Best way to foil with a radio/phone?

[wind chaser]

Anyone have recommendations on how to pack a marine radio and/or phone while foiling. I’ve been considering a few options. Backpacks look restrictive and uncomfortable. Thinking about a thin crash vest or any neoprene vest with zipper pockets or maybe a small dry bag? Any recommendations that minimize weight and don’t restrict movement would be great.

Thanks.

[grigorib]

Apple Watch with cellular would be the best.
A waterproof phone on a leash inside wetsuit
A phone in waterproof pouch inside wetsuit

[BenBen]

Surfr. mount on the board.

[Slappysan]

Apple Watch with cellular would be the best.

You need to have the apple watch fully under your wetsuit though as it's specifically not rated for water sports at speed. Even then if you get water shooting up your wrist on a crash it might cause issues.

[wind chaser]

I just got a waterproof marine radio (HX40) for backup so I’m looking for an easy way to carry without ruining my session. I’ve heard Apple watches and phones are not very reliable and it’s best to carry a marine radio. Not that I ever intend to use it but I have had so many equipment failures over the years (broken lines, harness, chicken loop) that I’ve learned a plan b is critical when foiling miles offshore.

[airsail]

I use one of these when going offshore. It’s full neoprene so soft and flexible. It has a loop to go over your hook so it doesn’t ride up. I don’t notice I’m wearing it and the big front pocket has a phone and pack down bag. The pocket is easy to access unlike a backpack.
https://www.forward-wip.com/produit/flow-neo-vest-50n/

[glfmkg]

Hi there,

I use a the following vest: https://www.ion-products.com/water/men/ ... er-x-vest/

It comes with a pocket in the back technically to be use with a water bladder; however I put a marine waterproof radio there with an external mic that runs over my shoulder and I attach it to the straps at front. Before I go kiting I normally lock the keypad for accidental use and leave it at the channel that I plan to use. If kiting along (no-one on shore) I will leave it at channel 16 and if my girl is on shore and/or boat I leave it in channel 68 or 69 depending on location. The external mic also has a speaker, so I can hear very well when she calls me to get out of the water - unfortunately! or to tell her to get the beer ready

So bottom line, buy a waterproof marine radio that has the option to attach an external mic that is also waterproof - I also carry my cell phone in the front pocket of the vest, primarily to use Woo Pro features, but could be used for an emergency if there is cell phone coverage.

This is the Marine VHF I have:
https://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS ... Archived=0

and this is the external speaker/mic:
https://www.standardhorizon.com/Accesso ... /MH-73.jpg

I also have a couple of these for the person on shore and/or boat (cheap ):
https://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS ... Archived=0

Hope that helps.
G.

[SMJ]

I use an iPhone 7 (which is water resistant) inside a good diving case made by ProShot. I put the phone in my NP High Hook Elite vest pocket. I use this in conjunction with an Apple Watch inside a Catalyst case.

[Zen_Rider]

As I kite solo a lot, I use a simple waterproof bag for my phone, lives on a lanyard around my neck, tucked between impact jacket and wetsuit (But not inside wetsuit so its actually accessible if something happens).

I'm not foiling (Surf or TT) but I don't notice it during a session, unless I get it out to check the time, take a photo or even reply to work emails or slack messages to pretend I'm at my desk!

The dry bag is a cheap generic brand version of the Aqua Packs, and sometimes gets a bit of condensation or leakage, but as the phone is waterproof anyway so I'm not worried about a little leak. I usually wash down the phone in freshwater afterwards anyway just to be safe.

[madworld]

Apple Watch with cellular would be the best.
A waterproof phone on a leash inside wetsuit
A phone in waterproof pouch inside wetsuit

The Apple watch does not work at sea level while in the water in many areas. THERE IS NO SIGNAL !

A VHF Marine Radio is the proper communication tool.

Here is a good write up.

https://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/marine-radio-guide/