Resultados de la búsqueda

Not found that perfect gift yet? We’ve selected the top pick from each of our gifting categories to give you some further gift inspiration this year.  For the Outdoor adventurer  60L Roll Top Drybag An all-round handy bag – perfect for chucking all your dirty or wet clothes in after a session to protect your car or van, or take on an adventurer tour on the SUP.  This single chamber roll top bag has a large capacity, so you fit all your kit in it – maybe even some of your friends kit too! There are 2 carry straps for easy carrying, as it can double up as a backpack. It’s made from a durable 500D PVC fabric, which is easy to wipe clean, and comes in 2 colours to suit your taste.   For the Boat Bimbler Splicing Tool Kit Bag Have a friend or family member who loves splicing and is also a sucker for a neat organisation solution? This bag is your answer – it is specifically developed to fit in all the necessary tools and accessories for successful splicing of all your ropes. You can buy the bag without the contents, if you already have all the tools, or make it a complete gift and buy it with the contents.  Dinghy Enthusiast look no further ¾ Classic Hikers 4/3mm Classic by name, classic by nature. These hikers are a timeless addition to any kitbag. We are so confident in this product, we’ve kept it in our range for the last 20 years, with a few small tweaks along the way for added performance. The fixed battens at the back of the hikers combined with our most durable yet Duratex II seat and knee protection, make these perfect for all hiking boats. They can be worn all year round - on their own in the summer or with our UV protective rash leggings underneath or add an extra warm layer underneath, like our hot legs, and wear them as the weather gets colder. The cut away fit allows gives them a flattering fit on females, males and junior, meaning they can go through the whole family if necessary!   Sups & Surfers Supertherm 5/4/3mm Chest Zip Steamer New to the collection Fall 2022, this steamer is sure to keep you warm on those cold days in the water. Built for superior warmth, unrestricted movement and total comfort both in and on the water.  We have made this suit with an easy entry system so you can put it on easily (or more importantly be able to take it off easily!) on those cold days, with a full overhead front zip closure with single skin seal at the inside of the neck to limit water flushing. This suit uses glued blind stitching with heat sealed critical seams for limited water inlet. A must this winter!   Foilers, Wingers & Kiters We all know how cold it can get when setting up the kite, or at the end of a wet windy day on the water. Add to the mix being tired, with all those big jumps you (did or didn’t) land, the pumps of the wing, or the bounce off the foil, all you want is to snuggle into a big cosy warm dressing gown. Well, we have the perfect product that can do just that, introducing the: Aquafleece® Robe Snuggly on the inside, waterproof and windproof on the outside, this 4 in 1 jacket is so versatile. After a few times of the Robe being chucked on after a sandy salty sea session, you’re going to want to wash this – not a problem, we’ve designed it with a removable lining so you can unzip it from the main jacket and chuck it in the washing machine!   For the Summer lover Wide brimmed UV Hat Love the summer but need protection from the sun on those crucial areas of the face and neck, this hat is the perfect solution. It has 360-degree brim coverage and with its soft construction, it can be stuffed into your bag and brought out when needed. The adjustment around the head and chin cord are also very handy to keep it firmly on your head when the wind picks up or you get hit by a big wave. This hat is proven to be a popular one for sailors, surfers, walkers, and kayakers.   Cold Weather Champions  We always have respect for these people – the ones that tackle the elements come rain or shine and love the cold weather. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad kit. Well we take this seriously, and make sure we have the right kit to cover you in all weather! Our latest base layer release is the redeveloped ‘Hot’ range: Womens Mens Junior Our ‘hot’ range of baselayers cleverly combines our well known naturally hydrophobic Polypro fabric with a 0.5mm titanium lined ‘Hot’ neoprene. We’ve positioned the fabrics appropriately per panel so this range delivers the best performance. Available in a complete range of Tops, Leggings, Gloves and Socks in Womens, Unisex and Junior fit.   Keelboat sailors Technical Shorts  With the option to add foam pads into a secret pocket in the seat panel, and a durable Cordura® external seat panel, these shorts will sure be a favourite for any keelboat sailing. There are zipped and Velcro pockets on the legs so those sail ties can be easily stowed away when on the foredeck or any shackles/keys can be zipped safely in the other pockets.   And finally for the Fitness Fanatic Quick Dry UVF 50+ Tech Tee This top is a great addition for any fitness fanatic. It is soft and comfortable, durable, lightweight, stretchy, cooling, and quick drying – what more do you need from a sports base layer top! Available in a range of colours, this loose fit long sleeved top is good for UV protection on sunny days and also as a performance sports top for running, cycling, climbing, SUP’ing, Sailing, the list is endless.

