Kit Guides

Have you ever wondered why water sticks to Spandex and not Polypropylene? For the real techie explanation read on: When an oxygen atom combines with two hydrogen atoms to produce a molecule of water (H20) it pinches the single electrons from each of the hydrogen atoms - a process called covalent bonding which is very strong. You could think of the oxygen atom as having 8 'electron' places set for dinner and there are 2 spaces free and the two hydrogen electrons are just desperate to join the party. Unfortunately the two single hydrogen nuclei are now left without an electron friend feeling a little unloved, grumpy and positively charged. This also sets up a dipole across the water molecule; the oxygen part of the molecule is negatively charged (as the electrons are around for tea) and the hydrogen part of the molecule is positively charged. The two grumpy hydrogen positively charged nuclei are always on the look out for any other attractive electrons to pout over even if they can't join up covalently (no tea party for them!) This pouting style of bonding is called hydrogen bonding and is not as strong as covalent bonding (about a 10th of the strength of the covalent bond). When water comes across Lycra, those (positively charged) hydrogen atoms in the water find lots of 'loan pairs' of electrons to pout over - a sort of diet coke break moment. This is because Lycra is made of OH and NH groups which creates lots of loan pairs of electrons. Water's bond with Lycra's loan pairs is called hydrogen bonding and it makes the water stick to the fabric making it feel cooler, even more so, the wetter and windier it becomes. Similar hydrogen bonding occurs with many other materials such as nylon - typically used in spray tops etc.- which is why many spray tops can feel cold to the touch. However Polypropylene does not have any OH groups and hence no loan pairs of electrons and so it is not attractive to water - no pouting moments, making the garment feel dry and cosy even in the wettest conditions. Ideally worn next to the skin for a comfortable dry layer and developed by Rooster Sailing to provide you with a warm anti rash guard layer - ideal for a typical UK summer. We have made them into Long Sleeved tops, Leggings, Gloves, and Socks. Oddly, I also found it ideal for sailing in Australia in their summer as it offered enough protection from the sun on lighter wind days whilst at the same time I did not get that horrible water shock when I got splashed. View the PolyPro range here.

The Rooster® Trapeze Harness is fully compliant with the new weight rules and has positive buoyancy as per requirements in the 2021-2024 new World sailing rules. The weight when dry is about 1.2kg, and 1.75kg when wet - based on a size XL/2XL. At Rooster we’re focused on getting people on/in the water and enjoying all that the elements can deliver, we work to ensure that our kit is versatile through comfort, durability, adaptivity and performance, whilst retailing at a fair price.Our research and development phase take both personal experiences and the experiences of super users. These might be high performance sailors to those who manage sailing schools, that way we have a broad understanding of all the design features that are needed.The development of the Rooster Harness was a fun process and it was the first project I was tasked with when joining the team in 2017… no pressure! Harnesses are such a personal thing and so trying to make a ‘one design fits all’ solution was a challenge. Testing and fitting were made easier as we are lucky that most of the team at Rooster HQ are sailors, with approximately 50% regular users of trapeze harness’s, so we had a good testing base across a range of sizes and abilities at close hand. The core aim was to produce a harness that could combine comfort, performance and affordability, whilst being versatile to allow maximum adjustability. We know that appeals to family members who want to share the harness as well as high performance sailors to adjust to the perfect fit.During the development process, we think about the lifetime of the product to not only minimise the environmental footprint but also as the user doesn’t want the ‘agro’ of having to keep buying new kit.We also look ahead at material/technology trends and developments as well as safety regulations to ensure that when the release date comes around, we are up to date or even ahead of the curve. The next stage in the development calls for initial prototyping to determine fit and form. For technical products, such as the harness, these are rough and ready samples, and often not pretty! We made the first prototype in house to quickly translate our ideas, establish a working panel layout, locate stress points, select appropriate materials and see how the features will work in practise. Usually the testing/fitting for an initial prototype will be done solely at Rooster HQ, but we did also take the first harness prototype to the water to double check how it worked with unusual movements performed on the water – these are often hard to mimic on land.The first prototype was far from the final design but provided a good base to move forward with.With the hard work done, it then comes to making a comprehensive technical spec pack so that we can translate our concept to our factory for them to produce a working test sample.The spec pack has to be technically accurate and is the platform we use to communicate all parts of the design including a technical drawing, colour visualisation, panel layout, features/trims, logos/labels and fabrics. The more accurate and detailed the spec pack, the better the sample will be, so we try to make it as thorough as possible. It also means that sample rounds can be minimised, which saves time, money and environmental impact.It can take 2-3 months for such a technical product sample to process in our factory and be delivered to us; by this time, we can hardly contain our eagerness to try it out. As soon as the first sample arrived at our office, full of excitement, we were straight out to test it using our test rig. All the hard work we put into our initial prototype and spec pack paid off as our first sample was not far from how the harness is today. There were a few parts that required further refining which took a couple of further sample rounds as we refined the construction around the crotch, material/inner foam distribution and fit/shaping. We used 2 different densities of our MISRA foam on the inside the harness, which lends itself to fitting well around the body because of its deflection properties; a softer foam support around the hips, with a denser foam used on the back for extra support.It was also really important to us to get the fit right so that it could fit to different body shapes, so we worked hard to make sure that the tensioning of the side ‘flaps’ allowed for adjustment down the back, across the middle and up through the bum. On the crotch, we tried to get the right stretch vs support ratio so that it would be comfortable whilst supporting through the bum and up to the bar, which led to test several different constructions to perfect this. Once we (and chief tester/bossman Steve) were happy with the features, construction and fit, we then put out a couple of the samples to Rooster ambassadors and dealers for further testing/feedback. This is another important stage, as when working so close to the product, it can be easy to miss something. In the case of the harness, all the feedback was excellent.Then just came the waiting game for production, which takes about 6 months including shipping. The project took just under 2 years in total, from start to finish, ahead of its official launch at the 2019 RYA Dinghy Show.   The full information of the ins and outs of the Rooster® Trapeze Harness:

