Designed for repeat transfers in a single session
A pool session can have 20 transfers per athlete.
The vest is reinforced for high-repeat use. It doesn't wear at the shoulders or the strap junctions on session-after-session use across a season.
Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Dozens of transfers per session. Zero volunteer injuries.
Adaptive sports programs live and die on volunteer capacity — and volunteer capacity dies on transfer injuries. The EZ Lift Vest gives coaches and volunteers 11 standardized grip points for repeatable transfers into kayaks, sit-skis, hand-cycles, pool lifts, and adaptive gear. Wipeable for wet decks. Fits over wetsuits. Trained in one short video. Rated to 300 lb.
- Repeat-transfer durable
- Wet-condition safe
- Fits over wetsuits
- Volunteer-trainable
Who transfers, and when
Adaptive sports is a high-transfer, high-repeat environment.
Who does the transferring
- Adaptive sports coaches — session leads and program directors
- Volunteers — seasonal and one-time event volunteers
- Athletic trainers — session medical support
- Event staff — competitions, expos, and demo days
- Parents & family members — youth adaptive programs
When the vest is used
- Kayak / canoe launches — dock ↔ boat
- Sit-ski & mono-ski — chair ↔ ski, ski ↔ chair at lift base
- Hand-cycle & adaptive cycling — chair ↔ cycle
- Pool & aquatic programs — deck ↔ pool lift, lift ↔ water
- Adaptive equestrian — chair ↔ mounting block ↔ horse
- Sled hockey, wheelchair basketball — chair ↔ sport chair
Why the vest fits adaptive sports
Grips reliably in wet conditions
Wet decks, dock transfers, and pool sessions.
The vest's grip points don't slip when wet. That's the difference between a controlled kayak launch and a coach going into the water with the athlete.
Volunteers can learn it in one video
Standardized grip points remove ambiguity.
The 11 clearly-defined grip points give a volunteer specific hand positions. No more "grab wherever it feels stable" — which is how volunteers hurt themselves and drop athletes.
Fits over wetsuits and adaptive gear
Cold-water and adaptive-equipment programs supported.
The vest can be sized to fit over wetsuits, drysuits, and adaptive apparel — the reality of open-water adaptive kayaking, sailing, and sit-ski programs.
Made-in-USA supports federal/VA-connected programs
Wounded Warrior, Semper Fi Fund, VA-affiliated adaptive rec.
Manufactured in St. Petersburg, FL — meets Buy-American preferences that many veteran-connected adaptive programs must document.
Protects volunteer capacity
Volunteer injuries scare off next-season signups.
Every volunteer strain becomes a story that shrinks your applicant pool. Reducing transfer injuries protects the workforce that makes adaptive programs possible.
Gait belt vs. EZ Lift Vest — for adaptive sports
| Consideration | Gait belt | EZ Lift Vest | Manual carry / 2-person lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-repeat sessions | Wears quickly | Reinforced for repeat use | Wears out staff |
| Wet-condition grip | Slippery | Yes — wipeable | Yes — but risky |
| Volunteer trainability | Ambiguous | Standardized 11 grips | Requires seasoned staff |
| Fits over wetsuits | Sometimes | Yes — sized to fit | N/A |
| Athlete dignity | Cinched belt | Reads as gear | Manual body contact |
Questions program directors ask us first
Can the vest handle dozens of transfers per session?
Yes. It's reinforced for repeated use across a full session and full season — pool sessions, kayak launches, sit-ski events all supported.
Is the vest safe on wet decks and near water?
Yes. The vest is wipeable and grips reliably in wet conditions. Used at pool transfers, kayak launches, and adaptive water sports.
Does it work over wetsuits and adaptive gear?
Yes. The vest can be sized to fit over wetsuits, drysuits, and adaptive apparel.
Can a volunteer with minimal training use the vest safely?
Yes. Standardized grip points remove ambiguity. A short training video is provided with every order.
Does it work for Wounded Warrior and veteran adaptive programs?
Yes. Made-in-USA meets Buy-American preferences for federally-connected programs.
Do adaptive-rec nonprofits get pricing support?
Yes. Nonprofit and 501(c)(3) programs receive tiered pricing at 5+ vests.
Designed by nurses
Designed for the volunteer holding the kayak.
Peggy and Cathy have supported adaptive-rec events for years. They designed the vest because they were tired of watching volunteers strain their backs at the dock and quit before the next season.
RN-designedPatentedMade in USA
PatentedOriginal design
RN-designed35+ yrs of nursing
Made in USASt. Petersburg, FL
Family-ownedDirect from the RN founders
Talk to Peggy & Cathy
Tell us about your adaptive program. Peggy or Cathy will send the information packet within 24 hours and set up a short call with your coaches.
Prefer to call?
800-792-2970 · info@ezliftvest.com
The vest also fits these related settings
Summer camps for kids with disabilities →
Veterans / VA →
K-12 special education →
Pediatric therapy →
Universities →
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