Whether you’re heading out for a training session, coaching from a RIB, or a full day of racing, you’ve probably noticed this universal truth: It ALWAYS feels colder on the water, But WHY? And how should you dress to stay warm, dry, and focused out there? At Rooster, we believe that understanding the science behind air temperature on land vs. sea can help you make smarter kit choices - and in turn have a much better time on the water. The Science: Air Temperature on Land vs. Sea The main reason it feels colder at sea than on land is down to three key factors: water’s thermal properties, wind chill, and humidity. 1. Water Holds Cold Better Than Land Water has a much higher specific heat capacity than land, meaning it takes longer to heat up—and cool down. So even on a warm spring or autumn day, the sea may still be holding onto winter temperatures. That colder surface cools the air directly above it. ✅ Example: According to the UK Met Office, in spring, sea surface temperatures around the UK are often 5–8°C colder than the average daytime air temperature on land. ✅ More science? The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) explains that during winter, the ocean tends to warm the air above it more effectively than cold land surfaces, leading to noticeable differences in temperature. 2. Wind Chill is Stronger Over Water Open water spaces offer less shelter, so wind speeds are typically higher. This increases convective heat loss, making it feel much colder than the thermometer says—especially if you're wet or moving fast. 💨 Fact: A 10°C air temperature with a 20-knot breeze can feel like 3–4°C once wind chill is accounted for. (Source: National Weather Service Wind Chill Calculator) 🌧️ And when you add water into the mix—whether from spray, rain, or full immersion—the cooling effect intensifies. This is known as wet wind chill, and it can dramatically drop your perceived temperature. Check out this live Wet Wind Chill Chart from Southampton Weather to see just how cold it can feel. 3. Humidity and Evaporation Cool You Down When you’re surrounded by water, evaporation plays a major role in how cold you feel. Wet kit (or spray from waves and wind) speeds up heat loss from your body through evaporation—especially in technical fabrics. 🌊 Even on sunny days, this combo of wind + water = cold. What This Means for Your Kit Bag The difference in perceived temperature between land and sea can be 5–10°C or more. That’s a big deal if you’re dressing based on the weather you felt in the car park! At Rooster, we always recommend preparing for the real conditions you’ll experience on the water—not just what your phone’s weather app says. Here’s how to layer like a pro: 1. Base Layer Start with moisture-wicking thermal layers. Our PolyPro™ Leggings and PolyPro™ Top regulate body temperature and stay warm even when damp. 2. Insulating Mid-Layer In colder months or early mornings, add an insulating layer like our 4mm Supertherm Neoprene (for temperatures under 12°C) or 1.5mm Thermaflex Neoprene (for when its a bit warmer) for extra warmth without bulk. 3. Waterproof / Windproof Outer Layer Seal it all in with a windproof, waterproof shell. Our Aquafleece® Spray Top range is a great top-layer addition for dinghy sailing, offering insulation without the bulk. For sportsboat and keelboat sailors or coaches needing protection without sacrificing movement, the SB1 Inshore Jacket or Coastal Hi-Fits are ideal. Final Thought: Be One Step Ahead It’s easy to underestimate how cold it’ll feel on the water—especially when the sun is shining. But staying warm means staying sharp, enjoying your session, and avoiding early exits due to the chill. So next time you’re packing kit for a day afloat, remember: it’s not just about air temperature—it’s about where you are. Layer smart, and you’ll be ready for anything. Explore our full layering range and gear up for comfort, confidence, and performance—whatever the forecast says. 📚 Learn more about temperature science from NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center and their detailed explanation of air-water temperature differences.

