General FAQ's

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Many of our athletes continue to train in cold conditions wearing Vaikobi gear. Please view our Thermal Clothing collections, which are designed for temperature control in cool to cold conditions. Water shoes, sailing boots or neoprene socks also help in cold conditions.

Vaikobi's UV range is designed to provide SPF50+ sun protection for ocean addicts who need to train and race in bright sunlight for long periods of time. You might want to check out our article on Why you need a UV protective rashie. And don't forget to protect your eyes and face on the water with our range of sunglasses and hats

While a life jacket is not mandatory for inshore paddle boarders, the benefits of wearing a life jacket in on a SUP is the ability to stand out (be visible on the water) with a brightly coloured life jacket, and the benefit of being able to take water with you in a hydration bladder that fits into your PFD. Find out what to take for a great day out paddle boarding.

Vaikobi designs tops and pants that are ideal for paddle boarding.

We have two categories to find the best clothing for you in:

1. UV Clothing - for warmer conditions
2. Thermal Clothing - for cooler conditions

Life jackets do not have an expiry date, but there are several things to watch out for as your PDF life jacket gets used over time. Stay safe and find out more about PFD expiry dates in our article: Do life jackets have an expiry date.

Swim vests are worn to help aid a neutral swimming position and are mostly worn by young children. A life jacket is different to a swim vest in that is has an official buoyancy rating and is not designed for stroke swimming, rather to keep you safe in the event of an emergency.

Different states within Australia have different rules around wearing PFDs while kayaking, as do other countries around the world. Please check with your local waterways authority before kayaking alone. Find out more in our comprehensive article to find out if you need a life jacket for kayaking.

A PFD life jacket is a personal floatation device which has a safety and buoyancy rating for keeping adults or children afloat in the water. All Vaikobi PFDs have a buoyancy rating above the minimum floatation required, which is ISO 12402-5 certification. Find out more in this article: How to choose the right PFD for you.

Neoprene is made from a combination of synthetic rubber and fabrics that are laminated together, and is used mainly for wetsuits and watersports tops and pants. Some neoprene contains harmful chemicals. Find out how to choose a neoprene wetsuit that is REACH certified.

We’re glad you asked! A life jacket, buoyancy vest or PDF are pretty much the same things, but are called different terms around the world. To find out more, read our article: What is the difference between a PFD and a life jacket.

Neoprene is not waterproof, but is designed to be worn in the water to keep you warm during watersports. View our range of neoprene wetsuits, tops and pants for watersports.

Vaikobi recommends always rinsing your water shoes and socks with fresh water after each use. Then drying them between uses, always in the shade (never in direct sun). In this article we share or tips for what to wear on your feet when on the water.

In warm conditions many paddlers and kayakers prefer not to wear water shoes or boots, but when the weather is cold, you can wear neoprene socks or lightweight flexible water shoes. Here is everything you need to know about watershoes.

Wetsuit socks (also called wetsuit booties) keep the feet insulated from cold water and cold surfaces such as your surfski. They are not designed to keep your feet dry. Find out more in this article on wetsuit socks.

VCOLD FLEX technology has built-in thermal regulating properties, which work in a wide range of conditions and flexible applications. Our finely tuned VCOLD FLEX Airprene neoprene comes with a plush pile inner liner to ensure optimum thermal performance when required. The perforations allow for breathability and body temperature control. Super stretch Airprene ensures natural cooling through air and water entry. Lighter hydrofleece sections provide easier movement and breathability/comfort.

Vaikobi offer a short finger and full finger glove. Choose the DECK glove for thinner diameter skiff lines and high trimming activity. Choose the PRO glove for high load lines and thicker diameters.

Shop Gloves here

The FlexForce 1.5mm wetsuit range is designed alongside Vaikobi athletes for: sailing, windsports, windsurfing, paddling, kayaking, surf ski, canoe, most watersports in cool to warm conditions, training or racing in less than 16°c or 60°F apparent air temperature.

The range is designed for training or racing in less than 16°c or 60°F apparent air temperature.

Check out the Vaikobi Paddling Gear Guide here.

