GEAR GUIDE

Winter sailing can be some of the most rewarding time on the water — crisp mornings, steady breezes, quieter waters. But with colder conditions comes one big challenge: staying warm. Your wetsuit is your first line of defence, and choosing the right thickness is critical. Here’s why upgrading to a Supertherm 4mm wetsuit can transform your cold-weather sailing experience. Quick Look: 1. How Neoprene Keeps You Warm Neoprene works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body heats this water, creating an insulating barrier. The thicker the neoprene, the more insulation it provides — making it much harder for heat to escape. 2. Why Thickness Matters 1.5mm neoprene (like our Thermaflex) offers flexibility and comfort for mild to warm conditions. 4mm neoprene (like the Supertherm) adds serious insulation for cold-weather training, helping you retain heat for longer sessions. Think of it like the difference between a light jacket and a winter coat — both have their place, but when the cold bites, you’ll want the thicker layer. 3. Advanced Linings for Extra Warmth The Supertherm 4mm range isn’t just thicker — it’s smarter. Enhanced linings wick moisture away from your skin, add thermal comfort, and dry faster between sessions. That means less of the “chill factor” when you put your wetsuit back on for the afternoon race. 4. The Role of Stitching: Flatlock vs GBS Not all seams are created equal. Flatlock stitching (used in thinner suits like Thermaflex) is breathable but allows small amounts of water through — fine for warmer sailing. GBS (Glued and Blind Stitched) seams, used in all our Supertherm range, are sealed to minimise water entry. This keeps the insulating layer of water more stable and your body much warmer. 5. Designed for Winter Performance Sailors often assume thicker neoprene means restricted movement — not with Supertherm. Our panels are engineered for stretch and flexibility where you need it most, so you stay agile and comfortable while still benefiting from maximum warmth. 6. Pairing with Other Layers The Supertherm range is built to be part of your complete winter system. Layer it up with: ·       Thermal base layers like our Polypro or Hot tops & leggings — not only do they help manage moisture, but they also add an extra insulating layer, trapping air and boosting warmth. ·       Spray protection such as the Aquafleece® or SB1 Inshore Dry Smock — your outer defence against wind and water. Together, these layers create a system that locks in heat, keeps you dry, and stands up to whatever winter sailing throws at you. Read more about layering by visiting our Layering Guide. Don’t let the cold hold you back. With the right wetsuit, winter sailing can be just as enjoyable — if not more — than the summer season. Our Supertherm 4mm range is designed to give you the warmth, comfort, and performance you need to sail on through the colder months.