Women's Sport Shorts & Sports Bra from Rooster®  Designed for and by active women who have the requirement for supportive, breathable underwear/base layers under our wetsuits as well as for running, SUPping, at the gym, or just walking to the shops – let’s be honest when it’s comfortable enough we can wear active kit anywhere. Our latest Women’s High-Waisted Sports Shorts and Medium-Impact Sports Bra are a passion project that is now in stock. The fit is close and seamless, unable to catch or snag or be visible under your wetsuit and watersports kit layers. The pattern styling completes our blue azure print across our women’s range, well matching the Women’s Thermaflex Longjohn, Women’s Thermaflex Top, DAME Award-nominated Women’s Thermaflex Shorts, Women’s Longsleeved Rash Top, Azure Microfibre QuickDry Towel and Azure UV Neck Sleeve. The high waisted shorts are constructed from heavyweight spandex for extra support. It features a mesh breathable crotch panel making them ideal for sports training as well as for underneath your wetsuit. They are double-lined high waisted design for a comfortable, flattering and seamless fit. The Medium-Impact Sports Bra/Bikini top is in signature Rooster Azure Women’s styling. The sports bra is double-layered throughout for support with a racerback made from mesh enhances breathability. Wide yet soft elastic chest band keeps top securely in place.  

After Sarah ruptured her Achilles we talked about how we were going to get her back on the water. We had the option to borrow a friends 2000 for the Chichester Yacht Club Snowflake Winter Series. I had heard good things and bad things about the 2000 so it was our chance to give the boat a spin. Sarah finally got out of her incline boot so we carefully took to the water for the first of the series with some concern, despite knowing that the 2000 was probably one of the most stable family boats on the market. Boatwork. It's never easy to borrow a boat and not bring it up to racing standard. So we changed the shrouds, jib halyard, gennaker halyard, main halyard, tiller extension, jib sheet, mainsheet, gennaker sheet and toestraps. For any hiking boat, the most important part of the boat is the toe straps positions and adjustment; I wanted to arrange it so we could quickly adjust their length as we had no opportunity to test and practice beforehand. I found the Laser Pro padded toestraps fitted perfectly for the crew - now listed as 2000 crew toe strap set - and Solo padded toestraps set fitted perfectly for the helm - now listed as 2000 helm toe strap set. All the 2000 products are now being listed on our Shop by Boat - 2000 page. New Rooster 2000 Toestraps Fitted. The helm's toestraps could be fitted with the fitting hidden under the main strap. This helps keep the helm's footsteps up enough at the rear to be able to put your toe at the back of it without a problem. With the toestraps attached first and the strap taken over the top, gives more lift The adjustment was simple - I dead-ended the adjustment line from the toestrap fitting on the hull, took it round the toestrap and then back through the toestrap fitting and tied it off through the kicker and cunningham turning block fixing eye on the centreboard case. Adjustment is done by the stopper knot. This deck eye fitting is small enough that a small knot in the adjustment line was enough to hold the strap making it very easy to adjust between races. The great thing about the Rooster Pro Plus rubber backed toestraps is that they are fairly firm, so they do not twist and hold their position with only a little elastic around the thwart. Sailing the 2000  - Yes it is a stable platform, but also very comfortable. In light winds I found myself helming from next to the mast - good job I had my trusty 'Laser/ILCA length' carbon tiller extension (1.25m). The boat trim could be transformed with a massive weight movement forwards. It was fairly hard work to make the boat unstable to encourage it to tack, but with an adjustment to helm and crew movements we achieved the standard 'water over the side' and a 'slow pull up' that marks a reasonable roll tack. The crew had to work hard to slow the boat from righting itself too quickly. It did remind me of racing a Bosun in my Navy days, with some more refinements. The gennaker was challenging. The pole feels too short to get the kite to fly in the sub 5 knots we experienced in our first two weekends (Murphy's law - I think they were the only 3 hours of sub 20 knots we have had this winter). I am sure that the over tight luff and leach tapes on the gennaker were a major factor. Perhaps time to buy a new one? Sitting on the bow with the gennaker in her hand, Sarah was able to fly it in almost zero wind and the bonus of the extra weight up front was great for the trim. Finally this weekend, the wind blew. I was looking forward to sitting on the same side of the boat as my crew. We arrived at the starting area to find that our jib sleeve box had exploded. We limped ashore, not really sure what had happened to cause the rigging to go slack. We capsized the boat near the shore, identified the problem then rigged a jury jib halyard by passing a piece of dynema through the trapeze wire attachment points and set off to the race track.... some 5 mins after they had started. (Note - the class do not use the trapeze wires for racing). In 30 knots the boat was transformed into a super nippy and exciting machine. I was a little cautious on the first gybe as I was not sure how it was going to behave but with a little ease of the sheet and a positive step off the windward side, the boat took on a slight windward heel into the gybe which always makes it easier. Sarah had already discovered