Since starting this blog in 2016, we’ve reviewed more than 100 paddleboard accessory products.
One of them is the Secumar Jump, a versatile swimming aid designed especially for water sports enthusiasts.
While it may not be perfect for everyone, its features offer a positively framed balance between safety and usability.
Let’s dive into our Secumar Jump review.
One thing up front: the Secumar Jump is not on sale any more. This page now does two jobs. Directly below we name the three products we would buy in its place today, each with the reason it fits, and further down our original test stays online in full, because that is where our judgement came from.
Better alternatives to the Secumar Jump
The Jump was a simple foam vest, and simple foam vests are cheap and plentiful.
| Model | Key spec | Best for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secumar Jumpour original test | See the test below | The product this page was written about | No longer sold |
| Stearns Adult Classic Vest | Foam vest, Type III | A spare vest that lives in the car | Amazon |
| Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest | Foam paddle vest, Type III | Kayak seats and long days in cooler weather | Amazon |
| awesafe Universal Vest | Foam vest with neoprene shoulders | One vest that has to fit several different people | Amazon |
1. Stearns Adult Classic Vest
Why it is here: The plain foam vest that does what the Jump did.
Every board should have one more vest than the household has paddlers, because guests never bring their own.
- TypeFoam vest, Type III
- ApprovalUSCG approved
- ShellNylon with PE foam
- FitAdults from 90 lb, standard and oversized
Best for: A spare vest that lives in the car.
The Stearns Classic is the vest every rental fleet and every boat locker has. It is not clever and it does not need to be.Strengths
- The classic, cheap and always available
- Oversized fit available
- Three adjustable buckles
Weaknesses
- No paddling specific cut
The open sided design is airy but plain. For hours of paddling, the shaped vests above are more comfortable.
2. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest
Why it is here: The better cut for paddling.
Foam is the safer class of life jacket because it works whether or not you are conscious. This is the paddling shaped version of it.
- TypeFoam paddle vest, Type III
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
- FeaturesMesh back panel, zip pocket, whistle
- FitAdjustable side belts and shoulder straps
Best for: Kayak seats and long days in cooler weather.
The mesh panel in the back is the detail that matters: it sits clear of a kayak or canoe seat instead of riding up your neck. Large arm openings keep the stroke free.Strengths
- Mesh back clears a seat back
- Large arm openings
- Whistle and reflective trim included
Weaknesses
- Warmer to wear than a belt pack
On a hot flat water day it is warm, and that is exactly when people take it off. Be honest about which you would wear.
3. awesafe Universal Vest
For households where the same jacket is worn by different people, one adjustable vest beats three that only fit one person each.
- TypeFoam vest with neoprene shoulders
- FeaturesMesh high back, zip pockets with drainage
- VisibilitySOLAS grade reflective strips
- FitUniversal adult
Best for: One vest that has to fit several different people.
A universal size adult vest with neoprene shoulder padding, a mesh back and pockets that drain instead of holding water.Strengths
- Universal adult fit
- Neoprene shoulders chafe less
- Reflective strips for dusk
Weaknesses
- Universal fit means nobody gets a perfect fit
A vest that fits everyone fits nobody precisely. If one person paddles every weekend, buy them their own size.
Our original test of the Secumar Jump
Data & Facts
| Brand | Secumar |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 different sizes with varying buoyancy (30-40 kg 35 N, 40-70 kg 45 N, 70-90 kg 50 N, 90-120 kg 50 N) |
| Compatibility | Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking, Sailing |
| Weight | Varies based on size |
| Skill Level | All skill levels |
| Price Range | Affordable |
| Intended Use | Various water sports, including Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking, and Sailing |
| Features | Side zipper, additional Velcro for size adjustment, waist strap (40 mm), net pocket with zipper (chest pocket), buoyancy material made of soft foam, short model, high freedom of movement due to large cutouts for arms and head, reflectors |
| Accessories | Not Applicable |
Pro & Con
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable: Made with soft foam padding for easy wear during water-based activities
- Highly adjustable: Features side zipper and additional Velcro straps for customized size adjustments
- Extra features: Equipped with a 40mm waist strap, zippered pocket on the chest, and reflectors for better visibility
- Designed for mobility: A short model with large arm and head cutouts offers excellent freedom of movement
- Available in different sizes: Comes in four sizes to cater to different weight ranges from 30-120 kg
- CE and ISO-certified: Ensures product quality and safety
Cons
- Not suitable for non-swimmers: Designed for use by swimmers only as it offers support but not full protection like other life vests
- Limited protection: Offers buoyancy of 35 - 50 N, making it best suited for inland waters with minimal waves and currents
- Non-waterproof pocket: The mesh pocket is not waterproof, so any water-sensitive items should be secured with an additional waterproof cover
Features
- Side zipper: The Secumar Jump features a side zipper for easy donning and a snug fit, allowing the user to quickly put on and adjust the vest.