POST VIDEO NOTE: Please use a separate piece of short grey line in the Rooster kit to attach the two blocks to the traveller eye. see image below: This is to stop any chance of the two blocks and their 3mm elastic from tensioning the traveller in any way. This was required by measurement at the 2018 World Championships. The story: During the recent RS Aero World Championships, it became apparent that if I wanted to release the controls downwind efficiently that I would need to change the control lines to over deck take up style. The old style tended to get a little tangled downwind: I was inspired by Steve Norbury's version that I had seen at the Aero Southern Championships which I knew was class legal. Obviously, I have put some of my splicing experience into the kit to fasten the two Ronstan Shock Blocks in place and used Rooster's EasySplice™ Continuous Control Line as it's just so easy! I used the Ronstan Shock Blocks as they can be colour co-ordinated and are very light - which I guess is nice as the boat is so nice and light. I also used Selden 30mm Loop Top Blocks for the take ups. They are also lighter and more than man enough for the job. Rooster has produced a kit with most of the splicing done, all you will have to do is 'cow splice' the Ronstan Shock Blocks onto a pre-made double loop 180mm line under the deck. But if you are feeling brave, take a look at the related Rooster Videos on Splicing (Reverse Brummell Hitch, Spectwelve and Rooster EasySplice™ Continuous Control Line). We suggest you use 2mm Spectwelve (an SK78 12 braided Dynema) for the take-up tidies and Rooster 4mm Spectwelve (an SK78 12 braided Dynema) for the traveller. You will also notice that I have adopted the Rooster colours which have been used extensively in singlehanded sailing with blue for downhaul/ Cunningham, grey for outhaul and red for kicker or vang. Feel free to take the parts and ropes in the colours you are used to. I used 5m of EasySplice™ for the outhaul system, although I did not have much line to spare so perhaps it's worth taking 6m and losing a bit. Our kit is now 5.5m so you will need to first ensure your outhaul is maximum off. Then join the outhaul when it can just go in front of the centreboard case with a little movement. For the downhaul, I used 8m of EasySplice™, plus 1m of 2mm Spectwelve for the two side deck tidy's and 1m of 4mm Spectwelve for the traveller. Tools: I like my tools so I tend to try and use them all. But if you are keen to do the whole thing yourself then you will need: Serrated Scissors 2/3mm Pull Fid 4mm Push fid Rooster EasySplice™ Needle Fid (I use the super thin needle for the EasySplice™ Control Line splice). Needles and Waxed Whipping Twine (available on the Rooster website to finish off the joins in the control line.) If you purchase the kit, then you will only need the EasySplice™ Needle Fid, twine and needle, although I am sure you would still find the Serrated Scissors useful. Splicing Tip When you cut the centre core out of easy splice, leave it as loose as possible. This will enable the other line to pass into it easier. Do not try and milk it to make it smaller as this will make it harder to pull the other end through it. RS Sailing is the most forward-looking company I have ever been close to. I understand that they will be stocking these 'Rooster' upgrade kits in due course. I think it will make a significant difference to your Aero sailing enjoyment - if it could get any better! Save Save

