compliance.

• Impact vests are illegal for jet ski and waverunner use.

Fit is one of the most critical aspects of selecting a wake vest. A poorly fitting vest can either be too restrictive or too loose, both of which can be dangerous.

1. Measure Your Chest: Using a flexible measuring tape, measure around the fullest part of your chest.

2. Check the Manufacturer’s Size Chart: Every brand has its own sizing recommendations, so always refer to the size chart before purchasing.

3. Ensure a Snug Fit: The vest should fit tightly when dry, as neoprene will loosen slightly when wet.

4. Test Mobility: Move your arms and shoulders to make sure you have full range of motion without excessive looseness.

Important, please read before purchasing a life jacket!

• All life jacket styles fit differently and do not always fit true to shirt size.

• Read the vest descriptions carefully. For assistance, call (858) 277-5757 or email us at info@wakesports.com.

• “IF IT ZIPS, IT FITS” – Life vests should fit snugly like a compression shirt. They will stretch slightly after a few uses. If a vest zips up too easily, it’s likely too big and may ride up off your shoulders in the water.

• Each person on a boat MUST HAVE a USCG-approved vest on board at all times.

• Many people wear impact vests during watersports but must keep a CGA vest on the boat.

• Additional flotation from wakeboards, wakesurf boards, waterskis, or tubes may act as an extra safety measure, but laws vary by state, lake, and river. Always check local regulations.

• Ronix Girl’s August Life Vest Series (Infant, Child, Youth)

• Ronix Boy’s Vision Life Vest Series (Infant, Child, Youth)

• Ronix Supernova- A premium Coast Guard Approved life vest that offers a perfect balance of safety and style. With a tailored fit, it provides comfort without compromising mobility.

• Radar Cameo- Designed for all-day wear, this CGA vest features lightweight foam and a sleek, ergonomic design for women looking for both function and fashion.

• Ronix Imperial Capella 3.0- A high-performance CGA vest with Ronix’s Capella 3.0 design, offering superior buoyancy and comfort with a segmented fit for better movement.

• Liquid Force Women’s Ghost Comp Vest- One of the lightest and most flexible comp vests available, designed for minimal bulk and maximum range of motion.

• Radar Lyric Impact Vest- A stylish and functional vest made with lightweight foam, providing comfort and protection for women pushing their limits on the water.

• Ronix Rise Impact Vest- Featuring a slim, athletic fit with lightweight impact foam, this vest is perfect for female riders who want top-tier performance.

• Ronix Koal Capella 3.0- A best-seller known for its innovative cylindrical fit, ensuring a snug and secure feel while meeting Coast Guard safety standards.

• Liquid Force Watson CGA Vest-  A Coast Guard Approved vest built for riders who demand comfort and protection, featuring strategically placed foam panels for mobility.

• Ronix Volcom Yes CGA Vest- A stylish collaboration with Volcom, this vest offers a premium fit, high buoyancy, and a sleek design for serious wake riders.

• Ronix Purple Haze Impact Vest- A lightweight, high-performance vest with a bold design, ideal for wakeboarders who need impact protection without restriction.

• Ronix Party Vest- True to its name, this vest delivers both fun and function with its flexible, non-CGA design and ultra-lightweight foam construction.

• Ronix Presidente Impact Vest- Designed for advanced riders, this vest offers a snug, competition-style fit with premium materials for ultimate performance.

• Ronix Neptune (Boys’)- A teen-sized CGA vest offering superior buoyancy and a cool, modern design that keeps young riders comfortable and safe.

• Ronix Atlantis (Girls’)- A stylish and secure CGA vest designed specifically for young female riders, featuring a contoured fit and lightweight foam.