Vaikobi General Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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.

A life jacket isn't mandatory for inshore paddle boarding in most regions, but wearing one is strongly recommended. A brightly coloured PFD keeps you visible on the water - a key safety factor in busy waterways - and many Vaikobi PFDs include a built-in hydration bladder pocket, so you can stay hydrated on longer sessions. Find out what to pack for a great day out paddle boarding.

Foiling is a high-intensity, high-impact sport that demands gear built for both performance and protection. Vaikobi designs tops, pants, and safety gear specifically for wing foiling, surf foiling, downwind foiling, and kite foiling, across two core ranges:

• UV Clothing — UPF50+ sun protection for warm water sessions, including rashies and UV tops that won't weigh you down if you hit the water
• Thermal Clothing — warmth and wind protection for cooler conditions, with layering options to suit the temperature

Given the frequency of falls in foiling, an impact vest or PFD is strongly recommended alongside your clothing — even for experienced foilers. Read more in our guide to foil surfing gear and safety, or shop the full foiling range.

Life jackets don't have an official expiry date, but they do degrade over time with regular use and UV exposure - so it's important to inspect yours regularly. Check for signs of wear including damaged buckles, faded fabric, or compressed foam before every season. Find out exactly what to look for in our guide to life jacket expiry dates.

No — a swim vest and a life jacket are not the same thing. Swim vests are designed primarily for young children learning to swim, helping them maintain a neutral floating position. They provide some buoyancy but carry no official safety certification. A life jacket (also known as a PFD or personal flotation device) has an official buoyancy rating, is certified to international safety standards, and is designed to keep you safely afloat in an emergency - not for stroke swimming. If you're heading out on the water, always choose a certified PFD over a swim vest for genuine protection.

Whether you're legally required to wear a life jacket while kayaking depends on where you paddle -rules vary by state in Australia and differ across countries worldwide. As a general rule, wearing a PFD while kayaking is strongly recommended regardless of local laws, particularly when paddling alone or in open water. Check with your local waterways authority for the rules in your area, and read more in our complete guide to life jackets for kayaking.

A PFD (personal flotation device) is a certified safety garment designed to keep you afloat in the water. All Vaikobi PFDs are certified to ISO 12402-5 (Level 50), which means they're built above the minimum buoyancy required for watersports including kayaking, surfski paddling, dinghy sailing, SUP, and foiling. When selecting a PFD, Vaikobi recommends sizing by chest measurement rather than weight — a correct fit ensures maximum comfort, freedom of movement, and performance in an emergency. Read our complete guide to how to choose the right PFD for you.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material laminated together with fabric layers, widely used in wetsuits, wetsuit tops, pants, and socks for watersports. It works by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body warms to create insulation against cold water and wind chill. Not all neoprene is equal though - some contains harmful chemicals, which is why Vaikobi's FlexForce range is manufactured using REACH compliant neoprene, meaning it's free from harmful substances. Find out more about how to choose a REACH certified neoprene wetsuit.

PFD, life jacket, buoyancy vest, buoyancy aid, and life preserver are all terms used interchangeably around the world - they all refer to the same type of safety garment designed to keep you afloat in the water. The key difference worth knowing is that not all PFDs are equal: buoyancy ratings vary from Level 50 (suitable for inshore watersports) through to Level 150+ (designed for offshore and rough water conditions). Choosing the right one depends on your sport and the conditions you paddle or sail in. Read more in our guide to the difference between a PFD and a life jacket.

Neoprene is not waterproof — it's actually designed to let a small amount of water in. That water gets trapped between the neoprene and your skin, where your body heat warms it up to create an insulating layer, keeping you warm in cold water conditions. The thicker the neoprene, the more insulation it provides. It's this unique property that makes neoprene the go-to material for wetsuits, tops, pants, and socks across watersports like surfing, kayaking, sailing, and paddling. Explore our range of neoprene wetsuits, tops and pants for watersports.

