// VAIKOBI PADDLING HUB //
BUILT FOR
EVERY PADDLER
ON THE WATER.
Technical paddling apparel and expert guidance, whether it's your first paddle or your hundredth race.
// SHOP BY CATEGORY //
New to Paddling?
The essentials — what you actually need, and nothing you don't.
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READ GUIDEEssential Gear for Your First PaddleREAD GUIDEWhat you actually need — and nothing you don't. A practical checklist for getting started safely.
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READ GUIDEDo You Need a Life Jacket?READ GUIDEShort answer: yes. Here's how to choose the right one for your discipline and conditions.
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READ GUIDEDressing for Your ConditionsREAD GUIDEUV protection, thermal layers, wet weather — a simple framework for any paddler.
// SAFETY GEAR //
EVERY PADDLER
NEEDS ONE
Vaikobi PFDs — full arm mobility without compromising on safety.
PADDLE-SPECIFIC FIT | APPROVED SAFETY RATING | FULL ARM MOBILITY
// THE FOUNDATIONS //
Build strong foundations from day one. Understand disciplines, refine your stroke, stay safe.
Canoeing, Kayaking & Surf Skiing Explained →
Choosing the Right PFD for Your Discipline →
Improve Your Paddling Stroke – With Jackson Borg →
// THERMAL GEAR //
Built For
The Cold.
Thermal layers and cold water protection — engineered for serious time on the water.
WINDPROOF OUTER | THERMAL INNER | BRIGHT COLOURS AVAILABLE
// CONDITIONS + SAFETY //
Preparation for Real Conditions
Proper gear fit, cold water awareness and essential recovery skills for confident paddling.
PFD Fit Guide: Ensuring Maximum Safety →
Mastering the Surfski Remount - With Luke Chaffer →
Guide to Cold Water Paddling: Tips & Safety →
The Right Gear for Every Condition
Everything you need for the conditions — made simple.
// UV CLOTHING //
Protected Out
There Longer.
High-performance UV clothing built for paddlers who spend serious time on the water.
UV50+ CLOTHING | ATHLETE APPROVED | LIGHTWEIGHT GEAR
// PERFORMANCE + TRAINING //
TRAIN SMARTER. RACE FASTER.
From managing race-day nerves to building strength off the water and refining downwind technique.
How to Manage Pre-Race Jitters - With Jackson Borg →
Guide to Mastering Downwinds For Paddlers →
The SUP Guide To Mastering Downwinds →
Cross Training for Paddlers - With Michael Booth →
// PERFORMANCE RANGES //
// TEAMWEAR //
DECK OUT
Your team.
Vaikobi have a huge range of teamwear gear, all fully customisable for your needs.
FULLY CUSTOMISABLE | ATHLETE APPROVED | LARGE RANGE OF GEAR
FAQs
How do I layer for cold weather paddling?
The key is a thermal base layer that's close to the skin, a windproof mid layer, and waterproof protection on top if conditions are rough. Our VCOLD Thermal Range is built specifically for cold water paddling and works well as a standalone layer or as part of a full system and pairs well with our VDRY Performance Range. For more detail on how to put it together read our Cold Water Paddling Guide.
What is the best life jacket for kayaking or paddling?
Vaikobi make life jackets and PFDs especially for paddlers, like our V4 Ocean Racing PFD and our VXPII PFD Lifejacket, to help them stay safe while being able to move their arms in a paddling motion. Check out our range of paddling PFD's here.
For guidance on choosing the right one for your discipline check out our PFD Fit Guide and our How to Choose the Right PFD for You guide.
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.
What's the best UV tops to wear for paddles in the heat and sun?
For long sessions in warm and sunny conditions you want lightweight UPF 50+ protection that doesn't restrict your stroke. We have two options for you:
Our UV Ocean Tech Range is our premium UV line - breathable, quick dry and built for serious time on the water.
Our Rash Top Range are extremely lightweight and UV50+ sun safe, helping you block out the sun while paddling, surfing, sailing or enjoying the water while giving you full range of movement.
Browse our full UV Clothing range for all options.
How do I look after my paddling gear to make it last?
The golden rules across all Vaikobi gear: rinse in fresh water after every session, always dry in the shade rather than direct sun, and never pack away damp.
For UV rashies, avoid chlorine where possible and dry inside out to keep colours vibrant.
For PFDs, never squash or fold the foam and store in a ventilated area.
For VCOLD thermal gear, if the water repellency drops off over time simply apply gentle heat with a hairdryer or warm iron to reactivate it.
For wetsuits, rinse in cold fresh water and always dry in the shade.