that the 2000 gennaker does not like to 'blow through gybe', unlike the 4000 gennaker. Perhaps the pole is too short? But with a little ease of the sheet, she could be certain that the gennaker would pop through. Trimming the jib sheet in the big gusts with its single sheet and no ratchet blocks was challenging. She sympathised with the smaller crews having trouble playing the sheet in strong winds. I understand that there is a proposal to change to a 2:1 on the sheet. Sarah was not sure that a ratchet block type system would work better. She had used this on the Scorpion and Merlin with good success. The 2:1 on the 4000 works well, but you do have to contend with a lot of sheet in the boat. We also had experimented with the longer gennaker halyard, leading it round the back, but quickly shortened the halyard and led it round the front so that Sarah had less rope in the cockpit so this windy day was the first test of this system. We preferred it. Sadly the race was shortened after 40 mins and we had only made up 4 of the 5 minutes on the leaders. The next one was abandoned so we wait for the next chance to put her though her paces. We did get some great video trying to make it back to the pack. Note the great looking toestraps! Sarah in disguise is wearing: Aquafleece Balaclava, Pro Aquafleece Beanie, Pro Aquafleece Top, Polypro Top, Supertherm Top, Supertherm Longjohn, SuperTherm wet socks, Womens 1.5mm shorts, with Pro hike pads, Aquapro Gloves and Rooster Low Cut Boots. What would I change: Apart from the jib box and jib halyard that needs to be changed for the next race, I will tighten our toe straps slightly and if the conditions are like this video, I'll also move the jib cars aft. I would love to change the sails. As usual, it's the jib and the gennaker that take the most punishment. The main also looks like it will need some attention if it is not going to let us down in the future, perhaps some simple sail repairs will hold it together. What do I think of the 2000? Actually it's a lovely club racer; it's not going to scare anyone with its speed or instability. It is quick once you get it pointing in the right direction ... with some comfort added for good measure, although you do have to work to keep it moving in the light. I had a soft spot for the class at the time when it was relocated from Laser Performance. Perhaps it was the type of sailors that enjoy racing the boat - or perhaps it's the inclusive nature of the boat that enables any of the family to race in safety. RS have certainly been dealt a good card with this boat. I am not envious - perhaps slightly green.

  It’s that time of year when the winds get crisper, the water turns colder and the seasoned watersports enthusiasts prepare to stay warm so they can continue to enjoy their time on the water. From team to Rooster riders, we’ve found some great tips to keep you toasty this season. Tip 1: Layers, layers, layers Layering is key, we recommend in the winter a thermal base layer : Either PolyPro™ or Hot Stuff and depending on how cold you get can be worn as a combination with the top, leggings, socks and glove liners. Next up is Neoprene, we firmly believe in the wetsuit layering system where you have a longjohn and top - if you combine our thickest range you get 8mm thickness on your core then 4mm on your arms and legs where you need to move. The cherry on top of your Rooster layering is then an  Aquafleece® spray top, these come in a large variety of styles, thickness and colours so the choice is really up to you, and how you feel the cold on the water. For the full layering guide click here Tip 2: Look after your extremities We all know you lose the most heat out of your head, hands and feet - so why not look after them and keep them as warm as possible! For your hands wear both a glove liner (Hot or  PolyPro™) plus a normal grip glove over the top. On your feet you can wear a combination of socks from the liners (again Hot or  PolyPro™) with the wetsuit socks over the top that come in a 2.5mm thickness or a 4mm thickness. Lastly your head, it's pretty obvious but many people forget about it, so put a beanie on either a wetsuit one, a merino wool beanie, or a waterproof fleece beanie. Other accessories such as the neck gaiter and headband can also help keep those important parts of your body warm. Tip 3: Take a warm drink onboard Invest in a flask or chilly bottle that keeps drinks warm on the go. There’s not much that beats a hot drink on an icy day. It will help you heat up but also give you a bit of a morale boost when it's one of those really cold days. Tip 4: Stay active when you’re on the water The sea might be calm,  but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Regular moving on your boat / board will generate body heat, keeping you warm and making sure your muscles are ready for any movement. A great trick if you’ve lost the feeling in your hands is to do this movement to get the blood flowing back into your hands. It’s simple yet an effective way to tackle numbness in your fingers! Tip 5: The sock strategy Put your socks on before your wetsuit or longjohn which can save the struggle of getting a thicker wetsuit on over your feet. Also ensure your base layer leggings are tucked inside of your sock so these do not ride up when you pull your wetsuit on. Another good trick with socks is if you are using them for consecutive days and you haven’t managed to fully dry them, then turn them inside out so you have a dry inside sock. We hope that armed with these invaluable tips you can embrace the changing weather with open arms and know that you are prepared to be snug and warm whatever the Autumn seas might throw at you. Fair winds and warm layers!

