How to Fit a Life Jacket: Safety, Comfort, and the Right Choice

Posted by Julia Peet

Life jackets are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll ever buy for the water—and making sure they fit correctly matters just as much as owning one. Whether you’re boating, tubing, waterskiing, or wakeboarding, the right life jacket keeps you safe and comfortable all day long.

 

A properly fitted life jacket should be snug but not restrictive. When zipped and buckled, it shouldn’t ride up past your chin or ears when lifted by the shoulders. Always size by weight and chest size rather than age alone, especially for kids. In Maine, children under 10 years old are required to wear a life jacket while on a boat unless they’re inside a fully enclosed cabin—making fit and comfort even more important.

 

There are two main categories of life jackets you’ll see in our shop: Coast Guard–approved life jackets and competition vests. Coast Guard–approved jackets are designed for safety first and are legally required for boating. Competition vests, while popular for advanced riders due to flexibility and reduced bulk, are not Coast Guard approved and should only be used by experienced swimmers in controlled settings.

 

Material also makes a big difference. Nylon life jackets are more affordable and durable, making them a great choice for families or occasional use. Neoprene life jackets tend to be softer, more flexible, and more comfortable against the skin—perfect for longer days on the water or active riding.

 

Conclusion:

Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.

Watersports Rentals: All the Fun, None of the Storage

Posted by Julia Peet

Visiting Maine or short on space? Renting your watersports gear is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your time on the lake—without the commitment of buying and storing equipment year-round. At Sun Sports+, we make it simple to get out on the water with everything you need for a fun, stress-free day.

We offer rentals on waterskis, wakeboards, kneeboards, tubes, and more, giving you plenty of options whether you’re introducing someone to watersports for the first time or just looking to mix things up during your vacation. Not sure what to choose? That’s where we come in. Our team will help you pick the right equipment based on your experience level, your boat, and who’s riding—so everyone has a good time.

Rentals are especially popular for visitors staying on Long Lake, Brandy Pond, or Sebago Lake, where bringing your own gear isn’t always practical. Instead of packing bulky equipment or investing in something you’ll only use for a week or two, you can rent exactly what you need, when you need it. It’s also a great way to try before you buy—test out a wakeboard or see if your kids prefer tubing over skiing before committing to a purchase.

We keep our rental process straightforward and flexible. You can book online ahead of time to lock in your gear, or give us a call and we’ll get everything set up for you. When you arrive, your equipment will be ready to go—no hassle, no wasted time. Just grab your gear and head to the lake.

At the end of the day, it’s all about maximizing your time on the water. Renting takes the pressure off and keeps the focus where it should be: having fun with friends and family.

Conclusion:
Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one. 🌊☀️

Why Shop at Sun Sports+?

Posted by Julia Peet

Sun Sports+ isn’t just a store—it’s your friendly neighborhood surf shop. For over 30 years, we’ve been part of the Naples, Maine lake community, helping families, first-time boat owners, and seasoned riders make the most of their time on the water. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just shopping—you’re getting real advice from people who live and breathe lake life.

What really sets Sun Sports+ apart is our customer experience. We’re not here to just sell you something—we’re here to make sure you leave with the right gear. Whether you’re trying to figure out what size wakeboard you need, choosing between a tube for your kids or teens, or deciding if a kneeboard is a better fit for your boat, we take the time to walk you through it. No pressure, no guesswork—just honest recommendations based on how you actually use your boat and spend your days on the water.

Our team is made up of people who actively ride, test, and use the products we carry. That means when you ask a question, you’re getting real-world insight, not a generic answer. We know what works for beginners, what holds up over time, and what’s actually worth your money. That kind of knowledge makes a huge difference—especially if you’re new to watersports or shopping for a whole crew.

We also pride ourselves on offering a carefully curated selection of gear and lifestyle products. From towable tubes and life jackets to wakeboards, waterskis, paddleboards, and lake-day essentials, everything in our shop is chosen with purpose. On top of that, our lifestyle section brings in some of the best surf and lake brands out there—so whether you’re gearing up for a day on the boat or just hanging on the dock, you’ll find something that fits your style.

Another thing that makes Sun Sports+ different is how we support you before, during, and after your purchase. Need help getting started? We’ve got you. Want to try something before committing? Check out our rental program. Have questions once you’re out on the water? Give us a call—we’re always happy to help troubleshoot, offer tips, or point you in the right direction.

