Just a heads up that you should “SIZE UP” one size when ordering the Quiksilver Airlift Vest. So if you are an L in Quiksilver T-shirts or Wetsuits, you will be an XL in the Quiksilver Airlift Vest. For me, I’m an XL in Quiksilver T’s and Wetsuits, and use an XXL Airlift. Don’t let the size become a vanity thing, always go one size bigger. That’s what works 🤙🏽 -Trip
Game-changing innovation for a new generation of big wave surfing
Quiksilver and Aqua Lung: Two companies founded by legendary watermen who have helped shape the face of modern ocean sports. Collaboration with a single mission: to create a new generation of inflatable vests that represents a major breakthrough in water safety. Our QUIKSILVER X AQUA LUNG inflatable vest is the culmination of two year’s development and intense real world testing on some of the biggest waves on the planet. Welcome to the beginning of a new era of greater safety in water sports.
SAFETY, RE-IMAGINED
A new generation of big wave riding demands a new generation of water safety. That’s where the Airlift vest comes in. A culmination of years worth of research and development, the neoprene vest utilizes carbon-dioxide cartridges to help bring the wearer to the surface in heavy hold-down situations. It’s an innovative product designed for innovative surfing at the world’s heaviest waves.
QUIKSILVER x AQUA LUNG
When we started developing the Airlift vest, we knew it would be best to partner up with a company that would match our devotion to the project. Aqua Lung is a global leader in scuba diving equipment — they were an easy choice for the partnership.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Late nights. Early mornings. Countless hours and numerous tests. That’s what the Quiksilver Highline Airlift vest is made of — because you can’t afford to take chances on a product like this. Quiksilver’s big wave riders and Innovation Team spent two years collaborating with Aqua Lung engineers to make this idea come to life. Every last detail was considered, refined and innovated.
Our test team is the heart of this project. We’re extremely privileged to have had a group of individuals with peerless knowledge, talent and experience to draw from during the past two years of intensive testing.
SAFETY STARTS WITH PREPARATION
We remind you that preparation doesn’t just mean stretching on the beach before you paddle out. It’s more than just checking the charts or getting all your gear in order during the days leading up to a swell. True preparation also means dedicating years of your life to surfing waves of consequence. But, once you’re ready for it, the AirLift vest is designed to create an extra layer of safety for committed big wave surfers.
FOR ANY WAVE, ANYWHERE
The Airlift vest is made with Quiksilver’s best neoprene and can be worn over the top of a wetsuit, or as a standalone vest. That means you stay safer at any wave, anywhere, regardless of the water temp.
4 INFLATION PULL TABS, 1 DEFLATION PULL TAB
The Airlift vest features four separate inflation tabs in considered locations on the chest for the ease of inflation in the hardest of times. A deflation tab is located away from the inflation tabs to reduce the risk of an accidental inflation or deflation.
The Quiksilver Airlift Vest uses 25g and 38g manual pull, 3/8” thread CO2 cartridges (it holds 4 of these). These cartridges are not included with the vest and REAL does not sell these as they require a special shipping license and permit. Best location to find them is West Marine or to find them online direct from the manufacturer. If you are in a rush, please be aware that West Marine normally only stocks a handful of these and shipping them direct from the manufacturer is never fast. You can mix 25g and 38g, as well as purchasing auto inflate (instead of manual pull) and simply not use the auto mechanism to build out your CO2 supply. 25g is the standard go to size unless you are surfing the heaviest surf where conditions push you deep and hold you there - think big Jaws, Mavericks, Nazare.
When flying with your vest and CO2s it’s important to know TSA regulations and be versed in stating them to the agent. There’s often quite a bit of confusion about the regulations so allow extra time when checking in and passing through security. TSA states you can fly with vest, 2 CO2 in the vest (don’t screw these in, just place them inside) and 2 extra CO2 cartridges. Here is a copy of their web page. You should have this readily available if you plan on transporting your vest in carry on baggage so you can show it to the agent. Since you can only fly with four total cartridges, you will often see Airlift vest users building an inventory of these cartridges at their preferred locations, either by shipping them direct or leaving behind the unused cartridges and then traveling back with four more the next trip. Remember, you need your vest with you in order to fly with the cartridges.
When sizing your vest, it’s important to know that they run small compared to normal wetsuit and clothing sizes. You should bump up one size compared to what you wear in Quiksilver or comparable wetsuits and clothing. For example Nuzzi is a Large in Quiksilver clothing and he wears an XL in the Airlift vest. Trip is an XL in Quik clothing and wears a XXL in Airlift vest. Don’t let this be a vanity thing. The sizing inside the vest doesn’t make you fat. Pick the right size based on this sizing recommendation.
For more information on the Quiksilver Airlift Vest, don’t hesitate to give us a call at the shop 252-987-6000. We ship these vests worldwide daily.