If watersports are more than just a hobby for you (no doubt), then maintaining your gear is essential so it performs on the water. ⁠⁠Here are some simple tips from our friends over at C-Monsta for keeping your  gear in peak condition:⁠⁠ 1. Rinse After Every Session 💦💧⁠ Saltwater and sand can be tough on your gear. Always rinse your wetsuit, board/boat, and sails with fresh water after each session. This prevents salt and sand buildup, which can cause wear and tear.⁠⁠ 2. Use the Right Tools 🛠️⁠ Drying your wetsuit properly is crucial. The C-Monsta hanger is designed to help your wetsuit dry faster and more evenly, preventing mildew and bad odours. Plus, it's tough enough to handle all your gear without breaking. 💪⁠ ⁠ 3. Store Properly ✅⁠ Keep your gear out of direct sunlight when not in use. UV rays can weaken the material over time. Use a shaded area or indoor space to store your board and sails. For your wetsuit, the C-Monsta hanger ensures it hangs correctly, reducing the risk of stretching and damage.⁠ ⁠ 4. Regular Inspections 👀⁠ Check your gear regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Look for small tears in your wetsuit, frayed lines, or dings on your boat/board. Addressing these issues early can prevent bigger problems down the line.⁠⁠ 5. Keep It Clean 🧼 🧽⁠ Use a wetsuit shampoo occasionally to clean your wetsuit thoroughly. This removes any bacteria and keeps it smelling fresh. For your board and sails, a gentle wipe-down with a mild soap solution works wonders.⁠⁠ By following these simple steps, you can prolong the life of your gear and ensure it performs at its best every time you hit the water. 🌊⁠⁠Share your gear care tips with us on social media and tag both #RoosterKit and #CMonstaGearCare for a chance to be featured!⁠   Rooster® has partnered with C-Monsta and is now stocking C-Monsta hangers online. Made from 100% Recycled Plastic, the C-Monsta hanger is specifically designed to hold wetsuits, boots, gloves, and other gear in one compact place, making it easy to dry and store everything together. This is especially valuable for sailors and watersports enthusiasts who participate in back-to-back events, ensuring their gear is dry, organised, and ready to go without any hassle.

Blog submitted by Rooster Rider Amelie Ballantyne, Devon UK As a keen dinghy sailor, there is nothing I like better than getting in my (Rooster) wetsuit and jumping on my boat- it’s the best feeling in the world! However, over the past year, I have started to realise the effects that humans are having on the waters we use and the oceans in general. The statistics around pollution, climate change and habitat destruction are quite shocking, and unfortunately, the evidence of these statistics can be seen rather close to home sometimes- I often see dead wildlife/sea creatures, plastic pollution and sewage where I sail, and it’s not pleasant. As someone who loves using the water, this concerned me, and I wanted to help bring about change. However, I am only a 15-year-old dinghy sailor from Devon, so what can I possibly do to change this global environmental problem? So, to start with, I did my research and created a list of the simple things I could promote at my club (Starcross Yacht Club). Then, earlier this year, I became a Clean Sailors Ambassador and joined a community of international sailors who all want to raise awareness of ocean conversation and sustainable practices in the marine industry. I also joined the US SailGP Climate Action Academy that links students with A-list sustainable experts to learn about global matters. Using social media has been a great platform, and I have organised old sails and wetsuit collections, as well as helping to raise awareness about key issues. Thank you, ITCA Topper community, for your kind sail and wetsuit donations at NS5 Paignton. Who are Clean Sailors and what do they do? Clean Sailors is a non-profit organisation that strives to promote awareness around ocean conservation, amongst other things. Set up in 2020 by Holly Manvell, Clean Sailors share stories, research and campaign for environmental change in the marine industry. One of their big areas of focus is demonstrating what to do with old sails. Currently approx. 97% of sails end up in landfills each year, which is approximately. 2000 tons. This is a shocking statistic! Clean Sailors help direct people to local/global businesses that will take your old sails for recycling and repurposing to keep them out of landfills. Many innovative things can be done with old sails, from clothing and accessories, community shelters for schools and villages, to deckchair covers for the beach; creating a better great circular economy. What can sailors do to help? As sailors, most of us love the seas and rivers we use and would hate to think we are adding to a large-scale environmental problem, but unfortunately, the reality is that there are things that sailors do that have an impact on the environment around them. When it comes to change, even the small steps can make a difference if we ALL start to do them and work together. Think of the times you may have lost a sweet