Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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?

We want our customers love their Vaikobi products, but if you do need to return an order, we’re happy to help. See our return page to get started.

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.

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.