Winter doesn’t mean your sailing or training has to stop – it just means you need to prepare your kit properly. The right layering system will keep you warm, dry, and able to focus on performance instead of the cold. At Rooster, we’ve refined our layering philosophy so every piece works together, giving you flexibility whether you’re racing, coaching, or training ashore. You can check out our full layering guide for tips throughout the year, but for Autumn/Winter specific keep reading below:   The Golden Rule: Layer Like an Onion Layering is about trapping warm air close to your body while managing moisture and protecting against wind and spray. Each layer has a job to do, and when combined, they deliver comfort and performance in even the harshest conditions.      Think of this as your second skin. Its job is to regulate body temperature and wick moisture away, keeping you dry even when you’re working hard. Technical base layers: Soft, quick-drying fabrics prevent chills caused by sweat. Close-fitting design: Ensures no cold gaps and allows easy layering on top.   Rooster Pick: Hot Top & Leggings – the winter sailor’s secret weapon. Top tip: Skip rash vests or Lycra layers as insulation – they won’t add warmth and can actually make you feel cooler. When it comes to layering, sometimes less really is more.   This is where you add warmth. Choose pieces that are flexible, breathable, and easy to peel off when conditions change. Flexible layering: Adjust your neoprene thickness to match the forecast. When the temperature drops below 15°C, reach for your Supertherm® 4mm Top and Longjohn for maximum warmth. In milder conditions, your Thermaflex® 1.5mm layers may be all you need – and if you’re someone who feels the cold, add extra base layers for comfort. When it is really really cold, you could double up on neoprene!   Check out our blog on what the forecast says vs the actual temperatures.   Your shell is the barrier against wind, spray, and rain. Look for waterproofing, breathability, and freedom of movement. Aquafleece Spray tops or SB1 Inshore Smock: Great for dinghy sailing. SB1 Jacket or Pro Rigging Jacket: Added protection when conditions are rougher.   Your hands, feet, and head lose heat fastest, so finishing your system with quality accessories is vital. Neoprene gloves & mitts for grip and warmth. Neoprene socks layered under boots for warm, dry feet. Hats, beanies, neck gaiters & balaclavas to prevent heat loss from your head and neck.   💡 Did you know? Research published in the British Medical Journal found that if your head is the only part of your body uncovered, you can lose around 7–10% of your body heat through it. A simple hat or hood can make a huge difference to your comfort and endurance on the water.   Customer Favourite Pick for Autumn/Winter Training: AquaPro Gloves, Hot Socks, Supertherm Beanie & Aquafleece Neck Gaiters.   One of the toughest parts of winter training is when the day is split into two sessions with downtime in between. That mid-day break can be when the cold really creeps in, leaving you feeling flat, sluggish, and unmotivated for round two. The good news? With a few smart habits, you can stay warm, recover properly, and head back out ready to perform.   Top tips for staying warm between sessions:  Layer up quickly: Throw on a warm, windproof outer layer such as our Pro Aquafleece® Rigging Coat or Aquafleece® Robe to trap heat and stop the chill setting in. Swap your kit: Take a spare pair of socks and gloves to change into during the break – dry, warm hands and feet make a huge difference. Don’t forget your head: A simple beanie helps keep body heat in and makes you feel instantly warmer. Refuel smartly: Pack proper food and a hot drink to top up energy levels and keep your core temperature steady. Keep moving: Light activity between sessions helps circulation and stops you from cooling down too much.     Avoid rash/lycra layers – they hold water and makes you cold. Stay flexible – pack an extra mid-layer, socks and gloves in your kit bag so you can adapt. Check your fit – layers should sit comfortably without restricting movement. Look after your gear – rinse saltwater off regularly and let items dry fully.   Final Thought: Winter sailing and training are all about preparation. Get your layering right, and you’ll be warm, comfortable, and ready to perform – whatever the weather throws at you.   Our full layering guide and more information on layering for different conditions can be found here.

Summer sailing and regattas often mean long hours on the water — sometimes with three or more races back to back. If you’re new to it, or haven’t raced in a while, knowing what to wear or take with you can feel overwhelming. For the seasoned sailor, it’s often second nature — but even the most experienced can get caught out when they’re a bit rusty or just haven’t had to prep for a full championship day in a while. Even simple logistics can throw you off: can you drop a drybag on a rib? If so, great — you have more flexibility. But if you’re scrambling to find that rib between races or the next warning signal goes up right after the finish, you could be left without the gear you were counting on. Just like any endurance sport, sailing demands planning — for clothing, food, and hydration. The goal? Bring what you need without overpacking. Most dinghies don’t have room for your entire wardrobe and snack cupboard. Pack too much and it's dead weight; pack too little and, inevitably, that’s the day you needed that extra layer or snack bar. The Weather Never Makes it Easy British summer sailing is unpredictable. Sure, we all know the signs — clouds building inland, a sea breeze on the way — but forecasts rarely tell the full story. The “real feel” out on the water can be wildly different from what was expected. We've written a blog on this which is well worth a read. Read more. When you’re 2 hours from shore in a dinghy, you have to be self-reliant. Even at a big event surrounded by boats and safety cover, you need to look after number one. That means having the right gear, fuel, and backup layers — because when the unexpected happens, you want to be ready. Fuel Matters: Food & Hydration Outfit choices are only half the battle. Staying fuelled and hydrated is critical for performance and recovery — especially over back-to-back races.  Your Championship Kit Guide: What to Wear, What to Pack We’ve created a simple guide to help you layer up, pack smart, and stay comfortable during race days — whether it’s a short session or an all-day affair. Your Standard Base Kit Based on a mild Summer  | 20–28°C Top layer: Rash top or PolyPro top Rash = cooler, UV protection PolyPro = extra warmth + UV, fleece-lined Bottom half: Thermaflex 1.5mm Longjohn or Race Armour Lite Shorts Buoyancy Aid Aeromesh Cap – protects your head & aids ventilation UV Neck Sleeve – adds sun protection Boots – suitable for your boat and grip needs Sunglasses – ideally with a retainer   Long Day on the Water (3–5 hours | 3–4 races back-to-back | 20–28°C) UV lip balm / small suncream Cereal or oat based bar (slow-release energy) Gel, sweets or fruit (fast-release energy) On Board: 2x large water bottles 1 water, 1 electrolytes (use a Joey Bottle Holder) Drybag - 10L Rolltop Drybag - perfect for on the boat or 35L Dry Backpack - if you have access to a rib to store: Lightweight spray top or SB1 dry smock Spare warmer layer (PolyPro or Thermaflex top) Suncream Lunch/snacks   Shorter Day on the Water (1–2 hours | 1–2 races back-to-back | 20-28°C) Pockets: UV lip balm Mini suncream Snack bar On Board: 1–2 large drinks bottles (again, ideally one with electrolytes) Joey Bottle Holder   Drybag - 3L Rolltop Drybag: Lightweight spray top or Thermaflex top Extra snack Suncream Bonus Kit: Things You Might Be Glad You Brought! Spare rope/lines Whistle Knife Duck tape (“If you can’t fix it with duck tape…”) Electrical tape Spare shackles/blocks/split pins Sail repair tape Multi-tool Emergency blanket Phone or VHF radio   Long days on the water are where championships are won and lost, and your preparation can make a huge difference. Pack smart, dress for the conditions, and fuel your body properly. That way, you’ll be focused on racing, not worrying about what you left behind.