wrapper while doing a race or dropped your sunnies overboard never to be seen again, or that times you used electrical tape and a bit it’s blown away. Well, if every sailor did this, even by accident, the environmental impact would begin to be a big problem for waterways and communities that use them. Here are my top six very easy tips for being a more environmentally conscious sailor: 1. The obvious one – use a reusable drinking bottle and not a single-use plastic bottle. Rooster sells great bottles, and most venues have refill facilities – easy! 2. Recycle your old kit: Don’t dump sails and wetsuits, and buy second-hand where and when you can. 3. Save water. After a sail, you don’t need to shower for hours, have a water fight or spend eternity washing your boat – turn taps off! 4. Use eco-friendly products. There are great boat cleaning products out there, as well as countless products for your body. 5. Take your rubbish home – use the correct bins – maybe have a snack that is not in a fiddly wrapper -Rule 55 guys! The disposable of trash 6. …….use a sunglasses strap/retainer to keep your sunnies on your eyes and not on bottom of the seabed. I am very proud to be a Clean Sailors Ambassador and to be involved in helping with sustainability and change for our future and the longevity of water sports. In my opinion, educating people about the need to be sustainable and the impact each one of us has while doing the sport we love is important; creating new habits and making changes that benefit our whole environment. We all have a role to play; we all live here. It is great to see that even our top sailors in SailGP are getting on board with becoming clean, green sailors and leading the way with sustainability. I am also very proud to be a Rooster Rider, as Rooster is committed to ethical and sustainable business practices, which is important to

Not so long ago watersports in the winter was reserved for the brave and stupid. However, this is no longer the case and the saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong kit” has never been more true. So what is the right kit? You will have most likely heard about layering systems at one point or another and the principle is more or less the same across the board, this is that although it may be tempting to just chuck on three t-shirts, two jumpers and some sweatpants, it isn’t the most effective way to stay warm and selecting the right materials with fewer layers is crucial for warmth and manoeuvrability. I find that the three-layer system works best and as the name suggests it involves only three layers of clothing: Base Layer A base layer is a tight-fitting layer close to the skin. Although thin the difference between wearing a thermal base layer and not is very noticeable and definitely the first thing to grab when you expect it to get a bit chilly. I use Rooster’s PolyPro thermal base layer top and PolyPro Leggings, they are super warm, quick-drying and hydrophobic meaning that if they don’t get easily wet, it won’t be a problem. Mid Layer Unlike the other two, the mid-layer is very flexible and can be anything from a Quick-Dry Tech T to what may as well be a sleeping bag with armholes. Picking the correct mid-layer is important and there are lots to choose from. Fleecy material is quite popular as well as down material and synthetic alternatives that tend to have more water-resistant properties. It is a good idea to have a mid-layer with some sort of water resistance as when the temperature rises you may want to take off the outer layer. Some examples of mid-layers are Rooster’s Superlite Hybrid Jacket, Soft Shell Jacket and Hybrid Fleece or Tech Sweater. Outer Layer The outer layer offers protection from the elements and usually won’t have any insulation as it is what stops the wind and water getting in but is still breathable. The outer layer you need will depend greatly on what the conditions are and some examples are Rooster’s Passage range and their Aqua Fleece smocks. Extras The above covers what to wear over your lower and upper body but your extremities suffer more from the cold and affect your core temperature. In winter you will most likely be wearing boots so you may not pay much attention to what socks you wear underneath, however, water can still find its way down your boots and if you’re wearing cotton socks your feet will be very cold very quickly. I wear my PolyPro Socks under my boots, even though they are very thin they are warmer and more comfortable than traditional boot socks. When winter rolls in and fingerless gloves no longer cut it but you still want to be able to do things like tying knots your choices are limited, this is where glove liners come in. Rooster’s PolyPro Glove Liners are perfect to keep your hands warm whilst still having functioning fingers. If conditions are extreme then the new Combi Gloves will not let you down when it comes to warmth and protection. Your ears and head lose heat at a rapid pace so it is important to insulate them. A Supertherm Beanie does the trick, although if you want more coverage you might be happier in a full Aqua Fleece balaclava. It is amazing how much more enjoyable time on the water is when you are warm and dry so don’t brave the elements this winter, control them with a well thought through wardrobe of kit that will allow you to cruise around like it’s summer again.   Sam Mabey

