Stay Warm Stay Warm

Stay Warm


Don't let cold water or wind chill get in the way of a safe and comfortable on-water session. Vaikobi's range of thermal gear is built to keep you warm without overheating; by regulating your body temperature while you're working hard - so you stay comfortable, focussed, and moving efficiently. Train through winter. Race in the cold. Stay in control.

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DESIGNED TO PERFORM

Perform at your best in cool to cold conditions, whether you're paddling, sailing, foiling, or surfing.

Vaikobi utilises lightweight, water-resistant and quick-drying thermal fabrics that trap heat where you need it, while letting your body breathe, to prevent overheating during intense sessions. Whether you're layering up for early starts, winter paddles, or cold, windy conditions, these pieces are made to move with you.

Our thermal gear keeps you warm using two core technologies - VCOLD for lightweight thermal regulation, and FlexForce neoprene for serious cold-water protection - giving you a complete system that covers everything from cool mornings to mid-winter sessions.

  • Stay warm without overheating - VCOLD's perforated airprene and hydrofleece panels regulate your temperature as your effort level changes, so you're never too hot or too cold mid-session, no matter how hard you're working
  • Move freely in cold conditions - super stretch neoprene and 3D ergonomic panel design moves with your paddle stroke, hiking position, or foiling stance without restriction
  • Vaikobi designs Winter kayaking apparel that lets you paddle all year round, thanks to thermally insulating tops and pants, wind resistant vests and jackets, and kayaking accessories like pogies and neoprene socks.
  • Choose the right Cold water sailing gear for your conditions - Choose FlexForce 2mm for cool days where versatility matters, and FlexForce 3.5mm for serious cold-water protection.
  • Find Thermal paddling clothing that lets you paddle with confidence and comfort
  • Warm up fast between sessions - Throw on a Vaikobi jacket, vest or insulated beach coats for fast insulation - so you stay warm from the moment you step off the water
  • Build a complete cold-water system - layer VCOLD base tops under a FlexForce wetsuit, or add a vest as an outer layer for full protection in the harshest winter conditions across any discipline

 

Match your thermal gear with Vaikobi's Wet Weather Gear for a complete cold-water protection system.

FAQs
What VCOLD pants is right for you?

Vaikobi has three VCOLD pants for cold water watersports — here's how to choose:

  • VCOLD GBS 3mm Paddle Pant — for freezing to cold conditions. The thickest and warmest option, with GBS liquid seams to stop water creeping in, a high back design to protect the lower back in a seated paddling position, and a plush inner fleece lining. Best for conditions where you can see your breath in the air.
  • VCOLD Flex Paddle Pant — for cold to cool conditions (5°C and above). Vaikobi's most versatile pant, using Airprene fabrication that breathes as your body heats up — so you won't overheat if the sun comes out or the wind drops mid-session. A best seller for good reason.
  • VCOLD Hydroflex Pant — for cool to mild conditions (up to ~17°C). A lightweight quick-dry microfleece pant that feels more like a thermal legging than a wetsuit pant — ideal for those who don't like neoprene but still need cold water protection.

For warm water paddling and watersports, see our UV range of pants instead. Read the full guide to choosing the right VCOLD pant.

How to care for your neoprene wetsuit?

Proper neoprene wetsuit care will significantly extend the life of your suit. The key rules: always remove your wetsuit while it's still wet, rinse with fresh water after every session to prevent salt corrosion, and dry flat in the shade - never in direct sun or a dryer, both of which degrade neoprene over time. Take extra care with zips, flushing out sand and salt to prevent seizing, and store your suit fully dry to avoid mould and odour.

For the full guide, read our neoprene wetsuit care tips and top 5 wetsuit care tips.

Why wear thermals when sailing?

Sailing exposes you to constant wind, spray, and shifting weather conditions — making thermal wear one of the most important pieces of kit in your sailing wardrobe. A well-chosen thermal base layer regulates your body temperature by trapping warmth next to your skin when it's cold, and wicking moisture away when your output increases — keeping you dry, comfortable, and focused on the race rather than the conditions. Thermal tops and pants designed specifically for dinghy sailing and yacht racing also use moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics and seamless construction that layers cleanly under wetsuits and spray gear without restricting movement. Read more about the benefits of thermal wear for sailing.

