Houston Kiteboarding is your one stop shop for Wetsuits, Drysuits, and Neoprene Booties and Socks, Gloves, and all the cold weather gear needed to stay warm this winter!!! We have a vast array of cold weather gear to get you on the water in comfort in any condition mother nature sends your way!
WETSUITS VS. DRYSUITS-
WETSUITS
Wetsuits are made from neoprene, which traps a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body heat warms that layer, forming insulation.
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Warmth through water layer: The trapped water warms up and keeps you insulated.
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Snug fit: Must fit closely to work properly.
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Flexible & comfortable: Great range of motion — ideal for active paddling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing.
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Better in moderately cold water: Great for cool to cold water, but has limits in very low temps.
DRYSUITS
Drysuits keep you completely dry by sealing water out entirely. You wear your own insulating layers underneath, then the suit blocks water and wind.
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Fully sealed from water: No water flushing in. You stay dry.
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Thermal layering control: Add or subtract layers based on conditions.
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Excellent cold protection: Great for freezing water or long sessions.
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Seals at wrists/neck/ankles: Keeps water out even in waves.
BOOTIES AND NEOPRENE SOCKS GLOVES AND HAND PROTECTION
WEARING HAND AND FOOT PROTECTION VS. NOT WEARING PROTECTION-
Benefits:
Thermal protection: Neoprene traps a thin layer of water that your body heats, keeping hands warm in cold water and wind.
Grip: Textured palms help maintain control of paddles, booms, lines, or bars even when wet.
Reduced fatigue: Warm hands stay flexible longer, helping you paddle, steer, and react more efficiently.
Protection from the elements: Shields hands from wind chill, spray, rain, and cold air.
Abrasion and impact protection: Helps prevent blisters, rope burn, cuts, and scrapes from equipment or boards.
Extended sessions: Staying warm allows you to stay on the water longer and perform better.
Protection from hazards: Helps prevent cuts and scrapes from rocks, reefs, shells, barnacles, and equipment.
Hazards:
Rapid heat loss: Hands and feet lose heat quickly, increasing the risk of cold stress or hypothermia.
Loss of dexterity and balance: Cold or injured fingers and toes reduce grip, control, and stability.
Cuts and lacerations: Unprotected skin is vulnerable to sharp rocks, coral, reef, shells, and submerged hazards, especially during launches and landings.
Infection risk: Even small cuts can become infected in marine environments.
Delayed reactions: Pain, numbness, or injuries can slow reaction time in critical situations.
Shorter sessions: Discomfort or injury may force an early exit—or create dangerous situations offshore.
Founded in Sydney, Australia in 2012, Vaikobi was born from a passion for the ocean and a drive to perform better on the water. Their mission is simple but bold: to push the limits of performance and comfort by creating some of the world’s most innovative technical apparel and accessories.
Many athletes train year-round in Vaikobi, relying on the VCOLD and FlexForce collections, built for temperature control in cool to cold environments.
VCOLD 2mm Neoprene Socks FLEXFORCE 2mm Pants - Unisex
Fleece-Lined Pogies
Vaikobi Pogies turn cold, wet paddles into a non-issue. Built with a water-shedding outer shell to block wind and spray, they dramatically cut wind chill while the soft fleece lining locks in warmth. Designed for 2-piece paddles, they slide on effortlessly and stay put while you paddle. When the session’s over, simply clip them together for easy, compact storage.
**If you have questions or need to coordinate an order call us at either of our stores.
Houston Kiteboarding
281-508-6485 sales@houstonkiteboarding.com
Pacific North Sports
360-794-1688 sales@pacificnorthsports.com