Rooster Harness with Nappy Crotch The Rooster harness has been reimagined, redesigned, and rigorously tested by our team to provide to ideal amount of support and comfort on the Trapeze. The curved and pre-shaped body can be adjusted at 3 points on each side to allow adjustment down the upper back, across the middle and up from the seat panel, to tailor the fit to different shapes. This harness is compatible with a wide bar to support the hips and lower back, the bar can be changed to preference through the harness bar slot at the front. There is NBR rubber on the inside of the harness, this has minimal water absorption ensuring that no weight will be added when wet, applies a small level of shock absorption, and moulds the harness to your body. Soft Duratex II neoprene nappy style crotch with reinforcement at edges to add structure and comfort 3 point lace adjustment (each side) - upper back, waist and seat Inside pocket to tuck away laces Internal waist band closure for a more secure fit Wide spreader bar slot that allows for your preferred bar Adjustable shoulders with webbing and buckle closure Internal foam creating shock absorption Section on back for optional back support   Materials: Heavy duty Ripstop Nylon Duratex II seat and crotch NBR Rubber

Here is a neat little trick to make your Aero Halyard work a little more smoothly. Take 1m of Rooster Easysplice and take 600mm of the inner core, but remember to tie a knot in the other end to ensure you keep the inner core where the rope stopper is. It will be hard to take out the 600mm - but give it your best shot. Then you can make a Brummel hitch loop in the easy splice (you will have to unknot the other end to pass it back through the tail. ). Examples of a Brummel hitch video can be found here. I folded the 600mm of uncored rope in half and made a 40mm long loop, ensuring the tail went back into the line over the maximum distance to fill the space that the inner core left. This gives the Easysplice the right thickness to jamb in your cleat. To ensure the boggle does not fall off the other end, you might like to back splice some of the EasySplice into the end (make it thicker). Check and adjust the length of your new EasySplice halyard to ensure the double thickness easy splice sits neatly on the cleat area. I keep using the stretchy 2mm polyester line as my pull up or uncleat line because its stretch allows the mast bend to vary lots with vang tension, ensuring that it will not pull the halyard out of the mast cleat. If you have lost the original - you can use this replacement (approx. 11m length is required) 2mm Polyester Halyard Line, sold per m.

    When it rains it pours, whatever temperature you're facing, the wet is always a given. Layer up with Aquafleece® with a PU coated fleece that is fully waterproof, durable and flexible, whilst the brushed fleece inner surface makes it very comfortable. or, for more breathability, our Passage top layers suitable for any journey, when every season is wet season. AQUAFLEECE ® Where it all began!The Rooster Aquafleece® is one of our best sellers, and a product we are proud to be the originators of. Decades on, we still believe in the fabric and products as much as we did from day 1, and we are constantly trying to find more ways to use this fabric across our range, because we love it so much!The fabric is PU (polyurethane) coated fleece that is fully waterproof, durable and flexible, whilst the brushed fleece inner surface makes it super comfortable. We produce our Aquafleece® fabric in 2 different weights (over several colours):1. ‘Pro’ - heavier weight for added warmth in cold conditions. We always tape the seams on our ‘Pro’ Aquafleece® products to ensure complete waterproof protection.2. ‘Classic’ - a slightly lighter weight Aquafleece® fabric. We use this on our classic and pro lite Aquafleece® products, and leave the seams untaped for increased breathability and lower weight for warmer conditions.     PASSAGE 3L Our Passage collection derives its name from the purpose of the product; suitable for any passage you may undertake, no matter how big or small! It uses a 3 layer construction, laminating Nylon Taslon with a TPU membrane and 20D Polyester Tricot to create 1 combined fabric. There is also a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment applied to the fabric to improve its performance further. The TPU membrane acts as a barrier to ensure that the fabric is highly waterproof, whilst the outer surface provides durability and protection to the membrane and the inner layer acts as a moisture wicking surface to take moisture away from the skin. We use the highest quality Hipster Tapes to laminate over all the seams to ensure that no water will penetrate through. We combine the 3L fabric with Cordura on some panels of the Passage range to enhance the technical performance of our products.See below for more details:  