Which VCOLD top should I wear?

Vaikobi has three specially designed cold water tops — here's how to choose:

  • VCOLD Base Layer Top (Warm) — a lightweight, quick-dry thermal top ideal for cool conditions and high-output sports. Versatile enough to wear alone or layer under a wetsuit or VDRY vest. Best for active paddlers and sailors who heat up quickly.
  • VCOLD Hydroflex Top (Warmer) — uses hollow yarn fabric with a hydrophobic outer coating that sheds water and dries rapidly, keeping spray off your skin and core. Features a super soft fleece neck and scooped lower back hem to prevent water flushing up. Ideal for choppier water, seated paddlers, rowers, and dinghy sailors.
  • VCOLD Flex Top (Warmest) — for the days you can see your breath in the air. Uses VCOLD Flex Airprene technology with a plush pile inner liner and perforated panels for thermal regulation and breathability. Form-fitting by design to maximise core warmth. Best for cold water immersion sports including kayaking, surfski, and downwind paddling.

Read our complete guide to choosing the right VCOLD thermal top.

What temperature can I wear FlexForce in?

FlexForce is designed for apparent air temperatures of 16°C (60°F) and below - covering cool to freezing cold water conditions. Note that apparent air temperature accounts for wind chill and humidity, not just the forecasted temperature. As a rule of thumb, if there's wind on the water, subtract a few degrees from the forecast; if conditions are calm and you're unlikely to get wet, add a few degrees. For a full breakdown of what to wear across all temperature ranges, check out the Vaikobi Gear Guide or shop the FlexForce range.

Which sports are most suited to the FlexForce range?

The FlexForce wetsuit range is designed alongside Vaikobi athletes for sailing, windsurfing, paddling, kayaking, surf ski, canoeing, foiling, and most watersports in cool to cold conditions. The range is available in two thicknesses to suit the conditions:

  • FlexForce 2mm — for cool to cold conditions, offering warmth and maximum stretch for high-output sports
  • FlexForce 3.5mm — for cold to freezing conditions, delivering serious thermal protection without compromising mobility

Both are designed for training or racing in apparent air temperatures of 16°C (60°F) and below. Read more about how the FlexForce range works or shop the FlexForce range.

How does VCOLD FLEX work?

VCOLD Flex is Vaikobi's intelligent thermal regulation technology designed for cold water watersports including paddling, sailing, foiling, kayaking, and SUP. Unlike traditional insulation that simply traps heat, VCOLD Flex actively regulates your body temperature - keeping you warm when you need it and allowing excess heat and moisture to escape as your intensity increases.

The fabric combines a thermal fleece inner lining for insulation, a wind-resistant outer surface, and a high-stretch construction for unrestricted movement. The result is all-day comfort across a wide range of conditions and activity levels, without the overheating associated with traditional cold-weather gear. Read more about how VCOLD Flex works to keep you warm.

What is the best gear combination for cold weather paddling?

For cold weather paddling, layering is key. Start with a VCOLD thermal base layer - choose between the Base Layer Top, Hydroflex Top, or Flex Top depending on conditions — and pair with either Flex Pants, Hydroflex Pants or wetsuit pants for your lower body. Add a VDRY smock or 1/2 zip vest as your outer layer to keep wind and water spray off your core. Vaikobi smocks and vests are designed to be worn under a PFD and feature waterproof taped seams to prevent water flushing up the sleeves, plus ventilation panels to keep you warm without overheating. For the coldest sessions, layer a FlexForce wetsuit underneath for maximum protection. Complete the kit with neoprene socks and gloves to protect your extremities. Read our cold water paddling gear and safety guide for more, or shop the Stay Warm collection.

What should I wear foiling in cold conditions?

Foiling in cold conditions requires gear that keeps you warm without restricting the dynamic movement the sport demands. Vaikobi's FlexForce wetsuit range is ideal - designed for high-output watersports with maximum stretch and thermal protection. Layer underneath with a VCOLD thermal top for extra warmth on the coldest days. A PFD or impact vest is strongly recommended for foiling regardless of conditions, and a bump hat is essential head protection given the risk of contact with the mast and foil hardware. Complete your kit with neoprene socks or water shoes to keep your feet protected on the board. Read more in our foil surfing gear and safety guide.