// FOILING //

WELCOME TO

VAIKOBI'S FOILING HUB

Whether you’re into Wingfoiling, Downwind Foiling, Foil Surfing, Parawing, or Foil Assist - you’ll find your performance edge and ride safe with Vaikobi.

Vaikobi's foiling hub is your home for gear guides and expert foilsports advice, no matter what type of foiling you do, or stage you’re at on your foiling journey.

Let us help you find what you need. Are you into:

Wingfoil
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Downwind Foiling
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Foil Surfing
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Foil Assist + Parawing
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What is foiling?

Foiling is one of the fastest growing watersports in the world - and for good reason. At its core, it's simple: a surfboard fitted with a hydrofoil - a long hydrodynamic fin with underwater wings - that lifts the board clear of the water's surface as you gain speed.

What makes foiling so addictive is the possibilities it opens. Small waves, flat lakes, windy rivers and coastal runs - if there's water, you can foil. Whether you're wingfoiling across open water, chasing downwind runs on a foil board, catching waves on a surf foil or exploring foil assist for the first time, the feeling of flying above the surface is unlike anything else on the water.

// WINGFOIL //

HARNESS THE WIND. FLY ON WATER.

Wingfoiling is one of the fastest growing watersports in the world. Quick to set up, this form of windsport offers freedom to have fun and cover distance, flying over the surface with a little help from the wind.

What is Wing Foiling? Everything You Need To Know →

Best Thermal Tops for Staying Warm on Water →

What Sam Whaley Wears to Push Limits in the Switch Foil Class →

// DOWNWIND FOILING //

CHASE THE SWELL. GO THE DISTANCE.

Downwind foiling means riding a hydrofoil board on ocean swell and wind chop, covering long distances. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding foil disciplines.

What is Downwind Foiling? →

Downwind Foiling Essentials with Caitlin Baxter →

Hydration on the Water - Why It Matters →

// FOIL SURFING //

CARVE OVER WAVES. CATCH MORE OF THEM.

Foil surfing attaches a hydrofoil to a surfboard, letting you catch smaller, weaker waves and ride them further than a regular board ever could. Works in conditions where traditional surfing doesn’t.

What is Foil Surfing and How Does It Work? →

How To Choose The Right PFD For You →

How To Choose The Best Technical Apparel →

// FOIL ASSIST + PARAWING //

EMERGING FOIL SPORTS.

Foil Assist and Parawing are two of the newest and fastest growing foil disciplines:

  • Foil Assist uses a motorised attachment that gets you up and foiling, with no wind or waves required, just flat water and technique, making it perfect for paddlers transitioning into foiling.
  • The Parawing takes things further: a collapsible kite held directly overhead, that generates more power than a handheld wing with less complexity than a traditional kite, ideal for wingfoilers looking for more wind range.

Shop Foiling Gear →

// IMPACT PROTECTION FOR FOILERS //

THE WORLD'S BEST RANGE

OF BUMP HATS.

Enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your head is protected from bumps and scrapes.

SHOP IMPACT HATS → DISCOVER MORE ABOUT BUMP HATS →
FOILING IN WARM WEATHER (SUMMER)

Summer foiling brings long days on the water and increased sun exposure. Vaikobi's warm-weather foiling range is built around lightweight, breathable coverage, from cooling UPF50+ rashies to light boardshorts and polarized eyewear.

  • Recommended Tops For Warm Weather

    Explore lightweight rashies and UV tops that offer maximum sun protection and moisture-wicking cooling.


    Choose between the Tech Tee (Short Sleeve, Long Sleeve or Hooded) or the Rashie (Long Sleeve or Hooded) depending on conditions.

    Recommended Tops For Warm Weather
  • Recommended Shorts For Warm Weather

    Explore UV shorts and lightweight boardshorts designed for unhindered movement on the foil.

    Choose between the Newport Boardshorts for the classic shorts or the Paddle Boardshorts if you want some spandex lining.

    Recommended Shorts For Warm Weather
  • Recommended Eyewear For Foiling

    Polarized sunglasses that stay secure and block intense glare from the water surface while you fly.

