Choosing the Correct Buoyancy Aid
(Especially if you are small… or very large)
A buoyancy aid is one of those bits of kit you hope never to notice — until the moment you really need it. Then, suddenly, fit, comfort, and performance matter a lot more than colour or price.
And here’s the awkward truth: not all buoyancy aids fit all bodies equally well. If you’re very small, very large, or simply not built like the mannequin in the chandlery, choosing the right one takes a bit of thought.
Why fit matters more than brand
A buoyancy aid works by providing flotation in the right place. If it rides up, slips over your head, or restricts your movement, it won’t do its job properly — and it’ll be miserable to wear.
A poorly fitting buoyancy aid often leads to:
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Riding up under the chin in the water
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Twisting around the body when swimming
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Chafing under the arms
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Restricted movement when tacking, hiking, or scrambling back aboard
If it’s uncomfortable, people loosen it.
If it’s loose, it stops working properly.
That’s the slippery slope.
If you are small or lightweight
This is particularly common with:
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Children moving into “adult” kit
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Petite adults
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Teenagers growing faster than their confidence
Common problems
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Buoyancy concentrated too high on the chest
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Oversized armholes
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Waist straps that tighten fully but are still loose
What to look for
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Weight-rated buoyancy (not just “Small”)
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Shorter body length so it doesn’t push up
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Multiple adjustment points (shoulders + sides, not just one strap)
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Snug fit before you even touch the straps
If you can lift the buoyancy aid by the shoulders and it comes up past your ears — it’s too big.
If you are large, broad, or tall
This is just as common, but talked about less.
Common problems
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Buoyancy aids that technically “fit” but don’t fasten comfortably
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Foam panels that dig in when sitting or hiking
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Waist straps that are at their maximum from day one
What to look for
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Extended size ranges (XL, XXL, and beyond — not just “one size”)
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Longer cut so it doesn’t ride up
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Flexible foam or segmented panels
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Side-entry or front-zip designs for easier donning
A buoyancy aid should feel secure, not like you’re wearing a corset.
Buoyancy aids vs lifejackets (a quick note)
For dinghy sailing, buoyancy aids are usually preferred because they:
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Allow freedom of movement
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Are comfortable to swim and climb in
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Don’t auto-inflate at awkward moments
But whichever you use, correct fit is non-negotiable.
The simple test (do this in the shop)
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Put it on and tighten it properly
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Raise your arms fully overhead
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Get someone to try lifting it by the shoulders
If it stays put and doesn’t try to escape over your head — you’re winning.
The takeaway
There is no such thing as an “average sailor’s body”.
Choosing the right buoyancy aid isn’t about age, gender, or ego — it’s about fit, comfort, and safety.
If you’re small, you deserve kit that actually fits.
If you’re large, you deserve kit that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
And if you’re learning to sail — the right buoyancy aid makes everything feel calmer, safer, and more enjoyable.
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