Product FAQs

When you purchase your Vaikobi QR harness, the hook will be attached to the harness by a cord. Untie the cord to get it ready to put on the spreader bar.

On the spreader bar you will see two prongs as well as a hole in the top of the spreader bar. You will also see the quick release pin that is attached to the spreader bar by elastic.

Place the quick release hook on to the spreader bar and line up the holes on the hook with the two prongs. The hook is positioned to allow you to insert the pin through the top of the hook and into the spreader bar.

For the first time, you will find it a very tight fit to get the pin into the hole at the top of the spreader bar. This is designed to be that way.

We recommend that you keep the hook on the spreader bar permanently, because within 7 days, the hook will settle into the foam pad on the spreader bar which will make it easier to pull the pin out to release the hook.

The QR Hook system is designed to allow you to release the hook in an emergency, but it is also designed to ensure that the pin will not accidentally come out of the spreader bar. For more information on this, visit our article on how the QR harness works.

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

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?

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

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 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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.