About Vaikobi

Vaikobi Ocean Performance was established in Sydney Australia in 2012, with a mission to increase performance and comfort on the water by creating the world's most innovative technical apparel and accessories for ocean addicts worldwide.

Everyone in the Vaikobi team shares a passion for the ocean and performance sport, and are constantly striving to become the #1 brand of choice for anyone who loves the unbeatable feeling of catching that next wave or downwind ride.

Vaikobi recognize their responsibility to set a strong example in environmental stewardship and are committed to addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change by embedding sustainable practices across their products, operations, supply chains, and community engagement efforts.

Product Care

Vaikobi makes high quality watersports gear and ocean lifestyle apparel that’s designed to outlast the  competition. How you care for your Vaikobi products will make a difference to how long you can enjoy certain features of the gear. Vaikobi products use high quality materials and construction processes, but they are not indestructible.

Follow these tips to care for your gear:

How to care for your Vaikobi PFD

Vaikobi PFDs will last a very long time when cared for properly. The key component to look after properly is the buoyancy foam. Vaikobi PFDs are made using certified materials and testing processes so they are very durable - but they are not indestructible. Misuse of a life jacket can damage it, so do not use the PFD for anything other than its intended purpose. 

• Inspect your PFD regularly for any visible signs of wear and tear. A torn or damaged PFD should not be used. 
• Vaikobi PFDs use a soft proprietary foam for comfort and performance. Maintaining the foam shape is important to the buoyancy it provides. Do not squash or fold the PFD as this will damage the foam. Don’t use your PFD as a cushion, do not use it as a boat fender.
• UV, salt water and chemicals (fuel, oil, chlorine, harsh cleaners) will cause the materials to degrade sooner. 
• Always rinse your PFD in fresh water after use. Dry your PFD out between wears, preferably in the shade (exposure to full sun over extended periods of time may reduce the strength of materials and trims). Drying the life jacket in the shade will ensure the bright colours stay vibrant and the materials retain their full strength.. 
• Store or hang your PFD in a ventilated area out of direct sun and excessive heat. Storing your PFD wet or damp will increase the chance of damage from mould. 
• The following care instructions are also printed inside all Vaikobi PFDs: Do not iron, do not tumble dry, do not bleach your PFD.

How to care for Vaikobi Clothing

Rashies and Other UPF50+ Spandex Products

Vaikobi rashies are made from a UV50+ (also known as UPF50+) high quality synthetic spandex yarn, designed to protect the wearer from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

• The care label inside Vaikobi rashies instructs the wearer to rinse with fresh cold water after use, or hand wash in warm water, or gentle machine wash with mild detergent. 
• Do not bleach, tumble dry or iron. 
• UV, salt water and chemicals (fuel, oil, harsh cleaners) will cause the materials to degrade sooner. 
• Dry your rashie out between wears, preferably in the shade (exposure to full sun over extended periods of time may reduce the strength of materials and trims) and inside out. Drying the rashie in the shade will ensure the bright colours stay vibrant and the materials retain their full strength.. 
• One thing to keep in mind if wearing your rashie to the pool, is that chlorine will accelerate wear and tear of UV rashies, by degrading the elastane yarns within the spandex. 

VDRY Vest or Smock Jacket

The Vaikobi VDry smock and vest are made with 100% polyester outer that is resilient and strong and has a PU waterproof coating on the inner side of the fabric. To maintain the water proof and water repellent properties of Vaikobi VDRY products, do not use fabric softener, do not bleach, do not iron and do not dry clean. 

• UV, salt water and chemicals (fuel, oil, harsh cleaners) will cause the materials to degrade sooner. 
• Rinse your VDry vest or jacket in fresh water after extended periods of wet / heavy use.
• Dry your vest out between wears, preferably in the shade (exposure to full sun over extended periods of time may reduce the strength of materials and trims). Drying in the shade will ensure the bright colours stay vibrant and the materials retain their full strength.
• Never pack away the product damp, as this will cause damage to the inner PU waterproof membrane and make your garment mouldy or smell bad.
• Using a specialised technical wash designed for waterproof / water repellent garments is ideal (various brands are from available from good outdoor clothing stores) 
• The water repellent outer coating can become less water repellent over time with constant wash and wear. If you notice the outer shell becoming less water repellent then you can help to restore / recharge the water repellent molecules with heat. This can be done with a light warm cycle in the dryer, a hairdryer, or a warm iron. Use caution when applying heat to your garment

Beach Coat

The Vaikobi beach coat has a water repellent outer coating, which can become less water repellent over time with constant wash and wear. If you notice the outer shell is less water repellent, place the beach coat in the clothes dryer and run until warm, which will make the waterproof molecules stand back up and become water repellent again. This can also be done with a warm iron or warm hairdryer. Use caution when applying heat to your garment, and spot test first. Always pack the Vaikobi beach coat up dry, never damp. Dry the beach coat on both sides, including inside out, to give the plush fleece lining a chance to dry out.

VCOLD Hydroflex Tops and Hydroflex Pants

Vaikobi Hydroflex fabrication has a water-repellent function, which is a series of fine water-repellent molecules on the surface of the garment. The water shedding properties keep you warmer and drier. The fleece inner traps warm air close to your skin. 

• The fleece fabric can be damaged /pulled causing some pilling on the surface, so ensure to keep the garment away from velcro and abrasive surfaces. 
• Wash and dry the garment as per the care label (cold machine wash or warm hand wash in mild detergent)
• The water repellent outer coating can become less water repellent over time with constant wash and wear. If you notice the VCOLD product has become less water repellent, simply apply heat to the outer surface, which helps to restore / recharge the water repellent molecules. This can be done with a warm iron, light warm cycle of a clothes dryer, or hairdryer. Use caution when applying heat to your garment.

Neoprene Wetsuits

After chasing the thrills of a downwind ride, it’s important to get the salt water out of your Vaikobi wetsuit, to help it last longer and maintain its warmth and flexibility. Wash your wetsuit with fresh cold water, then dry in the shade. Drying wetsuits in the sun risks corrosion and fading.