Patagonia redesigns PSI Vest for big-wave surfing safety

Patagonia has redesigned PSI Vest 2.0 for situations where surfers may be unable to return to the surface on their own. The vest is worn under a wetsuit and can be inflated several times during a surfing session. It is designed to provide extra flotation after a severe wipeout or an extended period underwater. The company received a U.S. patent for its inflation technology in 2014 and launched the original vest in 2017.

The second-generation vest comes in a wider range of sizes and features a gender-inclusive fit based on feedback from Patagonia’s big-wave surfing ambassadors. Engineers also redesigned the inflatable bladder to maintain the same air volume while removing layers from the chest area. The carbon dioxide valves have also been moved to the back.

“We’ve been working on this idea for more than a decade, and we’ve learned a lot along the way,” said Hub Hubbard, Patagonia’s Oceans line manager. “It’s another tool for surfers when the conditions get serious and the consequences are high.”

Patagonia will sell the vest only to surfers who complete a specialised course provided by the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group. Patagonia will continue licensing its patented inflation technology to other surf-equipment manufacturers, with the licensing fees being directed towards environmental causes.