Stay UV Protected Stay UV Protected

Stay UV Protected

Hours on the water means hours of heat, plus harmful sun exposure. Vaikobi's UV50+ protective range of gear, clothing and accessories is everything you need to shield your skin, face and eyes from the sun, so you can stay out longer.

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DESIGNED TO PERFORM

Direct sunlight plus reflected glare off the water creates one of the highest UV exposure environments you can be in. The right clothing, hat and sunnies protect you far more effectively than sunscreen alone, and Vaikobi's UV range is designed by watersport athletes for watersport athletes. Our fabrics and lenses offer UPF50+ protection that moves with you, looks good, and performs in the harshest conditions across paddling, sailing, surfing, and foiling.

  • Protect your skin without slowing down - Vaikobi Ocean tech fabrics deliver UPF50+ protection in an ultra-lightweight, breathable construction with minimal water absorption so you stay cool, comfortable, and fast in warm to hot conditions
  • Cover more skin, stay cool - long sleeve rashies with neck protection and full arm coverage are cut specifically for paddling, sailing, surfing, and foiling so you never sacrifice range of motion for protection - they are so light and thin it's like wearing air conditioning!
  • Reduce chafe, friction, and irritation - UV tops act as a barrier between your skin and PFDs, harnesses, and equipment, reducing abrasion and irritation during long hot sessions
  • Look good on and off the water - subtle tonal Vaikobi branding and clean, versatile styling means UV clothing that looks as sharp onshore as it does on the water, with team and club customisation options available across the range
  • Stay visible and protected head to toe - high-vis colour options across the range keep you visible on the water, pair with VIZE+ polarized eyewear and UV50+ hats for complete head-to-toe sun and glare protection

 

Pair your UV clothing with Vaikobi's VIZE+ Polarized Eyewear and Hats + Caps for complete head-to-toe UV protection.

FAQs
Which Vaikobi tops are sun-safe?

All tops in the Vaikobi UV range are made with UPF50+ fabric, blocking over 98% of harmful UV rays — essential for paddlers, sailors, surfers, and foilers who spend long hours training and racing in direct sunlight. Here's how to choose:

  • UV Ocean Tech Range — Vaikobi's premium sun protection top, combining UPF50+ coverage with a performance fit and advanced technical fabric. Ideal for all-day sessions on the water where comfort and UV protection are equally important.
  • Hooded Rashies — built for long days in and around the water, with a foam-reinforced mini peak to reduce glare and keep the sun off your face. The integrated hood delivers maximum coverage for surfers, paddlers, and foilers in harsh sun conditions. Features a rear zip pocket for stashing essentials on longer sessions.
  • Long Sleeve Rashies — the classic choice for full arm and torso sun protection across all watersports. Constructed with V-Light fabrication for a breathable, fast-drying feel, with a snug yet flexible fit that minimises skin irritation from saltwater, sand, and equipment friction.

For complete sun protection on the water, pair your UV top with VIZE+ polarised sunglasses and a Vaikobi hat or cap — reflected UV off the water significantly increases your exposure compared to being on land. Read more about the importance of UV protective gear for watersports.

Are Vaikobi UV Ocean Tech tops sun protective?

Yes - Vaikobi UV Ocean Tech tops are made with UPF50+ fabric, blocking over 98% of harmful UV rays to keep you protected during long hours on the water. Designed for paddling, sailing, surfing, and all ocean watersports, they're built for athletes who train and race in harsh sun conditions. For maximum sun protection, pair with a Vaikobi hat or cap and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Explore the full UV Ocean Tech range.

Do rashies keep you warm?

Rashies (also known as rash guards, rash vests, or UV sun tops) are not designed for warmth - they're built to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and abrasion during watersports, covering your arms, neck, and back. With 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70, a UPF50+ rashie is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk on the water. Read more about the importance of wearing a rash shirt during watersports.

If you need warmth on the water, check out our thermal tops for watersports instead.

What is a rashie?

A rashie (also known as a rash guard, rash vest, or UV sun top) is a close-fitting, quick-dry lycra top worn during watersports like kayaking, sailing, surfski paddling, surfing, foiling, and SUP. Designed to fit like a second skin, a quality rashie won't restrict your movement or weigh you down if you get wet. Most rashies offer UPF50+ sun protection, shielding your arms, shoulders, and back from harmful UV rays - particularly important for watersport athletes who spend extended time on the water with reflected sunlight increasing UV exposure. Read more about the importance of wearing a rash shirt during watersports.

What to wear surfing all year round?

What you wear surfing depends on the water temperature and conditions. Here's a quick guide:

  • Cold water surfing — a full-length wetsuit is essential. Look for sealed seams and a snug fit to prevent water flushing through. Layer a thermal top underneath for extra warmth, and avoid cotton which loses insulation when wet.
  • Warm water surfing — swap the wetsuit for a UPF50+ rashie or UV top to protect against sun exposure and board abrasion. Pair with boardshorts or swimwear.
  • Year round — polarised sunglasses protect your eyes from glare, and neoprene socks or water shoes are worth considering for rocky reef breaks and boat ramps regardless of the season.

Read our complete guide to what to wear surfing all year round.

What to wear when going kayaking?

What you wear kayaking depends on the water temperature, air temperature, and how likely you are to get wet. As a general rule, always dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature — if you capsize, that's what matters most. Here's a quick guide:

  • Cold water kayaking — a FlexForce wetsuit or VCOLD thermal layers for your upper and lower body, plus a VDRY smock or spray vest as an outer layer to block wind and spray. Neoprene socks or water shoes protect your feet on wet boat ramps and slippery surfaces.
  • Warm water kayaking — a lightweight UPF50+ rashie or UV top with UV paddle shorts or pants. Quick-dry fabrics only — avoid cotton.
  • Year round — a well-fitted PFD is the number one item on your list for any kayaking session, and polarised sunglasses make a big difference on the water.

Read our complete guide to what to wear when going kayaking.

Why do I need polarized lenses for watersports?

Protecting your eyes from UV rays is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term vision and eye health — and it's especially critical for watersport athletes. Water reflects sunlight directly up into your face, significantly increasing UV exposure compared to everyday activities on land. Polarized lenses block this reflected glare, improving visibility on the water and reducing eye strain during long training and racing sessions. Read our beginner's guide to polarized sunglasses and UV protective eyewear.