HOW TO WEAR YOUR VAIKOBI GEAR

A Vaikobi temperature guide appears on all Vaikobi product pages, to help you understand what gear will best support you through all conditions. We're here to you better understand apparent air temperatures, and layer up and down according to the training and racing conditions.

What’s the difference between Temperature, and ‘Apparent Air Temperature’?

Because we’re out there racing and training, we understand that wind and humidity can affect how hot or cold it feels. That’s why we refer to ‘Apparent Temperature’.

How to calculate Apparent Temperature:

If there is a wind chill - take a few degrees OFF the forecasted temp. If there’s no breeze and you are not likely to get wet - ADD a few degrees to the forecasted temp.

FREEZING

For apparent air temperatures around freezing point, being on the water presents risks of cold exposure, including reduced circulation, hyperthermia and frostbite. It’s critical that you add a wind–breaking layer to add insulation and cut the wind chill, such as a VDRY vest or smock jacket. You can also wear clothing that insulates body heat from your head to your toes, and factor in even more protection if you are likely to get wet. Check out our VCOLD range for thermal clothing options, as well as our watersports boots, pogies, and beanies. Make sure you’ve got a super warm beach coat for when you need to get dry and warm after a session. Staying on shore? You’ll need a Vaikobi puffer jacket. 

COOL

Cool apparent temperature (when the breath is still visible in the air) makes it hard to get motivated to hit the water, so we suggest wearing gear that makes you feel toasty and very warm before you leave shore. Be careful not to layer up with clothing that makes you sweat or overheat, because you’ll be uncomfortable, and want to get rid of all your gear as soon as you heat up. While your feet might not feel cold at the time, ensure your feet are protected with watersports boots or neoprene socks, because long exposure to cool conditions can cause damage to feet and toes. For thermal watersports gear options head to our thermal range of tops and bottoms.

WARM

Often described as the ideal conditions to get out on the water, warm apparent air conditions can still be tricky to dress for, because of the temperature crossovers. Your body will likely heat up soon after you start training or racing, so breathability and layering is key. Check out our range of lightweight base layers and VDRY vests, as well as our range of shorts. Hats and caps are also a great way to keep some heat in, and wind off your head, without overheating.

HOT

Sun protection is the key in a hot apparent temperature range. Protect your eyes with polarized sunglasses, and protect your skin with UV clothing such as long sleeve UV tops. Try out a fitted top and a relaxed fit top, to see what you prefer. Sweating can lead to dehydration, so you’ll need a hydration bladder if you’re out for a long time.

Layering for watersports

As well as choosing the best top, bottom or accessory for your required water conditions, you can layer items to power through the first part of your session, then remove one layer when required. For example, a base layer top is great for cool apparent temps, but you can also put on a VDRY vest to go out in even colder temps. Wearing an all-weather jacket or beach coat before and after your session also allows you to warm the body up and potentially wear less layers while you warm up.

SHOP ALL
FAQs
What do I wear for watersports in cold weather?

The right cold water paddling gear eliminates cold shock and delays physical incapacitation and hypothermia, so you’ll be bulletproof even in the worst case scenario of immersion in the freezing water. Check out our blog for what to wear cold water paddling

What is the best life jacket for kayaking or paddling?

Vaikobi make life jackets and PFDs especially for paddlers, to help them stay safe while being able to move their arms in a paddling motion. Check out our range of paddling PFDS here.

What do I wear on my legs while paddling?

It's important to protect your assets (or your seat!) while paddling for long periods of time. Many of our paddle pants have a neoprene layer of padding. Check out our blog on what to wear paddling here, or our range of bottoms for paddling.