Unsurprisingly given the change in season I’m often being asked what kit would we recommend, what kit do we wear? With all seasons in one day, sometimes light paddling, sometimes hard training Vaikobi has something for every occasion and we stock it because we wear it. It is hard wearing, washes well (we suggest rinsing in Coco Loco, not in a machine). Let us know which items are your favourites.
For those heading to the sunny Hemisphere and the Ocean Racing World Champs:
UV Paddle Shorts – Paddle Hub or UV Paddle Shorts - Women's – Paddle Hub £55
And don’t forget the sun protection. Hats – Paddle Hub and sun cream - we have tried loads and Sunzapper wins. Sunzapper – Paddle Hub designed for water sports in Australia.
UK Autumn paddling
We love the VCold range – when its gone too far for shorts but you know you’ll still work up a sweat VCold Flex Paddle Pants – Paddle Hub £105 teamed with VCold Performance Base Top – Paddle Hub £75 or a VCold Flex Top – Paddle Hub £115 or
Worn with our personal favourite the VCold Hydroflex Top – Paddle Hub £90 which is a soft thermal top or if you’re likely to be hitting the waves and prefer more neoprene wear the Flexforce 1.5 Top – Paddle Hub £110
To take off the early morning / late evening chill pair with a VDRY Performance Zip Vest – Paddle Hub £80
The must have
If you want just one piece in your bag which will immediately enhance your old kit which is going to have to do another season we think this is an absolute must to have in the boat. It is windproof, waterproof and super lightweight. NEW VDRY PERFORMANCE SMOCK – Paddle Hub £140
UK Winter paddling – river or sea, cold days
Winter arrives and Vaikobi keeps you on the water – no excuses! No rubs, no chaffing, prefect for paddling, as worn by @dougalsepicadventure for 40 days straight round GB.
Flexforce 1.5 Long John – Paddle Hub £140 Flexforce 1.5 Long John Women's – Paddle Hub
or Flexforce 1.5 Pants – Paddle Hub £120
For super cold days
If you particularly feel the cold or the freeze is on we recommend hiking up the neoprene to 3mm
Flexforce 3.0 Long John – Paddle Hub £185 and Flexforce 3.0 Top GBS – Paddle Hub £145
As with more outdoor activities the key is layering so a base layer may be needed - the VCold Performance Base Top – Paddle Hub £75
Extremities
We are really impressed with the Vaikobi range of wet shoes and boots – the Flex range are softer and, well, flexible – work well with a K1 tiler bar. The Performance boots (high and low cut) are less flexible and work well for sailing / surfski especially on a pebble beach or stony car park. And we have many advocates of the neoprene sock. Add a woolly hat and some pogies and you’ll be home, warm and dry!
VCold Socks 2mm Reinforced – Paddle Hub £35 Low Cut Flex Boot – Paddle Hub £48 High Cut Flex Boot – Paddle Hub £48 Low Cut Performance Boot – Paddle Hub £65 High Cut Performance Boot – Paddle Hub £85
And never forget these
Vaikobi Surfski Leash – Paddle Hub £40 Waterproof Phone pouch – Paddle Hub £20
PFD – Paddle Hub £130 PFD VXP – no zip, PFD V3 – zip
FAQs
- Where can I find your online shop? Go via Epic Kayaks, Surfskis, Paddles and Clothing – Epic Kayaks UK (epic-kayaks.co.uk) to find our online shop, Paddle Hub - Performance paddling equipment We share the shop with Kirton Kayaks, for all your paddling needs.
- All Vaikobi kit is unisex, suitable for both men and women. There are some items specifically designed for women namely the Women’s 1.5mm Long John and the UV ladies shorts, but in both cases I sell a lot of the unisex version to women as well. The Women’s tech tee is a fantastic fit for the female form, as are the Women’s leggings.
- We do have junior sizes in the 1.5mm and 3mm long johns, and the Hydroflex top.
- Sizing – please ask. For those who know us I am 5’4’’ and wear a small smock, and medium in everything else including Long Johns, paddle pants, shorts and all tops. Taller and slimmer than me? Go for Medium for the length, it will still fit snug. Our 14yr old son is 5’5 and wears small in everything, Jim is just under 6’ and wears XL. Size Guide Vaikobi Gear and Size Guide – Epic Kayaks UK (epic-kayaks.co.uk)
- Care for kit – Vaikobi kit really does last. We rinse ours in warm water and Coco Loco Wetsuit Shampoo – Paddle Hub £10 and leave to drip dry. Don’t tumble dry, and if you put it in a machine use cool wash, on the silk or wool setting.
- We have the widest range of Vaikobi stock in the UK, suitable for paddling, sailing, SUP, foiling etc. We stock most sizes and colours and can quickly get it in if it has sold out. Just ask!
- Anymore questions please get in touch! Contact Us – Epic Kayaks UK (epic-kayaks.co.uk) sales@epic-kayaks.co.uk Annabel 07768630388