The SB1 Inshore Dry Smock is built to keep you dry and protected in a wide range of sailing conditions. At the heart of its performance is the neoprene neck seal, which provides a near-dry seal for inshore and coastal sailing. But comfort is key too — and we know that not everyone has the same neck length or preferences when it comes to feel. That's why we’ve designed the neck to be fully customisable. Below is an easy step-by-step guide to adjusting the neck seal for a personalised fit. Rooster founder, Steve Cockerill also explains via video why you might want to trim the neoprene neck seal and explains an alternative method if you don’t need a fully dry seal and want a softer feel next to your skin. Watch the video below or head to our youtube channel for more videos: Why the Neck Seal Is Made This Way The SB1’s neoprene neck is intentionally manufactured at its longest setting — suitable for those with longer necks or those seeking maximum protection. But we know that for many sailors, this can feel a little high. Fortunately, it’s easy to customise. Option 1: Trim to Your Neck Length If you want a more tailored fit, you can trim the neoprene down at the front. Here’s how: How to Trim the Neck Seal: Try It On FirstPut the smock on and assess how much material you’d like to remove for comfort. Start conservatively — it’s better to take a little off at a time. Mark the Cut LineUse a soft pencil or tailor’s chalk to draw a shallow curve at the front of the neck. Most people choose to take off a small crescent from the centre front, tapering off at the sides. Use Sharp ScissorsCut slowly and cleanly along your marked line. A sharp pair of fabric or neoprene scissors works best. Avoid jagged edges. Test and AdjustTry the smock on again. You can always take a little more off if needed — but you can’t put it back! Note: Cutting the neck will compromise the original dry-seal design slightly, but many sailors find this trade-off worth it for improved comfort in moderate conditions. Option 2: Roll the Neck Inward If you'd rather not cut the neck — or want to keep the dry-seal option for future sessions — there’s another simple trick. How to Roll the Neck for Comfort: Fold the top of the neoprene neck in on itself, so the sticky glideskin layer (which provides the dry seal) is no longer touching your skin. This results in a softer feel and slightly looser fit — ideal for warmer days or when you don’t need full waterproofing. This method gives you the flexibility to adjust the seal depending on conditions, without permanently altering the smock. At Rooster, we believe kit should work with you. Whether you choose to trim the neoprene or roll it in, the SB1 Inshore Smock is designed to give you control over your comfort and performance on the water.

