ur probably best getting an impact vest it will float u but be far more slimline and fit better with a waist harness as well as look better.

jake

the best vest, is the vest that fits you best!
try a few on and make sure they are a firm fit.

but honestly if you are not fully confident in your casual swimming ability, dog paddling, treading water, sidestroke etc.
proceed with caution.
otherwise fire on!

check out wakeboarding vests or impact vests. Wakeboarding vests are normally pfd type 3 so are legal for other water sports which may be useful for you. As Jake123 said an impact vest are designed for kiting so the right one will fit around your harness well but i have seen blokes use standard pfd type 3's with a waist harness/

I always thought the purpose of wearing a PFD was to keep you afloat in the event of being knocked unconcious in the water. I can understand the benefits of wearing a PFD 2 or PFD 3 whilst skiing or wake boarding in that the boat is usually not too far away and in the event of a skiier or rider being knocked unconcious they can be plucked out of the water reasonably quickly before they drown . In my experience a PFD2 or 3 will keep your body on the surface but will not always keep your head above water if you are unconcious ( even on a flat river ) . Only a PFD 1 will do this. Please be aware that any flotation is better than none but realistically a PFD 1 is by far the safest option particularly for our sport although they are very cumbersome and uncomfortable. I personally dont wear a PFD ( whilst kiting but always when wakeboarding or skiing ) at all however I have met many people skiing and boarding who are of the opinion that PFDs are all the same I just want people to know that they are not and making the right choice may save your life.