Getting a closer look at why the kit at Rooster is made a particular way is really important to us. it's often unconventional, we don't only take one hobby or skill into account, we're catering for the active people who want to do and try everything and have the exact right kit for the job every time. QUICK-DRY UVF50+ TECH T-SHIRT LS I think of this long-sleeved tech top as such an unsung hero in the kit range. Everyone I know that wears one has it as their go-to staple top now, men, women and kids alike. Possibly 'unsung' because on the surface it is a normal long sleeved top but, my word, is it comfortable! Not only that but it's protecting you from the sun at a UV protection rating of 50+ as well as being quick drying which make is ideal in the hot or cold climate, providing an excellent extra base layer when it gets cold. Lightweight and loose-fitting, use as a base layer, training shirt, or as a laid back alternative to a rash vest - the ideal multi-purpose tech top.This is a special one, we’ve utilised FERAN ICE® by Rudolf GmbH hydrophilic material technology to provide the best moisture transport, improved soil release properties to keep garment soft and supple wash after wash. The reviews on this one really speak for themselves! Women's Sports Shorts and Sports Bra A fairly recent addition but an important step into hybrid kit for women, by this I mean kit that can be multifunctional across all the sports from land to sea. We've made them both out of heavy duty nylon spandex for comfort, stretch, flattering fit and, most importantly, to get wet. great for running, yoga, benching at the gym or pilates, but in the same breath, the low profile style and cut keeps them seamless for wearing underneath a wetsuit. Or just jump straight in the water on a hot day and they'll behave like any other swimsuit. Double layered throughout for added support, the Sports Bra has a racer back made from mesh, where the sports shorts have a mesh gusset enhancing breathability,  Wide yet soft elastic high waist band on shorts and chest band on sports bra keeps the top securely in place.   Race Armour Knee Pads Very new but so worth their weight in innovative design! If you're on a boat and you spend time on your knees you should be seriously considering knee pads, they're also quite good for those of spend a lot of time supping on their knees. They're actually a sleeve so they do have more staying power and comfort than a lot of knee pads, but they also have added shin protection, because it's not always just your knees that hit the deck. A streamlined fit with a silicon rubber elastic webbing strip at the top band and above the calf maintains the position of the knee pads, whilst an additional elastic strap is positioned just below the knee to further secure the pad in place. Comfortable stretch panels around the main knee panel allow stretch where you need it the most and improved movement, with a breathable mesh panel down the back to add breathability to the back of your leg. We've used Duratex II at the outer surface and NBR rubber used on the inside – this has minimal water absorption so weight will not be added to the pads when wet, the properties of the rubber also mean that the pad will mould to your body slightly and also adds some shock absorption for any falls, and we all know they do happen. Ponchos In an age of keeping safe, we're changing outdoors more and more but we didn't just want to create a simple changing robe, we sought to make sure that it was quick drying and very lightweight, packing down to fit in the smallest possible space in a kit bag, easy to kart around, easy to maintain and easy to dry. They are strictly speaking 'one-size' but we have an adult poncho, a junior poncho and a baby-junior poncho - we're all a little sad that we don't fit into the baby junior poncho in the office because it has THE MOST ADORABLE Comb on the hood but for those of us that aren't toddlers, it's a tight squeeze. Technical Shorts and Race Armour Deck Pads for Technical Shorts These Tech shorts are more durable on the seat panel than I have seen before in sailing, using reinforced Cordura®,  but it's not just about that... They look like a simple low-profile fit but they're also exceptionally multifunctional: Pockets, zips, loops, velcro and adjustable side tabs make up an incredibly useful pair of shorts. Not to mention the nice slight stretch in the main panels that are also quick-drying and UV protective. The most important feature, I think, when it comes to these shorts though is the optional extra padding: Padding your clothing isn't just for dinghy hikers and rugby shoulders. Technical Shorts are cooling, abrasion resistant shorts with well designed pockets and systems that are hugely functional and comfortable for the competitive keelboat sailor, our Deck Pad inserts take them another step further. We have designed Technical shorts to be able to fit these in seamlessly. Made of M.I.S.R.A foam (Mouldable Impact Shock Resistant Armour) that is very firm for shock absorption as well as memory active to perfectly mould to your unique shape for comfort and ease of movement. Keelboat hiking just became painless.   Laptop Backpack   Last, but (and I cannot stress this enough) NOT LEAST,  something we have called the 'Laptop Backpack' which you absolutely must consider to be only one isolated example of its possible use. I have been using this as my laptop backpack for around 2-ish years, I certainly don't HAVE to be using it everyday as such and i wouldn't if i came across something more useful to me but I simply haven't. The level of well thought through extra pockets, adjustable gaps, zips and clips its next level. I like to drink a huge amount of water from a huge water bottle and there is no way that I will ever put that bottle in the bag of expensive electronics with a lifetime of work on - I've had some traumatic experiences in the past with tea. So, the side bottle holder (I agree not unique yet, but ideal) stretches to fit a large bottle but the extra clip above (suddenly getting more unique) holds your larger, taller bottles firmly in place, and that's adjustable, so, just bear with me here, my water is on the outside of this waterproof bag, held in tightly, SO... Last weekend I went running and trekking up and down hills for hours and in my head I had no bag that I deemed appropriate for this, then I saw my 'Laptop Backpack', adjustable straps, CHEST STRAP, water tightly secured on the outside, pockets for everything, sunglasses, snacks, keys, camera, layers, laptop - ok I made utterly no use of the laptop compartment for this particular trip, and what a joy, I didn't get a sweaty back either. So yes, take it to work, but also take it cycling, walking, hiking and travelling.

  One-take-wonder, Steve Cockerill shares his wisdom on why we've designed hiking boots and toe-straps down to the last fiber, why they're so effective and what you need to do to get the most out of your hiking.

