For many, there is nothing better than enjoying a sunny summer day on the water. Compared to sailing in other seasons, summer sailing typically requires less 'specialized' sailing gear, but selecting the right apparel and accessories are key to keeping you comfortable and having fun. In this what to wear guide, we're going to review our top recommendations for gear you should consider, looking at items like rash guards, headwear, UV protective items, and more.
Summer Sailing Gear Checklist
Life Jacket
Rashguard / Spandex Pants
Wetsuit or Hiking Pants
Footwear
Sailing Gloves
Headwear
Spray Gear
Life Jacket
A comfortable, well fitting life jacket is a must for spending time on the water, no matter the season. Sailing specific life jackets allow a full range of arm movement and should be sleek across the upper torso. Youth or scholastic sailors should consider USCG approved life jackets while some adult sailors prefer buoyancy aids (not Coast Guard approved). We carry a range of life jackets at multiple price points for both adult and junior sailors.
Rash Guard / Spandex Pants
In warm weather, the key functions of a top or bottoms are to protect you from the sun and to keep you cool. Rash guards, often called spandex tops, are made from a combination of nylon, spandex, and polyester and designed to provide UV protection while remaining lightweight, durable, and quick drying. They tend to have a snug fit (compared to a regular shirt) and therefore popular among active sailors who move around the boat quite a bit. We also offer pants and shorts made from similar materials, designed to keep the sun off your skin. The key, as with many active outdoor activities, is to avoid cotton fabrics.
Shop Rashguards | Shop Spandex Pants
Wetsuit / Hiking Pants
Having a wetsuit in your summer sailing kit is often a matter of local sailing conditions. If you're sailing in the ocean or anywhere the water temperature might be low, you may need to balance your gear for warm air with cold water. A full length skiff suit, a wetsuit without sleeves (sometimes called a 'farmer john') can offer leg and core protection while letting your upper body stay cool. It's not uncommon to see sailors wear a skiff suit with a lightweight rash guard or technical shirt when the water is chilly and the air temperature is warm. A pair of breathable Hiking Pants is also recommended for sailors in boats like the ILCA, RS Aero, ISCA, and other hiking dinghies.
Shop Wetsuits | Shop Hiking Pants
Footwear
Sailing boots should be made of neoprene or rubber and provide some ankle support in addition to insulating the foot. Footwear for dinghy sailors should have a durable sole, be lightweight and be designed to get wet so that you can launch your boat off a beach. Thankfully, we make it easy to find a pair of boots that have these features with great options from Gill, Zhik, and Rooster. A few of our most popular boots are featured below.
Sailing Gloves
A trusted pair of sailing gloves is one of the most important pieces of kit for any sailor. For warm weather sailing, we recommend lightweight gloves that still offer execellent grip and durability. We prefer the range of sailing gloves from Gill, available in multiple configurations.
Shop Sailing Gloves
When in doubt, ask for advice!
The staff at West Coast Sailing has years of experience sailing in many conditions and talks to sailors around the world every day. We can certainly recommend specific gear for your conditions, boat type, or general sailing venue. This is meant to be a guide for what we commonly recommend, but is not an exhaustive list. Talking with other local sailors about what works and what does not work is also a great way to build your sailing kit.
Reach out to our team anytime by calling or texting 1-503-285-5536 or sending an email to info@westcoastsailing.net
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