- Additional Velcro straps for size adjustment: These straps help customize the fit, ensuring the vest is secure and comfortable for the wearer.
- 40mm waist belt: The waist belt provides extra security and stability, preventing the vest from riding up while in use.
- Zipper chest pocket: This conveniently located pocket features a zipper closure, providing secure storage for essentials such as a larger smartphone, cash, and keys.
- Soft foam buoyancy material: The vest's buoyancy material is made of comfortable soft foam, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience.
- Short model: The compact design of the Secumar Jump makes it ideal for sailors and paddlers, providing minimal interference while participating in water activities.
- High freedom of movement: Large arm and head cutouts ensure unrestricted movement, essential for activities such as stand-up paddling, kayaking, or sailing.
- Reflectors: The vest features reflector squares on both sides, promoting visibility on the water by reflecting light when illuminated.
How to Use the Secumar Jump Life Vest
- Select the Correct Size: The Secumar Jump is available in four different sizes, suitable for users between 30 and 120 kg. Choose the appropriate vest based on your weight for optimal safety and comfort.
- Put on the Vest: Open the side zipper and carefully slide one arm through the corresponding armhole, then the other. Alternatively, leave the vest zipped and put it on over your head.
- Secure the Vest: Once the vest is on, connect the click buckle and zip up the side zipper. For a snug and secure fit, adjust the additional Velcro fasteners and 40 mm waist belt accordingly.
Intended Use
The Secumar Jump Life Vest is an ideal choice for those engaging in a variety of watersports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. Its short-cut design, large arm cutouts, and soft foam padding provide maximum freedom of movement, ensuring minimal interference with your paddling or sailing activities.
Moreover, the vest is CE- and ISO-certified, offering an extra layer of safety and security during your water adventures. While it is optimized for boaters and paddlers, its design also makes it suitable for other water-based activities where a vest with high mobility is desired.
The generous arm cutouts and comfortable padding enhance your range of motion, allowing you to confidently participate in any water-based sports without hindrance. Furthermore, the Secumar Jump Life Vest is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a zippered mesh pocket on the chest, perfect for storing essential items like a larger smartphone, cash, or keys.
However, please note the mesh pocket is not waterproof and sensitive items should be protected with a waterproof case. The added safety feature of reflectors on each side of the vest ensures increased visibility, making it an excellent investment for a wide range of watersport enthusiasts.
Material & Quality
The Secumar Jump life jacket is made from high-quality polyethylene foam for the buoyancy material and polyamide for the protective outer shell. This combination ensures durability, reliability, and comfort when engaging in various water sports activities.
Compared to other life jackets, the Secumar Jump stands out due to its specialized soft foam material, providing a comfortable and secure fit, effortlessly adapting to the wearer's body.
The use of premium materials in the Secumar Jump life jacket not only enhances its overall quality and durability but also offers optimum performance in water sports scenarios.
The soft foam material guarantees a comfortable fit without restricting movement, while the protective polyamide shell ensures resilience against wear and tear. Overall, the Secumar Jump's material composition significantly contributes to its excellent performance and longevity.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Secumar Jump Life Vest?
The key features include a side zipper, additional Velcro straps for size adjustment, a 40mm waist belt, a zippered chest pocket, soft foam buoyancy material, a short model design, high freedom of movement, and reflectors.
What water sports can the Secumar Jump life vest be used for?
The Secumar Jump life vest is suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing, as well as other water-based activities requiring high mobility and range of motion.
What precautions should be taken when using the chest pocket of the Secumar Jump Life Vest?
The chest pocket is not waterproof, so sensitive items should be stored in a waterproof case before placing them in the pocket for added protection.
Conclusion
The Secumar Jump life vest is a versatile and practical choice for water sports enthusiasts seeking safety and comfort.
With optimal mobility and high-quality materials, it caters to a variety of activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing.
Its range of sizes and adjustable features make it suitable for various users while maintaining user-friendly characteristics like the zippered pocket and reflectors.
While it may have certain limitations, the Secumar Jump remains a reliable investment for those prioritizing mobility and versatility in their water sports adventures.