At the end of the day, shopping local matters. When you support Sun Sports+, you’re supporting a small business that’s been part of the Naples community for decades. You’re supporting a team that cares about your experience, your safety, and your summer.

And honestly—that’s what it’s all about. Better gear, better guidance, and better days on the water.

Conclusion:
Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.

Need a Gift for a Watersports Lover? We’ve Got You.

Posted by Julia Peet

Shopping for someone who lives for lake days? Sun Sports+ makes gift-giving easy. Polarized sunglasses are a must on the water, and we carry top brands like Ray-Ban, Smith, Oakley, and Maui Jim.

We also stock lifestyle clothing from Rip Curl, Volcom, Roxy, Quiksilver, RVCA, and more—perfect for dock days, boat rides, and post-sunset hangs. Not sure what to choose? A Sun Sports+ gift card always hits the mark.

Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.

Waterskis, Wakeboards, or Kneeboards: What’s Best for Beginners?

Posted by Julia Peet

If you’re new to boating or watersports, choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming. The good news? There’s no wrong place to start—just different learning curves.

Kneeboards are often the easiest option for true beginners. Riders start on their stomach in the water and gradually pull themselves up onto their knees. The low center of gravity makes balance easier, and many people are riding confidently within minutes.

Combo waterskis are the classic choice and what most people picture when they think of watersports. They’re versatile, familiar, and great for learning fundamentals. While they require a bit more technique to get up, they’re a tried-and-true option for families and first-time boat owners.

Wakeboarding is the “cool” factor of watersports—but it can be tougher to learn, especially if the driver or coach hasn’t done it before. That said, with patience and the right board, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Not sure which one is right for you? We rent all of this equipment. Try before you buy and find what you love.

Conclusion:

Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.

How to Properly Size and Fit a Life Jacket

Posted by Julia Peet

A common issue we find in the water sports industry is that people don’t know how their life jacket should fit. We often see people reaching for vests that are too big because they feel more comfortable on dry land. But once your vest gets wet, it will stretch a little bit. So here are some big key points for how to properly size and fit a life jacket.

CGA vs. NCGA: What’s the difference?

The most common vest you’ll see out on the water is probably a Coast Guard Approved vest. The law requires you to have them in your boat. Children are required to wear them up to a certain age. (make sure to check the rules in the state that you’re boating.) The state of Maine requires children 10 and under to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets or life vests at all times while on a boat. Although adults are not required to wear life jackets while in and around a boat, everyone is required to wear them when performing water sport activities behind the boat. The life jackets you wear behind a boat can be either a CGA or NCGA vest. CGA vests consist of more foam and multiple buckles. It’s a bulkier vest in general.  They offer greater floatation. Maine state regulations require that there is a CGA life jacket on board for every person on the boat. 

The Connelly Men's Classic CGA Vest zips up the front and has two buckles for a more secure fit. This vest is constructed with their extremely popular "V" back flex panel design that provides superior flexibility and adjusts to a wide range of body types. The front and back segmented sections deliver a vest that maximizes flexibility and comfort.

Connelly Men’s Classic CGA Vest


Flexible and lightweight, the Women’s Spark Flex V-Back gives you all of the safety, comfort and performance you could ask for from CGA life jacket. With multiple hinges and the V-Back stretch panel, this vest provides unsurpassed mobility

O’Brien Women’s Flex V-Back Neo Vest

NCGA Vests, or as we like to call them “competition vests” are a thinner, lighter weight life vest. Their focus centers around performance. They offer your greater range of motion in your arms and shoulders. Comp Vests are not considered life jackets because they do not offer you the same floatation as a CGA vest. They are perfectly legal to wear while waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or wakesurfing.

The O'Neill Competition Vest lineup defies convention and sets a new industry standard for performance driven technology. The lightest vests in the water just got lighter, stronger and dry faster than ever.

O’Neill Slasher Comp Full Zip Vest


Flexible and lightweight, the Women’s Spark Flex V-Back gives you all of the safety, comfort and performance you could ask for from CGA life jacket. With multiple hinges and the V-Back stretch panel, this vest provides unsurpassed mobility

O’Neill Women’s Slasher Vest

How should my Life Jacket fit?

Your CGA vest should feel snug against your body. Once you zipper it, synch the buckles down for a closer fit. CGA vests are going to cover a wider range of body shapes and sizes because the buckle is there to tighten up the vest when you need it.

