Sport FAQs

For cold weather paddling, layering is key. Start with a VCOLD thermal base layer - choose between the Base Layer Top, Hydroflex Top, or Flex Top depending on conditions — and pair with either Flex Pants, Hydroflex Pants or wetsuit pants for your lower body. Add a VDRY smock or 1/2 zip vest as your outer layer to keep wind and water spray off your core. Vaikobi smocks and vests are designed to be worn under a PFD and feature waterproof taped seams to prevent water flushing up the sleeves, plus ventilation panels to keep you warm without overheating. For the coldest sessions, layer a FlexForce wetsuit underneath for maximum protection. Complete the kit with neoprene socks and gloves to protect your extremities. Read our cold water paddling gear and safety guide for more, or shop the Stay Warm collection.

Foiling in cold conditions requires gear that keeps you warm without restricting the dynamic movement the sport demands. Vaikobi's FlexForce wetsuit range is ideal - designed for high-output watersports with maximum stretch and thermal protection. Layer underneath with a VCOLD thermal top for extra warmth on the coldest days. A PFD or impact vest is strongly recommended for foiling regardless of conditions, and a bump hat is essential head protection given the risk of contact with the mast and foil hardware. Complete your kit with neoprene socks or water shoes to keep your feet protected on the board. Read more in our foil surfing gear and safety guide.

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.

Sailing exposes you to constant wind, spray, and shifting weather conditions — making thermal wear one of the most important pieces of kit in your sailing wardrobe. A well-chosen thermal base layer regulates your body temperature by trapping warmth next to your skin when it's cold, and wicking moisture away when your output increases — keeping you dry, comfortable, and focused on the race rather than the conditions. Thermal tops and pants designed specifically for dinghy sailing and yacht racing also use moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics and seamless construction that layers cleanly under wetsuits and spray gear without restricting movement. Read more about the benefits of thermal wear for sailing.

Staying warm while sailing in winter is all about layering without compromising mobility. Here's what to prioritise:

• Base layer — a VCOLD thermal top keeps your core warm while wicking moisture during intense hiking and trimming
• Wetsuit — the FlexForce 2mm Long John is a proven choice for dinghy and skiff sailing, offering warmth and stretch without bulk
• Outer layer — a VDRY smock blocks sea spray — the biggest cause of cold discomfort when sailing downwind at speed
• Footwear — sailing boots protect feet on wet decks and prevent hiking strap contact injuries
• Gloves — essential for line handling in cold conditions; see our sailing gloves range

Read our full guide to winter dinghy sailing gear.

The FlexForce wetsuit range is designed alongside Vaikobi athletes for sailing, windsurfing, paddling, kayaking, surf ski, canoeing, foiling, and most watersports in cool to cold conditions. The range is available in two thicknesses to suit the conditions:

• FlexForce 2mm — for cool to cold conditions, offering warmth and maximum stretch for high-output sports
• FlexForce 3.5mm — for cold to freezing conditions, delivering serious thermal protection without compromising mobility

Both are designed for training or racing in apparent air temperatures of 16°C (60°F) and below. Read more about how the FlexForce range works or shop the FlexForce range.

Sailing gloves protect your hands from rope abrasion and improve grip on lines — essential for anyone trimming through a long regatta or training session. Vaikobi offer two styles:

• V-Grip DECK Glove — designed for high-frequency trimming and line handling on thinner diameter skiff lines, with strategic grip zones and seamless construction for maximum dexterity and feel
• V-Grip PRO Glove — built for sailors handling larger diameter lines and higher loads, with DURAPRO reinforcements for outstanding grip, durability, and control in demanding conditions

Shop all sailing gloves

In warm conditions many paddlers and kayakers prefer bare feet, but when the weather turns cold, neoprene socks or lightweight flexible water shoes make a big difference to comfort and performance. Water shoes also protect your feet on rocky launches, boat ramps, and slippery surfaces — useful year round. Read everything you need to know about water shoes.

Whether you're legally required to wear a life jacket while kayaking depends on where you paddle -rules vary by state in Australia and differ across countries worldwide. As a general rule, wearing a PFD while kayaking is strongly recommended regardless of local laws, particularly when paddling alone or in open water. Check with your local waterways authority for the rules in your area, and read more in our complete guide to life jackets for kayaking.

A life jacket isn't mandatory for inshore paddle boarding in most regions, but wearing one is strongly recommended. A brightly coloured PFD keeps you visible on the water - a key safety factor in busy waterways - and many Vaikobi PFDs include a built-in hydration bladder pocket, so you can stay hydrated on longer sessions. Find out what to pack for a great day out paddle boarding.

Foiling is a high-intensity, high-impact sport that demands gear built for both performance and protection. Vaikobi designs tops, pants, and safety gear specifically for wing foiling, surf foiling, downwind foiling, and kite foiling, across two core ranges:

• UV Clothing — UPF50+ sun protection for warm water sessions, including rashies and UV tops that won't weigh you down if you hit the water
• Thermal Clothing — warmth and wind protection for cooler conditions, with layering options to suit the temperature

Given the frequency of falls in foiling, an impact vest or PFD is strongly recommended alongside your clothing — even for experienced foilers. Read more in our guide to foil surfing gear and safety, or shop the full foiling range.