If you've started your downwind foiling journey, you know there is a lot of gear that comes with it. For safety, comfort and peace of mind it’s so important to get your gear right.
Downwind foiling means heading offshore, chasing bumps, usually a long way from where you started… so once you’re out there, you want to be confident. Over time, I’ve become pretty particular about what foiling gear I take with me. Keeping it minimal but prioritising my safety.
These are the 3 most important pieces of gear that always come with me on a downwind foil:
Hydration and Floatation:
The Vaikiobi V4 PFD with the 1.5L hydration bladder has honestly just made everything easy.
The 1.5L bladder fits into the vest back pocket very snugly, without feeling bulky, almost as if I wasn't wearing anything. The bladder doesn’t move around when you’re paddling, and the hydration hose is right there at the chest when you need it, which means you actually drink!
The V4 also has enough zip storage to carry the things you end up needing on longer runs. Two zip pockets for my snacks, a tool, sunscreen and little essentials without feeling like you’re loading yourself up. Even their waterproof phone case fits into the V4 front pocket.
One of my favourite features is that I can actually attach my EPIRB easily to the vest. It has many options for tacking on accessories, with a few straps and loops located in convenient spots around the vest.
And when you’re out there for a while, this foiling life jacket has everything in one place and comfortable - which makes a big difference.
Bump Hat for Head Protection
Downwinding is fun… but it’s also unpredictable. Boards and sharp foils are flying around, you’re falling at speed, and things don’t always go to plan.
The Vaikobi Bump Cap is one of those things that just gives me much more peace of mind; and this one looks just like a cap!
It’s super lightweight, you barely notice it, but it just takes the edge off those little knocks and gives you a bit more confidence to go for things you might second guess otherwise.
At the end of the day, downwinding is about freedom… but it’s also about being prepared enough that you can actually enjoy it.
These are just a couple of things that make that easier for me on my downwind runs!
Caitlin Baxter - Aussie Foiler and Vaikobi Ambassador.