    Choose between Garda (full wrap, max coverage), Molokai (larger fit for fuller faces), Viento (classic style, medium to smaller faces) or Sorrento (sleek sports wrap) depending on your fit and style.

    Recommended Eyewear For Foiling
  • Recommended Hats and Caps For Foiling

    Explore our range of hats and caps you need for summer foiling, to protect your face and neck from sun exposure during long downwind runs.

    Recommended Hats and Caps For Foiling
FOILING IN COLD CONDITIONS (WINTER)

Cold weather doesn't have to mean the end of your foiling session. With the right thermal layers, winter can offer some of the most consistent wind and swell of the year. The key to staying comfortable is choosing high-mobility gear that offers thermal protection. From thermal wetsuit tops that allow your arms to pump and wing freely, to impact-resistant bottoms and boots, our winter range keeps you on the foil longer.

  • Recommended Tops For Cold Weather

    Explore thermal wetsuit tops and base layers designed for maximum shoulder mobility and insulation.

    Recommended Tops For Cold Weather
  • Recommended Pants For Cold Weather

    Explore impact-resistant pants and steamers that protect against board knocks while providing warmth.

    Recommended Pants For Cold Weather
  • Surfski paddler wearing neoprene socks on a beach Surfski paddler wearing neoprene socks on a beach
    Recommended Footwear For Cold Weather

    Keep your feet warm and protected when the temperature drops. Purpose-built for cold water conditions, our footwear range lets you stay out longer without the cold holding you back.

    Choose between water shoes and neoprene socks depending on the conditions and how much warmth you need.

    Recommended Footwear For Cold Weather
  • Recommended Accessories For Foiling

    The right accessories can make all the difference out on the water. From staying hydrated to keeping your valuables safe, we've got everything you need for your next session.

    Choose between hydration bladders, hats, leashes, bags, and phone and key cases to complete your foiling setup.

    Recommended Accessories For Foiling
FOILING ALL YEAR ROUND (4 SEASONS)

Vaikobi's all-season foiling apparel is built to adapt as your conditions change. Some of the best sessions happen in the transitional seasons. Our multi-season range performs across a wide temperature range, taking you from cool mornings to warm afternoons without missing a flight. It's the ideal balance of protection and flexibility for training and racing, right through the year.

  • Recommended Tops For Moderate Conditions

    Technical layers that hold thermal insulation when wet yet breathe as you heat up through intense pumping.

    Choose between UV Tops (warm conditions), Base Layers (cool), or Thermal Tops (cold) depending on the season.

    Recommended Tops For Moderate Conditions
  • Recommended Pants And Shorts For Moderate Conditions

    High-stretch pants and shorts built for comfort, UV protection and durability through the seasons.

    Choose between UV styles (boardies, shorts, pants and Ergo leggings) for warm conditions or thermal styles (Hydrofleece leggings and thermal pants) for cold, depending on the season.

    Recommended Pants And Shorts For Moderate Conditions
  • Recommended Impact Protection For Foiling

    Explore our Impact Protection Series, this range is built to reduce the risk of serious injuries from bumps and knocks without holding you back.

    Recommended Impact Protection For Foiling
  • Recommended PFD's For Foiling

    Purpose-built for foiling, our PFDs offer freedom of movement without compromising on safety. Designed to keep you protected whether you're learning or pushing your limits.

    Recommended PFD's For Foiling

OUR MOST ASKED FOILING QUESTIONS, ANSWERED:

What is foiling?

Foiling (or foil surfing) is one of the most exciting developments in modern watersports. A hydrofoil - a long hydrodynamic fin with underwater wings - is attached to the underside of a board. As you gain speed, the wings generate lift and raise the board clear of the water's surface, giving you the sensation of flying above the water rather than sliding through it. Many riders describe it as snowboarding through deep powder or floating on a cloud.

It spans multiple disciplines including surf foiling, wing foiling, kite foiling, downwind foiling, SUP foiling, and e-foiling. Read more in our complete guide to foil surfing.

What impact protection do I need for foiling?

