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WHAT TO WEAR INSHORE SAILING
Get prepared for inshore sailing
When it comes to inshore vs offshore sailing, each has its own set of unique challenges and requirements. While setting out in open ocean can see sailors face large swells, the strong winds frequently found closer to shore can make inshore sailing a wet, wild and bumpy ride for even the most experienced sailor. As such, with plenty of spray and strong gusts, inshore sailors often need heavy-duty protection from the elements. Zhik has a wide range of tech-focused, innovative inshore sailing clothing to keep you secure and comfortable while out on the water, no matter the conditions.
Everything you need to go inshore sailing
- Midlayer jackets for cold conditions
- Spray protection: waterproof pants, shorts or salopettes
Inshore Sailing Clothing
While weather conditions and climate will play a large role when choosing which inshore sailing clothing you need to add to your cart, lightweight items crafted from durable, quick-dry materials are essential to allow freedom of movement. With this in mind, it’s important when choosing specific pieces to consider whether you’re heading out in foul weather or fine conditions, as this will dictate which pieces you need and which you can leave at home.
UV protective clothing
Regardless of conditions, UV protective clothing is always a good idea when inshore sailing. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s UV rays can be damaging, but with Zhik’s innovative range of clothing made with high UPF 50+ (ultraviolet protection factor) fabric, you can be confident you’ll be protected from the sun.
Zhik’s comfortable, form-fitting UVActive tops are all crafted from UPF 50+ fabric, which blocks out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays, delivering the wearer optimum UV protection. The slimline, high-stretch garment makes these pieces ideal for layering, and the sleek designs are a stylish option for everyday wear, too.
For leg protection, both our Deck Shorts and Elite Shorts offer UPF 50+ protection from the sun, not to mention lightweight, breathable, wind-resistant properties. Made with practical 4-way stretch fabric, both styles feature advanced XWR™ Fluorocarbon-free Water Repellency technology, while the Elite range features additional abrasion-resistant panels for extra durability. To get full-length leg UV protection with uninhibited movement, a pair of Deck Pants are the perfect fit.
Outer layers - Waterproof inshore jackets and pants
With a focus on innovative design and top quality, Zhik’s inshore sailing jacket range is second to none. Designed with comfort, durability and function top of mind, our waterproof men’s and women’s inshore sailing jackets remain breathable whilst expelling any water vapour from inside the jacket, keeping you dry, warm and protected.
The streamlined INS100 range of jackets are lightweight, waterproof and feature fully sealed seams to keep you protected from the elements. Mesh lining keeps you cool in warm conditions and provides a thermal air gap when it’s cold out on the water, while the athletic cut makes this the perfect transitional piece from street to boat.
Zhik’s INS200 women’s and men’s inshore sailing jackets have all the features of the INS100 range but with the additional benefit of 3-layer soft tricot fabric construction for a sleek, streamlined fit and TPU membrane specially designed for inshore activities. For an added level of protection the INS200 comes with a streamlined hood design that conforms to your head for protection from wind and water.
In all conditions, additional spray protection (beyond a waterproof jacket) is an essential consideration for inshore sailors. For warmer moderate conditions, waterproof shorts may be all you need, while pants or full-coverage salopettes deliver maximum spray protection in very wet and cold conditions.
Zhik’s INS200 waterproof salopettes and inshore sailing INS200 pants feature the same Vecta Fabric Technology, hydrophilic membrane and DWR coating as our popular INS200 jacket, making them ideally suited to inshore sailing. The streamlined styles maximise features without adding bulk, giving you comfort, protection and high performance.
Midlayer jackets
Midlayer jackets are important for generating heat and are a worthy addition to your kit when inshore sailing in cool to cold conditions. Insulation and breathability are key features to keep in mind when selecting a midlayer jacket – both of which can be found in Zhik’s sleek designs.
Zhik’s Full Zip Fleece jackets offer superior warmth in moderate conditions whilst remaining lightweight and breathable. Crafted from 100% recycled polyester fibres, they are quick drying and provide great insulation, while remaining breathable to allow moisture to be drawn away from the body. These versatile features make them an ideal midlayer for inshore sailing as well as a stylish everyday essential off the water.