Being on and around the water can be a lot of fun, but when it comes to gear maintenance, this might be the last thing you want to do after a challenging day on the water yet is essential for the sustainability of your gear. That's why we've put together some of our best advice for you and your gear. - Rinse your gear immediately when you get home, especially if you've been in salt water - a great way to do this is to dunk it in the bath or a large flexi bucket. - Hang it up properly like this:   - Take care to rinse any zippers to make sure there's no sand, grit or salt stuck in them. - Re proof any items that have DWR treatments to ensure they stay waterproof. We recommend using Grangers Clothing Repel. Info on how to apply this to your garment can be found on our Garment Care Page. Some below some handy advice and hacks from our ambassadors to see how they get the most out of their gear: Leanne @pinkypaddles - Paddle boarding enthusiast "Dry your wetsuit boots upside down on broom handles. If you don’t want to wear neoprene or waterproof socks under wetsuit boots but struggle to get boots on bare feet then put pop socks on (tights material) for easy glide!" Jenny @jwingsurf34 - Sailor, windsurfer and wing surfer "If my sailing boots smell, I put a tbsp of bicarbonate of soda in my boots, with hot water. Leave overnight. Wash the next day - fresh as a daisy for more watersports action" Henry @henrym1235 - Topper sailor "At open meetings and training events I buddy up with others that are going. One of us takes a bucket to wash the gear out in, another brings a spin dryer and another has a dry buddy to dry it out" Maurits @maurits.wijnants_sailing - Europe sailor "Always take a clothes hanger with you at the bottom of your kit bag. Rinse all your gear before you take it home. Reuse your Rooster boot bag to put your neck gaiter, balaclava, sun hats and any extras in" George @georgeyeoman - International 14 sailor "Homemade boot rack : Wet boots, especially in the winter, are the ultimate 'ick' factor before getting on the water, so why not let gravity be your friend. We found drying boots upside down makes a huge difference to the drying speed, so why don't you try this. What you need: 1x old broom, 1x old plank, 1x drill bit & 1x little bit of wood glue Get an old broom stick and cut into 30cm sections. Take a plank and measure out how many boots you want to be able to dry, I suggest 10-15cm gaps between the holes which you drill to be able to put the pieces of broom handle in. Apply some wood glue to the holes, stick in your pieces of handle and, hey presto you're all set. Happy sailing (and toasty toes)" Emma @em_hivey - RS 200 sailor "A quick rinse and hanging it straight up gives you the best chance of dry kit the next day, but also reduces the risk of your wetsuit rubbing or getting a rash at the knee/elbow creases. I now take some coat hangers, pegs and a cheap mini camping rotary line to events as it works well to quickly dry your kit without the faff of trying to find somewhere to dry it" Tadeo @tadeo.funess - 29er sailor "Avoid folding it or leaving it rolled up for long periods of time, as this can damage the neoprene and leave permanent wrinkles. Avoid wearing jewellery or other objects that could scratch or tear the materials of your kit and try to avoid chlorine as this can be damaging to neoprene and other materials, if it does then wash as soon as possible." Issy @issyglazebrooksailing - ILCA sailor "Drying my kit on my C-monsta hanger has been a game changer, coupled with washing it with Halo, which means it can be washed on a lower temperature, which is turn saves energy and helps care for the environment" But what happens when washing and rinsing your kit isn't enough? Another way to extend the life of your gear, just when you think it's on the brink, is through repairing it. If you've got a small tear in your Aquafleece® or neoprene wetsuit we sell repair kits for both. This means you can bring your item of clothing back to life without having to buy a new one especially when you just have a minor tear. Larger tears may require some hand sewing or using a sewing machine - we would recommend keeping some swatches from old wetsuits for back up in case you need to patch up your current one. Prevention is always the best cure which is why we would always advise on the correct care for your clothing from day dot. There are some easy wins to be had, for example investing in a pair of Wear Protection shorts to wear over your wetsuit in a dinghy can be a great way to protect the seat of your wetsuit from any damage, especially if you are prone to rubbing around the deck (or sail in a hiking boat!). Still not sure? Read our page dedicated to garment care here, for all the details. Contact our customer service team, who will be more than happy to help. hello@roostersailing.com +44 (0)1243 389997