This is my first hydration bladder and it ticks off almost all the boxes for me. It integrates perfectly with the Vaikobi PFD, fitting neatly in a pocket in the back that seals well with velcro. Some paddlers apparently have hydration systems with the bladder placed at their feet in front of the surf ski pedals - which would lower the center of gravity but introduces new problems such as getting tangled up in a long plastic hose if the ski flips.
Some folks advise against using electrolyte tablets in bladders due to the sugars increasing the likelihood of bacteria growth inside the bladder. But in a race having a bit of sugar with electrolytes seems pretty essential. Cleaning after every use will ensure a longer product life and the product comes with a range of cleaning tools for both the bladder and the hose.
My one suggestion for Vaikobi is to either add a piece of webbing to the front, or move the existing one to the side a bit so that when the hose curves upwards, it can be positioned directly beneath your mouth. I found it broke my concentration slightly during a race, having to search for the hose with my mouth, bending my neck and head to the side in order to access the mouthpiece. This added to my stress a bit because I am an intermediate paddler and was in an elite (i.e. very tippy) ski when I first tested the bladder.
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