For colder or wetter conditions, consider Cell Insulated Jackets – designed to keep you warm on and off the water, these stylish pieces offer premium insulation via their innovative fussed Cell construction and Repreve® recycled synthetic insulation which reduces water retention and significantly reduces dry time. What’s more, you can comfortably wear your Cell Insulated Jacket under a shell jacket for maximum protection and comfort on the water.
Heading out in milder weather for some highy-output activity? The windproof, breathable, 3L Softshell Jacket is the best inshore sailing jacket midlayer for you. With its form-fitting design, durable high-stretch fabrication for enhanced mobility, along with DWR coating, it’s the perfect piece for layering before hitting the deck.
Inshore Sailing Gloves
Without the right protection, your hands can certainly take a bit of a beating when inshore sailing as they grip ropes and equipment – making gloves an essential part of your kit. From lightweight, short-fingers options for warmer conditions to full-fingered thermal neoprene insulation options for winter inshore sailing, Zhik’s sailing gloves will offer your hands the comfort and protection they need, preventing blisters and rope burns, along with offering additional grip.
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For the sailing enthusiast and warm weather sailors, Zhik’s G1 series offers lightweight grip in full-fingered and half-fingered form for additional dexterity. Both styles are ergonomically designed, providing you all the comfort you need via carefully considered padding in key areas, along with palm reinforcement and Kevlar stitching for premium durability.
Zhik’s high-performance G2 series delivers all this and more, with offset panelling in key areas to eliminate pressure points at the seams, a strong abrasion-resistant outer face, and extended grip to accommodate varying rope diameters.
For freezing conditions, Zhik’s thermal Superwarm 3mm neoprene gloves are designed to keep you on the water longer despite the cold, with fast-drying inner fleece and a high grip palm, theses are an essential for long days helming on the water or sitting on the rail in the coldest conditions.
Inshore Sailing Shoes
Whether you choose a low-profile deck shoe or a heavy-duty waterproof seaboot to wear inshore sailing, strong support and exceptional grip are two non-negotiables. All of Zhik’s sailing shoes are crafted with these elements in mind.
The Zhik Fuze combines excellent support and grip with a lightweight street-ready design that can comfortably take you from street to sailing in a cinch. Perforated upper panels and an integrated one-way drainage system within the sole make for superior breathability, keeping your feet dry and cool, while our durable rubber sole provides grip that is second to none.
For wetter, wilder inshore sailing conditions, the ZK Seaboot 900 delivers a 100% waterproof experience on the waves, with support, comfort and superior grip even in very wet conditions. Our innovative design features perforated holes at the base for fast drainage and reinforced support in the heel and arch for additional stability and safety.
Hats and beanies
Protection from the elements is key when you’re out on the water, and that means headwear all year round. Zhik offers a range of caps, visors, bucket hats and beanies so you can select the right headwear to suit the conditions. Plus, all of Zhik’s collections are designed with style in mind, making them ideal for everyday wear on and off deck.
Protect your head on and off the water with Zhik’s Water Cap, crafted from durable, UPF50+, breathable fabric – or for 360-degree sun protection, you can’t go past the fast-drying Broad Brim Hat with dual chin chaps for additional security, and laser cut ventilation for additional airflow. Our Visor and Sports Cap also offer durable, fast-drying sun protection, designed to be worn on and off the water
The Zhik Thinsulate Beanie is the soft and lightweight option for keeping your head warm in winter, thanks to its 3M thermal insulating warmth technology and high cuff to protect your ears from brutal icy winds.
PFDs
Safety is key when you’re hitting the water, and personal floatation devices (PFDs) may just save your life if something goes wrong, and you find yourself in deep water. Zhik’s PFDs are designed with practicality in mind, which means no unnecessary straps and buckles getting in the way. The sleek, streamlined P3 PFD series offers ergonomic style, maximum freedom of movement and breathability, while the P2 PFD delivers all of this along with impact protection.