Comp vests fit best when they fit like a wetsuit. You should have to work a little to get the zipper to zip. That means that you need to pull the two sides of the vest together in order to zip it.

Key Points:

CGA vests offer greater floatation, and you are required to have them on the boat with you. Kids under the age of 10 are required to wear CGA Vests at all times on the water. Comp vests are not coast guard approve but they do however offer maximum comfort and a greater range of motion. Whatever your preference for life jacket fit, we can help you find it at Sun Sports+.

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Do you have more questions about life jacket fits? Then come visit us at Sun Sports+! We can show you how to properly size and fit a life jacket. Our expert staff can get you rocking the right vest. Shop online or in store! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Call us at 207-693-3867. Email us at info@sunsportsmaine.com. Read our Blog!

Welcome to Sun Sports+: A Local Watersports Staple in Naples, Maine

Posted by Julia Peet

If you’ve spent any time around the lakes region of Maine, chances are you’ve seen our sign, our boats buzzing by, or our crew helping families gear up for a day on the water. But if you’re new to the area—or new to boating altogether—welcome. Sun Sports+ has proudly been part of the Naples, Maine community for over 31 years, and we’re excited to (re)introduce ourselves.

Sun Sports+ started with a simple mission: make life on the water more fun, accessible, and memorable. What began as a small watersports shop has grown into a full-service watersports and lifestyle retailer specializing in everything towable behind a boat. From water skis and wakeboards to tubes, kneeboards, and paddleboards, we outfit locals and visitors alike with gear that turns lake days into core memories. We’re conveniently located near Long Lake and Brandy Pond—right where summer happens.

Beyond performance gear, Sun Sports+ is also your go-to lifestyle shop for lake life. We carry a wide range of sunglasses, swimwear, casual apparel, footwear, floats, toys, and accessories that feel just as good dockside as they do out on the boat. We stock trusted brands that are built for sun, water, and adventure—because Maine summers don’t wait.

What truly sets us apart, though, is our team. We’re a locally owned shop with staff who actually live the lifestyle we sell. We ski, wakeboard, tube, paddle, and spend long days on the water—just like you. That hands-on experience means honest advice, real recommendations, and gear that’s right for your family, your boat, and your skill level.

Whether you’re gearing up for your very first boat season, replacing well-loved equipment, or just looking for something fun to add to the day, Sun Sports+ is here to help. We’re open 7 days a week from the end of April through October.

Conclusion

Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.

Krush it Next Summer with this Wakeboard

Posted by Julia Peet

What’s a go to wakeboard in the shop for women riders? One of my favorites is the Ronix Krush. Back again for 2023 the Krush features two molded fins on either side of both the tip and the tail of the wakeboard. It also has center removable fins that you can pop out if you want to focus on surface 360s and butter slides. The Krush features awesome graphics that are anything but flowery and girly. This board will have you ripping around the lake and tossing tricks in no time. Krush it behind the boat with this board under your feet.

Why is this board a good choice for me?

Anytime we have new riders in the shop, it’s beneficial to have those extra removable center fins. They will add extra drag for when you’re first learning, which will stabilize the wakeboard. But once you’re comfortable riding and jumping, you can remove those fins for a more playful feel. The board features a 3-Stage rocker design, which is more conducive for getting “air”. That type of rocker line means there is a flat spot between your feet which will hit the wake first shooting you up into the air. Rocker lines like this are great for smaller wakes too because they boost you higher. You’ll krush it, seriously.

Artboard 1 copy 6-2

The Krush comes in a variety of sizes

SIZE

(CM)

 HEIGHT

(INCHES)

 STANCE

(INCHES)

 CENTER

(INCHES)

 SURFACE

(SQ INCHES)

 WEIGHT

(LBS RANGE)
125 2.3 18-24 16.3 733 Up to 110
130 2.4 19-25 16.4 757 Up to 125
135 2.5 19.5-25.5 16.7 787 120-160
140 2.6 21-27 16.9 836 150-190

 

Artboard 1 copy 7

All in all, it’s a great wakeboard

But don’t just take my word for it. Click here to hear what the Wizard has to say about the Krush! Be sure to read more of our Blog. Shop online here. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more water sports content. Email us with questions at info@sunsportsmaine.com. Call us at 207-693-3867 with questions.

 

 

Fliteboard 101: What to know before you Flite

Posted by Julia Peet

Flite leads the industry in eFoils. With the longest lasting battery life, you’ll cruise longer and further than your muscles can handle. So, let’s get going. Here’s Fliteboard 101: a miniseries. Everything you need to know before you Flite.