  As life slowly becomes more like how we remembered it to be, as events, regattas, and races get planned with fingers crossed and bated breath, we'd like to share with your our campaign to form stronger communities, great attitudes, and supportive roles within our watery world. For us, this sport is for everyone, and we can all see it growing. After a very long period of reflection across the world there has been no better time to encourage that growth, inspire it, educate more people on safety, technique and how to make get the most out of your time on the water, and finally, to facilitate access to reliable, quality kit for as many people as we can. We hope you have a great season on the water!The Rooster Team

Strong flex, I know, but you have a look at the list and see for yourself, you don't acquire a top tier team of die-hard watersports enthusiasts without creating some exciting solutions from time to time. We're also big fans of feedback and never ending development.  1. Joey Water Bottle Holder Water bottle holder sounds like a simple idea and certainly not a new concept but this is a whole new world of a solution, keeping things lighter & softer on your vessel as well as easy to remove and put back on somewhere else, washable and secure. Use the velcro straps at either end of the neoprene sleeve to wrap around your boat spars, rails , masts, tubes or even a dry bag or bungee at the front or your SUP or Kayak. It actually won a DAME design innovation award in 2019 so naturally I had to give it top spot in the blog. 2. Combi Gloves It's like if your gloves could do more than just one thing. The Combi Gloves came out of a requirement to be even warmer for your hands on those cold, wet, windy waves. Hands are always the first to go and make us want to rush back to shore, we've all been there, trying to push through the total numbness in your fingers. Initially designed for that awful wait between sailing races in the cold, the Combi Gloves have a hidden pocked at the back of the hand from which to pull out an Aquafleece® (water and wind resistant) mit to put over the top of the neoprene fingers. Naturally, you wouldn't want to race with them like this, hence the stow away pocket for action mode. You could even go one step further and get some hand warmer pouches and slot them into that pocket into the back of the hand as well. If you're familiar with Rooster then you're familiar with our obsession with layering (if you're not, well.. we have an obsession with layering - best way to get warm, best way to get cool), these gloves are just the next step up, we encourage the use of our glove liners underneath as well in cold temperatures and have found the Combi Gloves to be great for SUPping and Kayaking as well, any cold water training and you have to give these a look in.NB sports where over gripping becomes an issue and you start to develop forearm pump - Wakeboarding, Kitesurfing, windsurfing etc. - take a look at wearing just our glove liners Hot Hands or PolyPro™ glove liners they are much thinner than any neoprene gloves on the market but still give you more warmth than none.     3. RaceArmour Deck Pads for Technical Shorts Padding your clothing isn't just for dinghy hikers and rugby shoulders. Technical Shorts are cooling, abrasion resistant shorts with well designed pockets and systems that are hugely functional and comfortable for the competitive keelboat sailor, our Deck Pad inserts take them another step further. We have designed Technical shorts to be able to fit these in seamlessly. Made of M.I.S.R.A foam (Mouldable Impact Shock Resistant Armour) that is very firm for shock absorption as well as memory active to perfectly mould to your unique shape for comfort and ease of movement. Keelboat hiking just became painless.   4. Race Armour Knee Pads There comes a point in all of our lives where we just cannot stop complaining about our knees, at that level I can't think of who these would not suit but with an ultimately soft yet super abrasion resistant outer, these knee pads are most effective for anyone working hard on the water. We use NBR rubber on the inside – this has minimal water absorption so weight will not be added to the pads when wet, the properties of the rubber also mean that the pad will mould to your body slightly and also adds some shock absorption for those falls and knocks. This is all combined in a lycra sleeve with breathable mesh fabric on the back of the knee - because we all get back of the knee sweat and we don't want it. The long length means that the pads also have upper shin protection so if you are spending a lot of time plugging in at the bow on your shins and knees, you absolutely have to give these a go. 5. Splicing Toolkit I absolutely froth a organising solution, I'm all about travel pouches, pencil cases, tea bag organisers and peg boards. Nothing can fuel an obsession quite like an organiser for it and splicing is quite the skill to obsess over. In the grand scheme of things splicing is an incredibly niche market but we're so obsessed with it that we wanted to fuel your fire, fan the flames, put you up on a plinth and tell you to splice your heart out and be proud of it! Or, y'know we just wanted one for ourselves so we made one for everyone too. Compartments for all your splicing tools, lighter, whipping twine, palm, reinforced cushion for sewing needles available with contents or without contents. An absolute dream if you were ever the kid in school who had a new pencil case every year.   6. Rooster Pro Grip - Brushed EVA Deck Tape Another chandlery one for the Chang Gang (We call chandlery 'chang' here, changers, chang heads chang fans everything chang in the office, we don't know where the 'g' came from in the abbreviation either but it stuck). We've been working on a video for this so stay tuned. It's quite difficult to explain and get across just how great it is when what it is seems so simple, there was a trapeze sailor in the States who posted a video of himself absolutely losing it over how epicly sticky it actually is. It's for your rails and deck, it moulds to fit the surface applied to providing a strong connection and durable grip. When you want to remove it, it's easy and clean and does not leave any residue when peeled off - which is a pretty big flex in the world of deck grip and we're proud of it. It's also available in 6 different colours so you hard to please pink or orange lovers will have an absolute field day. 7. Hot Hands & Hot Socks I mentioned the importance of glove liners above but we also do like to bang on about the importance of socks and boot liners as well - ones that are well adapted to conditions on the water, because the next thing to go after your fingers is your toes (sometimes toes go first, I know, but it really depends on the person, the sport and the conditions on the day). Our Hot Hands and Socks have a lightweight titanium lining and are 0.5mm neoprene, very thin but with a warm silvery material against your skin, designed to get as hot as possible. 8. Aquafleece® Neck Gaiter An oldie from Rooster but a goodie, so good that the motorcyclists have got involved in a big way. Aquafleece® (wind and waterproof) on one side and breathable brushed Polypro™ on the other with an adjustable toggle, it's an invention that's almost infallible. So simple yet totally versatile, if you push the toggle all the way in you have a make-shift hat but for the most part you'll have it on your neck and pull it over your face when you start getting that face-freeze (you know the one) or go full open face balaclava, goes well under a helmet too, hence the latest enthusiasm from motorcyclists, but you don't have to be wearing a full face helmet to reap the benefits of the gaiter. 9. Recycled Knit Beanie As well as practical innovation we have a duty to look forwards, our materials, packaging, shipping, ways of doing things, making things, working on things and seeing things is always improved upon so that we are providing the most economical, environmentally friendly products that we can. The Recycled Knit beanie is on here as an individual example of the work we've been doing to push forward, recycle and clean the planet. It's a humble step but these beanies mean that there might just be fewer plastic bottles floating out on the water and that's cool with us. 10. Aquafleece® Balaclava Let me take you back to the Aquafleece® Neck Gaiter but raise you an entire face with a hole for your eyes, perfect if you just want to cover the hell up in the cold because that face freeze is no joke, we feel it, it's refreshing, then it slowly becomes a fun killer, I'd put it as maybe the third thing to go after you start feeling that numbness in your hands and feet.   We always have more on the go but this combination of our most loved, most innovated and latest accessory developments is really why we love what we do and how we do it. Nothing is made without testing - it gives us an excuse to go out and test it obviously - you have no idea how often we get asked if we need something tested but we don't have any samples because one of us (Steve) is already out testing it, Kate (our product designer) has to put new kit under lock and key until it's ready for testing. Let us know your thoughts and give us your feedback because we can't ever stop developing.

