When you get a new air vest, one of the first things that you have to do is install your saddle strap and then the first time you ride, you need to clip on and make sure that your lanyard is properly adjusted.
There's a sweet spot with the lanyard - we want for it to be short enough that it triggers in the appropriate amount of time if you fall, but also long enough that you have room to make a mistake.
In the video below, you can see just in a seated position there is some slack in the lanyard. First, stand straight up in your stirrups with your heels down. You shouldn't have tension in your lanyard. It shouldn't be flopping around quite as much, but you shouldn't have tension. Then, sit back down, lean way back like you're getting left behind. You can see the lanyard becomes more taut, but it's not tight. You still have some slack. Same thing for jumping up the neck.
The reality is we all make mistakes, whether you're a professional, an amateur, or junior. This is set correctly to give you room to make mistakes, but also not have a false trigger.
Now, enjoy your ride!