At minimum, a bump hat and a PFD or impact vest are non-negotiable for foiling - even for experienced athletes. The foil mast is rigid and sharp, and falls at speed can result in serious impact with the water or foil hardware.

Vaikobi's Impact Protection Series includes:

  • V-Impact Vest: a slimline front-zip impact vest with segmented foam panels and flexible neoprene that protects your chest and back during crashes without restricting movement. Harness-friendly with a removable spine pad. Note: not ISO certified as a PFD.
  • Bump Hat: EN 812 certified head protection with 6mm moulded foam. Essential for protecting against contact with the mast and foil hardware. Our bump hats comes in three styles: Bucket, Hydro (with cord or strap) and Surf (with strap).
What UV clothing should I wear for foiling?

Foiling exposes you to intense sun and reflected UV off the water for extended sessions — so UPF50+ coverage is essential. Vaikobi's UV range has three key options for foilers:

  • Hooded Rashies — the most popular choice for foilers. A close-fitting stretch lycra top with an integrated hood and foam-reinforced mini peak to protect your face and neck from direct and reflected UV. Extremely lightweight with minimal water absorption, so it won't weigh you down when you hit the water. Features a rear zip pocket for stashing essentials on longer sessions.

  • Long Sleeve Rashies — the same close-fit lycra construction without the hood. Sits tight against the body like a second skin, preventing equipment abrasion and providing full arm and torso UV protection. A great option for foilers who prefer a cooler feel or already wear a hat for head coverage.

  • UV Ocean Tech Tees — made from Vaikobi's VLight technical fabric, the Ocean Tech range has a slightly more relaxed fit than a rashie. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, ideal for foilers who want a top that works on and off the water. Available in short sleeve, long sleeve, hooded, and ¼ zip styles.

For full sun protection on the water, pair with VIZE+ polarised sunglasses and a Vaikobi hat/visor or bump hat. Shop the full UV range.

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. Here's what to wear:

  • FlexForce Wetsuit — the foundation of your cold weather foiling kit. The 2mm is ideal for cool to cold conditions, offering maximum stretch and thermal protection without restricting your movement on the board. Designed with VAR panels at high-wear zones for durability.
  • VCOLD Thermal Top — layer underneath your wetsuit for extra warmth on the coldest days. Choose between the Base Layer Top (Warm), Hydroflex Top (Warmer), or Flex Top (Warmest) depending on conditions.
  • VCOLD Pants or FlexForce Wetsuit Pant — protect your lower body. VCOLD pants for cool conditions, FlexForce 2mm wetsuit pant for colder sessions.
  • Neoprene Socks or Water Shoes — keep your feet protected and warm on the board.

Shop the Stay Warm collection or shop the full foiling range.

What is the best PFD for foiling?

The best foiling PFD is one that keeps you afloat and protected without restricting the dynamic movement the sport demands. Two Vaikobi models stand out:

V4 Ocean Racing PFD: the preferred choice for many foilers and downwind paddlers. Its super-soft foam moulds to your body and fits your shape over time, with generous storage and hydration compatibility for longer sessions. ISO 12402-5 (Level 50) certified, so you get certified flotation built for ocean performance.

VXI Neo PFD: the closest to an impact vest in feel, with a slimline profile and smooth foam panels that protect the chest and back without restricting movement. Built for foiling, kiting, sailing, and jetskiing, with a chest pocket and hydration-compatible back pocket. Also ISO 12402-5 (Level 50) certified.

See the full foiling PFD range or read our full guide.

Is an impact vest the same as a PFD?

No. A PFD is a certified flotation device, all Vaikobi PFDs meet ISO 12402-5 (Level 50), designed to keep you afloat. An impact vest is impact-tested for crash protection and offers some buoyancy, but it isn't a certified flotation device. Read our full impact vest vs PFD comparison.

What is a bump hat?

A bump hat is a lightweight protective cap with a thin rigid shell and shock-absorbing foam, designed to protect your head from minor knocks, cuts, and scrapes during watersports. It looks like a normal cap or bucket hat but offers EN 812 certified impact protection. Read our full bump hat guide.