Here are some ingenious tips and tricks to make your kit bag work harder for you this winter without breaking the bank. TIP #1: Cold Hands and Feet Your trusty sailing gloves and boots haven't let you down all summer but the rapidly dropping water and air temperatures are leaving your extremities cold and numb.  I can manage down to 8 degrees by adding some glove liners  such as Hot Hands or PolyPro™ Glove Liner. We also have a number of options on sock liners you can wear with your wetsuit boots to keep you toasty. If your boots are already on the right side, then take a look at Hot Socks, Thermaflex Wetsocks and PolyPro™ Sock Liner or if you have some space in your boots  then try the Supertherm Wetsocks are sooooo warm.  The fabrics and thicknesses vary depending on each individuals needs and the great thing is they can be used for a range of other sports too, like SUP'ing, cycling, skiing and Although our biggest selling glove by far is the Aquapro Glove, If you need some super warm hands - then the NEW Combi Glove will hit the spot with a space for a hot sachet where the tuck away mitten lives.  I've enjoyed super warm hands whatever the weather.  Check out the Fell Running Guide's review on our socks, and he also uses our glove liners when racing :) If the options seem confusing, give us a call and we'll guide you through the range.  Photo Credit: www.fellreunningguide.co.uk   TIP #2: Cold Ears/ Ice Cream Headache! Winter showers, hail, snow or an unexpected dunking, the most important part of your body to keep warm and dry is your head. It's amazing the difference putting a hat on can make to your day on the water. Even in Summer it's worth carrying a hat in case you find yourself hanging around in between races. Our Pro Aquafleece® Beanie gives you the comfort of a fleece lining, while the waterproof outer and taped seams work to keep the water out. It was one of my favourites:   Cold ears? Try our Heabands - I have even used them Cross Country Skiing.  The updated Superthem Beanie has become my winter favourite.  I like the way it stays on my head whatever with its new elastic drawcord.   TIP #3: My summer wetsuit is great, I don't need another one but I'm COLD!! Get your base layer right. Lycra rash vests are out I'm afraid, the fabric is designed to keep you cool so these should only be worn to protect you from UV rays. PolyPro™ base layers are in and will make a huge difference to your core temperature. Once again, these items can be used across multiple sports and activities. The brushed, fleece-like lining is very soft and comfortable next to your skin and the polypropylene fabric is naturally hydrophobic which means it repels water rather than absorbing it.    TIP #4: I'm STILL cold :-( Take a look at your first line of defence, what's keeping the wind, rain, snow and spray out? Our Aquafleece® revolutionised the standard spray top - waterproof outer AND a soft fleece lining, the perfect combination! You can wear it all year round too, just adjust the layers you wear underneath in the warmer months to stop you overheating. Our range is available in a number of different colours, styles and constructions - watch this video to find out more.   Check your Neoprene Thickness Next is to look at the thickness of the neoprene you are wearing. Usually, less than 3mm neoprene is used in the summer months or in warmer climates. We would recommend our Men's Supertherm range or our Women's Supertherm range which is 4mm and provides good warmth in colder months. A Supertherm Longjohn and Top Combo is very cosy. Our Pro Hikers are also 4mm and can be paired with our Supertherm Top which is what I wear for most of the winter months - but only when combined with our awesome Poly Pro base layers.    Who said its too cold to go sailing!!     