At Rooster, we believe technical clothing should work with you, not stand in your way. That’s why the development of our Women’s Technical Shorts 2.0 has been a carefully considered process - over three years of dedicated development, shaped by feedback, expertise, and a clear vision for performance. These aren’t just another pair of shorts -they’re the result of listening to women, testing with women, and designing for real bodies and real sailing conditions.  Built to Fit Real Women From the very start, our mission was clear: to create a pair of technical sailing shorts that actually fit women — of all shapes, sizes, and heights — while still offering a clean look that could blend into everyday wear. We didn’t want a “pink it and shrink it” version of our men’s shorts. We wanted something that worked because it was built for women, not in spite of it. Luckily, we have the perfect team to help. Our office is full of active women — sailors, runners, climbers, rowers — all passionate about outdoor sport and technical performance. Their honest, practical feedback helped us fine-tune the cut, waistband height, dial in the leg length, and perfect the stretch and movement across sizes. When we were closer to what felt like a final product, we brought in a small focus group of female sailors and outdoor enthusiasts to test a full size set — from the smallest to the largest. These weren’t models or marketing faces — they were real women, with valuable insights. We built this group through an open call on our social media channels inviting keen sailors to give their feedback and help us refine the final design. Their feedback? Invaluable. From tweaks in the waistband construction, to how the fabric felt, to thoughts on the colourway and styling — they shaped what you now see as the final product.   I am impressed with the fact that Rooster is trying to find improved fitting women’s clothing . It was interesting to be part of this process and see the effort that goes into choosing the design. - Sam Norton (part of our focus group)   Why It Took Over 3 Years In truth, launching a women’s-only technical product is a big decision for us. The market for female sailing gear is smaller, and factory minimum order quantities (MOQs) don’t always make it easy. But this project mattered, not just for the product itself, but because we know how valuable good kit is for women who are active in the sport.  Over the past decade, Rooster’s range has evolved to include female alternatives to most of our key products. When we can, we create female-specific options. And when that’s not viable, we always consider women’s fit when designing unisex products, making sure they’re as versatile and inclusive as possible.  We understand that introducing a women’s-specific short meant getting every detail right, and doing it when the brand was in a strong position to deliver it well. This isn’t just about launching a new product — it’s part of a bigger commitment. At Rooster, we’re proud to support women at every level of sailing, from grassroots participation to high-performance racing. Our involvement in initiatives like the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship (WOKC), the Magenta Foiling Project, and our continued support across sportsboat classes, including the J/70s, reflects just the start of where we’re heading. Women still make up a smaller share of active sailors — estimated at just 20–25% globally, and often less in technical classes like sportsboats and keelboats. But that number is growing, and we’re proud to be part of that progress. For us, inclusivity and innovation in women’s technical gear isn’t an add-on — it’s a core part of what we do.  Where Function Meets Purpose We’re excited to launch our Women’s Technical Shorts 2.0 and can’t wait to share the product we have been working on, they combine:  A flattering, technical cut designed for active movement. Optimised waist height for support and comfort. Stretch and flexibility where it matters most. Ideal leg length for both comfort and coverage. Reinforced, durable fabric at the seat — built to handle high-wear areas and long hours on deck. Smart, functional features right where you need them — including leg pockets, belt loops for a safety knife, internal compartments for optional deck pads, a secure waist closure, and more. And of course — they’re built from the same trusted technical foundations as our much-loved men’s shorts, which have seen five years of proven performance on the water. We can't wait for you to try them, find out some more on our video below:  