The VDRY range is most suitable for surface water sports, including dinghy sailing, paddling, kayaking and canoeing. Our reflective spray resistant vests are recommended for paddlers by paddlers: they are ultra light-weight and highly visible for low light training sessions. Our Jackets are highly versatile and will suit yacht sailing, dinghy sailing, paddling or even as a fashion item in wet weather while landlocked. 

Combine our VDRY weather with our VCOLD or FlexForce wetsuit collection for maximum warmth while training in Winter. Our smocks are great for wearing underneath a lifejacket and have waterproof taped seams all round to prevent water flushing up sleeves. They also contain vents, so they are warm yet breathable to prevent an annoying sweaty gusset. 

Vaikobi PFD life jackets (buoyancy vests) can be found in most good watersports outlets in Australia. Pleas visit our stockists page to find your nearest Vaikobi retailer.

We want our customers love their Vaikobi products, but if you do need to return an order, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly and we’ll take you through the process.

Vaikobi sends products to ocean addicts all over the world! Shipping costs apply to orders under $200 AUD, $200 USD and 200 EUROS, which are calculated before you check out. Read more about our shipping policy here.

Vaikobi has three kinds of VCOLD pants for cold temperature conditions, taking you from absolutely freezing paddling temps all the way up to moderate and mild conditions. If you need a pant for warm water paddling and watersports please see our UV range of pants.

You can read more on the blog: Vaikobi’s range of VCOLD pants explained

At Vaikobi, our Summer and Winter watersports collections are designed to optimize heat regulation no matter what kind of day you face. We’ve also made mixing and matching separate garments easy to best suit your individual needs in the Autumn and Spring months. 

Read more here: What to wear when going kayaking?

As sailors and surfers ourselves, team Vaikobi has a few good secrets for wetsuit care, including; always make sure you take off your wetsuit while it’s wet. Don’t let it dry on your body before removing it! 

You can find more here:

1. How to care for your neoprene wetsuit?
2. Top 5 Tips for Wetsuit Care

Beyond the surfboard, it’s critical to have the right clothing for the season and climate to stay comfortable and perform at your best:

1. Cold Water Surfing - Wetsuit Essentials
2. Warm Water Surfing - UV Protection and Rash Vests

Read more here: What to wear surfing all year round?

Thermal wear that’s specifically designed for dinghy sailing and yacht racing offers numerous advantages that can enhance your sailing experience and performance. By wearing thermal base layer tops and/or pants, you can stay warm, comfortable, and focused on the race ahead, regardless of the weather conditions.

Read more here: What are The Benefits of Thermal Wear While Sailing?

Vaikobi paddling clothing and sailing clothing should always be washed in a cold gentle machine cycle with a small amount of gentle detergent, then dried in the shade. All garments include a care label sewn into the seam. For any concerns about caring for your watersports gear, please contact our sales team.

Read more in this blog: How to care for my Vaikobi product?

Vaikobi have three specially-designed cold water tops that keep the wearer comfortable and an optimal temperature for performance watersports.

1. VCOLD Base Layer Top: Warm

2. VCOLD Hydroflex Top: Warmer

3. VCOLD Flex Top: Warmest

Read more here: Which thermal top should I wear?

Buy thermal gear:

Rashies (otherwise known as rash vests or UV sun tops) are not designed to keep you warm, they are designed to protect the skin from abrasion during watersports and to keep the sun off the arms, neck and back.

Looking for a top to keep you warm? View our thermal base layer tops for watersports.

A rashie is a long sleeve lycra shirt that is worn tight against the body and worn during watersports such as sailing, kayaking or surfski paddling. Most rashies are UV protective.

Read about why you need a sun protective rashie for watersports.

Shop long sleeve UV tops here: Long Sleeve UV Tops

Want to get your Vaikobi FlexForce long john or wetsuit pant exactly the right leg length for you? Check out our guide on how to trim your wetsuit: How to trim your Vaikobi wetsuit

Vaikobi's range of sailing gear is designed to let you sail in any condition or season. Please read our article on what to wear sailing in winter.

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The time it takes to receive your Vaikobi order depends on where you live. Please check the tracking number provided in your confirmation email. For a list of approximate delivery times click here.