Rooster is one of the biggest Buoyancy Aid designers and manufacturers in Europe and has a vast amount of sailing experience within the team. You can be sure that once you have read this you will know what buoyancy aid will suit your requirements. If you are buying a buoyancy aid for the first or even the nth time, this article will help you work through the different versions, styles and specifications of those on the market. Our different buoyancy aids, often mistakingly called life jackets, have unique features that make them suitable for kayaking, SUP-ing, kite surfing, high-performance trapeze boat sailing, single-handed sailing, sports boat sailing and junior sailing. We tend to use the industry term PFD which stands for Personal Floatation Device. Which Buoyancy Aid is right for me? Our 50N overhead PFD took its inspiration from a kayak pattern and has been super popular with high-performance dinghy racers who want a clear view of their trapeze hook or who are looking for a PFD that gives them a good clearance with a low boom. Its high cut volume gives you extra manoeuvrability with your arms - so it is super comfortable sheeting or paddling. It also comes in a junior overhead PFD is the same volume as the small adult but has leg straps. As they grow, you can remove the leg straps and still have a functioning PFD as they grow. One possible drawback is as an overhead PFD, it can be slightly harder to put on for those with less flexibility. Every effort has been done to ensure that the foam has been shaped around your chest for comfort and that the adjustments have been covered by neoprene to reduce snagging, This can make it a little awkward to release the tensioning straps at the side (the ladder locks are hidden under the neoprene cover) but once you have felt the ladder lock under the neoprene with your thumb, you can release the tension from the outside of the neoprene. If you are looking for a junior PFD for your 8 year old - then the junior front zip makes it really easy to fit as your youngster only needs to stand in the loops when it is undone and you just zip them in. On the other end of the spectrum, we have our newest addition, the low profile 50N CE impact neoprene buoyancy aid, specifically developed to fit snugly in all the right places. Unique to Rooster, this CE12402-5 Approved certified buoyancy aid is an advance in our buoyancy aid range. I have been wearing the initial sample 50N CE impact PFD for a couple of years during its development. I wanted something that I did not know was on me and was as slim as it could be. We also wanted the smaller chest sized sailors had sizes that fitted snugly but also offered the required buoyancy for their weight. Used by high-performance dinghy racers wakeboarders, windsurfers and kitesurfers. You can tell how much we loved the final samples by our reaction in the office back in Autumn 2019. EN ISO 12402-5 Side Zip PFD Our Side Zip Buoyancy Aidis a less sporty more general-purpose side zip option which is simpler and easier to put on and also uses the same softest foam for ultimate comfort we find in all our pfds. The foam does not have the internal shaping that we use on the Black Diamond Overhead PFD, but it is thinner which makes it more flexible. You do, however, have to remember to zip and clip once it is on before it will offer you the security you require. You would have seen my Father wearing a side zip version when he was sailing his GP14 until he hung up his sailing boots 86 in 2015. All of our specifications have passed regulations for use in dinghy sailing and both conform to the 50N rule detailed in the rule book we all sail by. You may, however, notice that this 50N rule does not mean that every PFD has 50N of thrust - since smaller users would find too much buoyancy a hindrance - the 50N rule laid out in the specification details the required amount of lifting thrust required for the weight of sailor. Still confused - give our technical or sales team a call on 01243 389997.

Malachy's come up with an awesome way to re-use the packaging that your kit was sent in!

It's the little things that make the biggest difference to how you get on out there on the water. Gloves, boots, headwear, each needs to work for your climate, your sport and your personal preference. We're on hand to help you get it right. £67.95 PRO LACED BOOT ANKLE STRAP £49.50 ALL PURPOSE BOOT £22.50 DURA PRO 5 FINGERS £27.50 PRO RACE 5 FINGERS £49.50 LOW CUT BOOT £27.50 PRO RACE 2 FINGERS £23.50 DURA PRO 2 FINGERS £28.50 ALL WEATHER NEOPRENE

Getting technical about shorts... here's one for all you Tech Shorts enthusiasts, a bit of detail about our latest system in place to surpass that deck grip and guarantee a cushiony soft seat on the rail every time.