When it comes to sailing, what you wear can make or break your time on the water. Whether you're out racing, cruising or training, the right outfit ensures comfort, performance, and safety. Different boat classes demand different gear — from technical clothing designed to keep you dry and warm to lightweight, breathable layers perfect for racing hard in Spring conditions. In this guide, with the help of some of our Riders, we’ll break down the best sailing outfit ideas tailored to each class, helping you gear up with confidence in a temperature range of 10-15 degrees, no matter what kind of sailing you’re into.   RS AERO Sammy Base Layer - Rash Top-Long Sleeved Mid Layer - Pro Hikers 4/3mm (Fixed Battens) Top Layer - SuperTherm 4mm Top Extras - Custom Race Bib, Rooster Cap (Structured), Supertherm 4mm Wet Socks,  Pro Laced Boots and Race Armour Buoyancy Aid RS21 Liam Base Layer - Tech Shorts and Long-Sleeve UV Top and/or Poly Pro's Mid Layer -  Hybrid Jacket or a Fleece Top Layer - Light Weight Spray Top and/or SB1's Extras - Hat, Deck Shoes 49erFX Emilie and Julie Base Layer - Women's PolyPro Top Mid Layer - Women's SuperTherm 4mm Long John Top Layer - Classic ThermaFlex 1.5mm Top – Unisex and Women's Classic Aquafleece Top  Extras: Buoyancy Aid, Race Bib, Gloves, Boots, Trapeze Harness   OPTIMIST  Amélie   Base Layers - Poly Pro Top and Leggings  Mid Layer - Thermaflex 1.5mm Long John’s   Top Layer - Classic Aquafleece Top  Extras - All Purpose Boots, Rooster Cap and Poly Pro Gloves   ILCA 4 Eva Base Layer: Supertherm Top Mid Layer: Pro Hikers and Wear Protection Shorts Top Layer: Pro Lite Aquafleece Top Extras: Race Armour Buoyancy Aid and Hot Socks   ILCA 6 Jake Base Layer: Rash Top Mid Layer: Thermaflex 1.5mm Long-John Top Layer: Race Armour Buoyancy Aid & Race Bib Extras: Pro Laced Ankle Strap Boots, 3/4 Classic Hikers 4/3mm & Structured Cap TOPPER Meg Base Layer: Rash Top and Hot Legs Mid Layer: Supertherm Long John and Top Top Layer: Pro Aquafleece Top Extras: Structured Cap, Pro Laced Boots    29er Henry and Finn Base Layer - Poly Pro Top and Legs and Supertherm Socks Mid Layer - Supertherm Long John  Top Layer - Pro Lite Aquafleece Top  Extras - Pro Race Gloves 5, Pro Lace Boots and Diamond Over Head Buoyancy Aid Thanks to the insights from our supported sailors, it’s clear that comfort, functionality, and adaptability are key when dressing for 10-15 degrees on the water. From technical base layers to waterproof outerwear, thoughtful choices help you stay safe, warm, and focused on the important stuff. So next time you head out, take a cue from the pros! For any additional advice on what to wear, our friendly Customer Service Team are always on hand to help for your personal preference, just give us a call!

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.

The most important aspect of a good pair of hiking shorts is positioning of the battens and the lift they provide. The options we do for hiking are: Pro Hikers  Classic hikers ¾ Pro Hikers No Pads Race Armour Lite Shorts Thermaflex Longjohns & Legs Supertherm Longjohns Pro Rash Legs Now that list might be overwhelming so here is a quick summary of the different options. A lot of the time the choice of which hiking system to go for is down to personal preference but hopefully this guide will give a bit of insight into our hikers. Pro Hikers  Full length with fixed battens, the pads tend to fit longer legged and pro sailors better. With longer legged sailors and super fit sailors, they are able to extend their legs further from the toestrap in a more comfortable manner, so they manage to get the hike pad over the side deck. My lack of ILCA training would have meant that I would have only managed to place the pro hike pad on the side deck. At 4/3mm and full length Pro hikers are ideal for cooler temperatures and winter sailing paired with hot or polypro legs. Then great by themselves all summer! Classic hikers ¾  ¾ length so just below the knee with knee reinforcements. These are also fixed pads that are slightly higher up the leg which tends to fit the less fit senior sailors and fitter younger sailors as well. A particular favourite for Topper sailors and younger sailors. Pro Hikers No Pads  Full length 4/3mm neoprene with the same construction as the standard Pro Hikers, just without the fixed pads. Compatible with our ProHike Pads so you can choose the size of pad you would like and also the position of where works best for you. I recently used them at the UK ILCA Masters Qualifier which was a brutal weekend of gusts in the area of 37 knots, although the RO thought it never reached over 27 on his committee boat (whilst holding his wind indicator under his jacket perhaps?)   Fitting the pads is easy, just turn the pro hikers inside out and place the hike pads about 3 inches from the knee seam.  The top of the hike pads are shaped to protect your delicate parts. The top of the hikers ended up being well into my bum cheeks.   I was not embarrassed as I can still remember seeing Paige Railey (World #1 Radial Sailor),waddling like a Penguin whilst walking on the shore.  Our Prohike pads are pre shaped to your leg, which gives you additional lift off the side deck.  This gives the sailor the ability to sail the boat much flatter without hitting the water, which is fast!   For me it also makes for a slightly nicer hiking position - gives my legs a slight bend, which having not sailed the ILCA much this year was a godsend. Having fitted the pads to where felt best, the pads were central to the deck edge, and I was in the lap of luxury.   Race Armour Lite Shorts  Our most versatile option, these neoprene and spandex shorts have the capability to add Prohike pads into the seat through our standard hook and loop attachment. These shorts can then be worn by themselves for summer sailing or over the top of any other wetsuit or drysuit. At the ILCA Qualifier my wife Sarah wore the shorts over her Supertherm Longjohn which she thought was a game changer. They never dropped or moved. Happy wife is a happy life! LongJohns and Legs  Similar to the shorts, our longjohns and legs are compatible with the Prohike pads. Meaning you can use your longjohns and legs for hiking but also for a large variety of watersports such as Stand Up Paddleboarding, Surfing or Kayak Hopefully this guide has been helpful in explaining our different hiking options. If you are still feeling overwhelmed or confused, contact our customer service team on hello@roostersailing.com or +44 (0) 1243 389997  