To get the most life out of your water shoes and wetsuit socks, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after every use - including the zips, to prevent salt and sand from causing them to seize. Dry them in the shade with zips and straps fully undone to maximise airflow, and never store them damp or leave them in direct sunlight, both of which degrade neoprene over time. Read our top tips for foot protection on the water.

In warm conditions many paddlers and kayakers prefer bare feet, but when the weather turns cold, neoprene socks or lightweight flexible water shoes make a big difference to comfort and performance. Water shoes also protect your feet on rocky launches, boat ramps, and slippery surfaces — useful year round. Read everything you need to know about water shoes.

Neoprene socks (also known as wetsuit socks or wetsuit booties) work by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body then warms to keep your feet insulated - so while they're not waterproof, they're highly effective in cold water conditions.

They're ideal for kayaking, paddling, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. If you need full foot protection against sharp rocks, coral reefs, or sea urchins, water shoes or sailing boots are a better option.

Read more in our complete guide to wetsuit socks.

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.

Sailing gloves protect your hands from rope abrasion and improve grip on lines — essential for anyone trimming through a long regatta or training session. Vaikobi offer two styles:

• V-Grip DECK Glove — designed for high-frequency trimming and line handling on thinner diameter skiff lines, with strategic grip zones and seamless construction for maximum dexterity and feel
• V-Grip PRO Glove — built for sailors handling larger diameter lines and higher loads, with DURAPRO reinforcements for outstanding grip, durability, and control in demanding conditions

Shop all sailing gloves

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.

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.

The VDRY range is designed for surface water sports where wind, spray, and light rain are the main elements to deal with — including dinghy sailing, paddling, kayaking, canoeing, and yacht sailing. It works best as an outer layer over a wetsuit or thermal base layer, blocking spray and wind without adding bulk or restricting movement.

• VDRY ½ Zip Vest — a paddler favourite, ultra-lightweight with a versatile half-zip design for easy on and off on the water
• VDRY Smock — a sailing staple, with waterproof taped seams to prevent water flushing up the sleeves and designed to be worn comfortably under a PFD
• VDRY Jackets — versatile coverage for sailing, paddling, and wet weather onshore; a popular choice for yacht sailors and team gear

For the coldest conditions, pair VDRY gear with our VCOLD thermal range or a FlexForce wetsuit underneath for maximum protection.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wetsuit layering is the practice of wearing additional garments under or over your wetsuit to stay warmer and more comfortable in cold conditions. The right combination depends on water temperature:

• Above 20°C — a thin wetsuit (1–2mm) with no additional layers is usually enough
• 15–20°C (transitional) — a medium wetsuit (2–3mm) with or without a base layer underneath depending on conditions
• 5–15°C — a single wetsuit with an insulation layer underneath, such as a VCOLD Hydroflex Top
• Below 5°C — consider a double-wetsuit system using two FlexForce suits of different thicknesses

When choosing layers, stick to quick-drying, breathable materials like polyester, hydrofleece, or hydromesh — avoid cotton. Layers should fit snugly without being restrictive, and avoid excessive zippers, velcro, or bulky seams. Don't forget accessories — neoprene socks, gloves, and a hood make a big difference to extremities in cold water. Always test your layering setup before heading out, as extra layers can affect buoyancy and mobility. Read our complete guide to wetsuit layering.

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 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.

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.

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.

Vaikobi FlexForce wetsuits, long johns, wetsuit pants and hikers can be trimmed at home to get the perfect leg length for your height. Read our step-by-step guide on how to trim your Vaikobi wetsuit.

Staying warm while sailing in winter is all about layering without compromising mobility. Here's what to prioritise:

• Base layer — a VCOLD thermal top keeps your core warm while wicking moisture during intense hiking and trimming
• Wetsuit — the FlexForce 2mm Long John is a proven choice for dinghy and skiff sailing, offering warmth and stretch without bulk
• Outer layer — a VDRY smock blocks sea spray — the biggest cause of cold discomfort when sailing downwind at speed
• Footwear — sailing boots protect feet on wet decks and prevent hiking strap contact injuries
• Gloves — essential for line handling in cold conditions; see our sailing gloves range

Read our full guide to winter dinghy sailing gear.

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