endurance and comfort for longer sailing sessions and in harsher weather. Useful in a range of conditions, hydrophobic fleece tops serve as a versatile mid layer. In warmer weather, a super


kiteboarding and paddle sports, in temperate climates such as a typical late spring, summer and early autumn in the UK, north-west Europe and most of the US. To extend the sailing and


watersports season further into autumn, earlier in spring and even right through winter, the Zhik Superwarm Performance Skiff Suit and Wetsuit have upgraded insulation of 2/3mm thermal neoprene, waterproof seams that are glued and blind stitched, and a highly efficient fleece lining. The Superwarm suits have all of the same key design features as the Microfleece suits and deliver the same benefits, with targeted super stretch panelling once again providing enhanced flexibility. ‘With each iteration of our youth


range, we take learnings forward and the goal is always to make time on the water as fun, warm, and comfortable for young sailors as can be,’ explains Johnny Rodgers, head of marketing/partnerships & global sponsorship manager. Zhik’s junior range also includes additional layers and a wide variety of accessories to provide a complete and versatile set of gear that functions as an integrated system. The Youth Aqua Smock adds a splashproof and breathable outer layer with a high degree of wind chill protection, boosting a young sailor’s


Above: with all Zhik wetsuits full freedom of movement is assured while the junior ranges for boys and girls integrate seamlessly into Zhik’s adult ranges of wetsuits. Zhik also offers a wide range of accessories for young sailors including buoyancy aids, gloves and hats plus a variety of layers


lightweight Youth Eco Spandex long-sleeved top can be worn over a Skiff Suit to provide UPF50+ sun protection. As with the wetsuits, these extra layer garments are designed and engineered with high-performance sailing and full freedom of movement foremost in mind. Paired with a UPF50+ Zhik neck gaiter and hat, full sun protection is assured. Aesthetics are a key element of


Zhik’s broad appeal to sailors of all ages and it’s especially important to young sailors who are keen to make the best impression on their peers. Many garments in the junior range are available in a range of colours and all of them are styled to be a cut above the competition. The junior range extends to


footwear too with amphibious water shoes, watersports booties, neoprene socks and several designs of sailing boots, each of which is optimised for a specific type of use, such as hiking or trapezing. Hats for different purposes complete the range: broad-brimmed sun hats, visors, caps in many styles and beanies, all designed specifically for watersports, made from quick-drying materials and fitted with retaining straps so they won’t go overboard during a tack or gybe. Also brand new for 2025 is a


complementary range of sailing bags. The 25-litre TeamBackpack is ideal for everyday use. Key features include water-resistant panels, a padded laptop sleeve, an extra pouch and various pockets for organised storage. There’s also a new 55-litre Duffel Bag. Designed to fit all of one person’s sailing kit for a regatta or a fun weekend on the water, its dedicated wet compartment is a


godsend on the way home. Sustainability is one of Zhik’s


core values and of course this extends to the junior range as well as the adult ranges of gear. All of the new Performance youth wetsuits are produced with sustainable manufacturing processes, using eco-friendly glue and Zhik has a recycling scheme for old neoprene. When a junior wetsuit has seen several young sailors through a few seasons each and is finally ready to be retired, it can then be recycled into a bouncy floor material for playgrounds – there’s no reason for it to end up in landfill. And there’s onemore way in which


Zhik supports young people out on the water: helping the next generation of top sailing athletes develop and hone their skills. One aspect of this is sponsoring events like the recent Cadet dinghyWorlds. Another is the Zhik Youth Ascender Programme, which provides talented young sailors withmentors, sponsorship and discounted gear as they rise from club racing through national and international youth regattas towards their dreamof an Olympic or professional sailing career. Aidan and CallumSimmons,


brothers fromMelbourne, are great examples, having come through the Zhik Ascender programme and between themthey won the last three Australian Optimist National Championships and two 4.7 National Championships, never before achieved in Australia by brothers. They are now part of the Zhik


Team helping with research and development, in particular the latest youth wetsuits. Rodgers concludes: ‘We’ve


supported some incredible athletes through youth pathways into top tier sailing, developing our youth ranges with sailors like Maria Erdi, Marit Bouwmeester, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke to name just a few.’ www.zhik.com


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