Knowing what to wear when paddling can be tricky, especially at the different times of year when air and water temperatures can vary massively, and you don’t know for certain whether you’re going to stay dry or be getting wet. Whatever time of year you’re paddling you want your clothing to be comfy and unrestrictive, whether wet or dry. And also practical, offering you some protection from the elements, which during the Spring & Summer months can be anything!… sun, wind, or rain! We've teamed up with SUPBoarder Mag, who are very experienced in knowing the best clothing options and to bring you some top tips for what to wear through the warmer months on you SUP. Watch the full video below:  

Get yourself ready for the season by making sure you have a buoyancy aid that is the right fit for you and ensures you are comfortable on the water. Here is some of our best advice when it comes to buoyancy aids. Does it fit properly? Your buoyancy aid should be snug to your body when fully tightened. If you can't get it close to your body through tightening the straps then it is probably too large. Your buoyancy aid, adjustable or not, shouldn't rise up to your mouth/ears when pulled up as otherwise it will do this when you're in the water, making swimming difficult. Is it still safe? Your buoyancy aid should be certified for your weight and without any obvious signs of reduced buoyancy. Conduct a basic visual inspection to check all the obvious things: That the foam has not clearly deteriorated Make sure that there are no rips or tears that will affect its performance If there are any buckles, check they are all still working If you want to check the buoyancy of a CE certified buoyancy aid there is a simple test you can perform to make sure it is still safe* Check it out here: *Rooster takes no responsibility for inaccuracies during your own test. Still not sure? Contact our customer service for any advice you may need :)  hello@roostersailing.com

  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!

It’s inevitable…the seasons are changing. Summer is pretty much over and Autumn/Fall are very much on the way. Do not fear, you can continue to enjoy the water sailing, supping, winging, kayaking with just a few key changes to your kit bag. Check out below the best ways to keep your gear going through the seasons. Base Layers Swap this:  For that:  Changing your base layers can have a massive effect on your warmth on the water. Our PolyPro layers are a great choice that can be used throughout Autumn and Winter with more layers, but can also be used by themselves as a layer during Spring and Summer. If you’re planning on continuing to go on the water through the depths of Winter, or you just get very cold then the Hot Stuff range will be more suited to layering with your current wetsuits.   Spray Tops Swap this: For that:  The Lightweight Spray Top is a brilliant option for the warmer months, when you’re still going to get splashed but the water and air temperature aren’t too cool. When the weather starts to cool down switching to the fleecy Aquafleece will keep you toasty. With so many options to choose from they are perfect for many sports. Hats Swap this:  For that: It’s no secret that you loose a lot of heat through your head, so its important to keep your head warm. These hats are easy swaps to make and not too expensive that can really elevate your experience on the water during the Autumn.   Extra layers honourable mentions A few HANDY extras for additional heat that you can add to your kit instead of having to swap out gear. Aquafleece Neck Gaiter - now in eight colours, this combination of Aquafleece and PolyPro material provides excellent protection from the elements keeping your neck warm and dry with its fleece inner layer and water resistant outer layer. Hot hands - add that extra bit of heat to your hands with these 0.5mm neoprene glove liners that go underneath any gloves you already own, for an extra heat boost. Hot socks - works the same as the glove liners, the 0.5mm titanium neoprene will give your feet a heat boost as they reflect the heat back into your body. Can be worn under any sock or boot. If 0.5mm titanium neoprene isn’t your style then check out our PolyPro glove liners and socks that also provide a great extra base layer to your hands and feet. If you need any further help with kit guidance get in touch with our friendly customer service team by phone  01243 389997 (Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm GMT) or via email sales@roostersailing.com