HELLY HANSEN RIDER & SAILSAFE
SRP: £40 & £120
Helly Hansen has long been recognised as being the market leader in the manufacturing of specialist offshore safety wear and PPE. The Helly Hansen Rider Vest is a buoyancy aid that has been specially designed for dinghy sailing and other sports on the water, and as such is ideal for kayak anglers. It is a low-bulk, front zip entry, comfortable buoyancy aid that is hugely popular with those who participate in all types of watersports. It features a soft foam front for long-lasting comfort, PE foam at the back for added support, stability and protection and is zipped at the front for quick and easy entry. It also features a narrow front pocket with Velcro closure, for flares or a waterproof handheld VHF radio, for example. It is certified to ISO 124025, is rated at 50N buoyancy, with a SRP of £40. My daughter recently took up paddle boarding, and this is the jacket I chose for her. She tells me that it is very comfortable. The Helly Hansen Sailsafe Inflatable Inshore lifejacket is an ergonomic, lightweight and flexible design, which is perfect for the offshore angler – shore anglers, too. I have used several Helly Hansen lifejackets for many years and can confirm that the quality of these PFDs is outstanding. This is now the jacket I carry and wear when fishing or reviewing boats. The jacket features 150N of buoyancy, with a SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) approved UML automatic-release mechanism certified to ISO 12402-3, and, of course, it includes that all-important crotch strap. The Sailsafe I has a SRP of £120.
■ For more information on the extensive range of Helly Hansen produce, visit: www.hellyhansen.com