The 100L Foil Board:

This is the best option for riders > 200lbs or a very conscious beginner. With huge buoyancy and stability, you can balance and correct yourself without much retaliation from the foil itself.

Fliteboard - Ash (Series 2) | Online Store | Online Store – Fliteboard USA

The 100L Board in Ash

The Pro Board:

Think of it as a smaller, more compact version of the 100L. This board suites riders < 200lbs. Even if you have little to no foil experience, or even wake surf experience, you can learn to ride on this board. What will make a huge difference is if you have water sports experience. Being comfortable in the water is extremely important. So is being mindful of what’s going on around you.

Fliteboard (Standard) – ElectricSurfboards.com

The Fliteboard Pro Board in Black

When starting out

When you’re learning to ride, you’ll start out on your belly. It will feel much like getting up on a kneeboard. You have the controller in your hand, and you engage the speed with your pointer finger, much like a video game consul controller. As you pull back on the trigger, the motor will engage and you’ll shoot forward. We recommend that everyone stay far forward, over the nose of the board. As you work up to your knees, keep your hand gripping the nose of the board. This will help you keep the board stable and low against the water.

fliteboard controller > OFF-68% |

Flite Controller

When the board gets up on plane, you can scoot onto your knees. It should feel surprisingly stable. If it doesn’t then you don’t have enough weight on the front of the board. You want to keep the nose down while you get a feel for the board and your balance point. Once you’re comfortable, you can speed up, or rise up out of the water. If you start to panic, like most first time riders, think about putting a lot of weight on your front foot. The board will dip towards the lake. Even if it hits the lake, all that happens is you bounce. But if you can remain calm, you’ll save yourself from falling.

Foil wings

For the most part, the wings that we sell at Sun Sports are the flyer 800. Think of it as an all purpose wing, easy and stable enough for anyone to use. Medium cruising speeds. Carving and riding swell. Also built for cruising and stability. The wing attaches to a long mast. The longer mast length allows smooth riding high above the chop and allows for an extreme turning angle without the board touching the water.

fliteboards, massive reduction off 61% - sportska.revija.hr

Batteries:

We sell two different kind of Fliteboard batteries that you can customize with your efoil package. The first is our personal preference: the Explorer. With 30 more minutes of battery life, the distance you can travel is nearly endless. At least on a lake. The trade off is the extra weight. You’ll notice this difference when carrying your foil on shore. The second battery is the sport battery. Truly a performance upgrade, in the sense that you’re more maneuverable. The lighter weight nature of the battery allows you to be quicker in and out of turns and more agile on the water.

The Fliteboard motor emits a quiet hum, much like a Tesla motor. It’s slightly freaky when you first get on it, because you’d expect it to be much louder.  It’s actually rather relaxing to listen to. It’s just enough noise to remind you that there’s a board beneath your feet.

No feeling quite like it.

There’s no feeling quite like it. It’s totally and completely freeing. It has obvious elements of wake surfing attached to it but it also has the solitary therapy of snow skiing. Much like snow skiing, you see and hear others around you, but you’re not riding with them. You’re just riding among them.

Want to learn more?

Call us at 207-693-3867. Or email us at info@sunsportsmaine.com. We are here to answer any and all questions that you have about foiling. Shop online or in store! Check out our website for more.

 

 

Closed for the Season. See you in the Spring!

Posted by Julia Peet

The time has finally come. Summer is over. There is a chill in the air. Winter is coming. The lake will soon freeze which means that we have to lock the doors and pack up shop…for now. Though we are closed for the season, we are always reachable. You can shop online all winter long with us, and follow us on social media to see all the new product as it arrives at the shop. You see, we don’t just pack up and head south when the summer ends. We keep grinding to make sure that the incoming summer is still the best summer that you’ve had yet. And we will see you in the spring.

The off season is not just a time to relax and unwind for us. (though we do a lot of it). It’s a time for us to write orders, receive product, and stock the shelves. There is a lot that goes into the summer time and it happens behind the scenes.

So for now, we bid you farewell. But you can call on us any time you need! Email us at info@sunsportsmaine.com. Call us at 207-693-3867. We will answer all year long. Summer magic doesn’t happen just during the warm weather. We work hard to ensure you see the best version of us at all times. Follow us on instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out our YouTube Channel! We will see you in the spring.