Low profile neoprene buoyancy aid, specifically developed to fit snugly in all the right places. Unique to Rooster, this CE12402-5 certified buoyancy aid is an advance in our buoyancy aid range. Complemented by minimalist styling to match the maximum kit combinations. It is longer and thinner to be less bulky when worn – there is minimal adjustment to limit bulk, however, the neoprene allows it to stretch to fit your body size. SHOP IMPACT BUOYANCY AID GREY SIGNAL BLUE   AZURE WHITE

Women's Sport Shorts & Sports Bra from Rooster® on Vimeo. 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.  

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

Lockdown Boat Bimble Offer: There's no Better Time Than Now from Rooster® on Vimeo.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, wearing the right kit for the conditions and being comfortable on the water can affect your enjoyment, safety and results. The buzz word in the technical marine clothing industry at the moment is “layering,” but what does that actually mean? The idea can be confusing, particularly in winter when too many layers of warm clothing can leave you looking like the Michelin man and unable to move. Thanks to advances in fabric technology and the way these are applied to the design and fit of sailing kit, you can find that you can get away with a “less is more” approach to your kit bag. Rooster®’s approach to manufacturing sailing kit starts primarily with the end-user in mind. Our products are specifically designed to give the wearer maximum comfort, safety and functionality whilst maintaining quality and durability - it won’t break the bank either.   The Rooster® layering concept involves selecting a base layer, mid layer and top layer that is interchangeable and can be worn all year round – and this is where you get your value for money. Choose pieces that can be layered up or down depending on the temperature and conditions, this is particularly important for Brits who can experience four seasons in one day. The Rooster® base layer is called PolyPro™ and should be worn next to your skin underneath your wetsuit. Another buzz word in the industry is “hydrophobic” which basically means the material repels water. These base layers can be washed overnight and will be dry by morning, in fact they feel dry to the touch when you take them out of the washing machine. They’re also multi-purpose and can be used for skiing, winter cycling and running, basically any time you feel like you need to put thermals on. Our PolyPro™ base layers are available as a top, leggings, glove liners, socks, head band and balaclava.  Learn more about PolyPro;    The mid layer is your neoprene layer. We recommend choosing a longjohn and top as they can be worn as separates depending on the conditions. We offer these products in a range of thickness to suit the climate the sailor predominately sails in and whether they tend to feel the cold or not. The most popular with our year-round sailors is the SuperTherm® 4mm Longjohn.  For the occasional fair weather sailor or for those lucky to sail in warmer waters, the ThermaFlex® 1.5mm Longjohn would be more suitable. These can be paired up with a top of the same neoprene thickness, however many opt for a thinner layer combining a 4mm Longjohn with a 1.5mm top. More about Supertherm® VS Thermaflex®: Finally, the top layer is probably the cherry on the Rooster® cake. Our development of the Aquafleece® material revolutionised the standard spray top. The fabric has a Polyurethane coating on the outside for water resistance, durability and flexibility combined with a fleece inner layer to keep you snug and warm - a combination that works well when wet or dry. It’s one of those products that people try once and never look back! Once you’ve added your accessories – Gloves, Boots, Buoyancy Aid, Hat – you’re ready to go and will be warm, comfortable and moving around the boat like a ninja! Best of all, you’ll have a wardrobe of interchangeable kit that will see you through all seasons. For advice on layering and which products might work best with your existing kit to give you a heat boost, just give us a call, we’re more than happy to help.   Save Save

I am keen that you start telling tales that Rooster now has a Teflon® impregnated wool tell tails set that enables it to work in the wettest of conditions. The picture shows the red Teflon® coated tell tale verses the green untreated tell tails. Our tests have shown that the teflon impregnated tell tales take up to 90% less water than normal tell tails. This leaves them free to fly whatever the weather. If you are like me, then your tell tales are probably the most important sail setting device you will ever use. I recall seeing a fellow Finish sailor at a major European event sailing with over 250 sets of tell tails on his Europe sail. It resembled a hedgehog rather than a sail - but the different angles the tell tales took were fascinating - perhaps that's why he was so fast - we were more interested in his sail than our own!

First Published by Nick Welbourn - October 2016. As the sailing season draws to a close many people will be packing up their boats for the winter and forgetting all about sailing for a while. But if you're one of those oddballs who’s getting ready to sail straight on through the winter, whether it’s for your club’s winter series or for squad training, like me, you’re going to need to make sure that you're prepared for whatever the lovely British weather may throw at you. I remember, three years ago, aged 11, when I was first selected for the Topper North Zone Squad I spent most of the winter simply trying to stay warm. At this time of year many young sailors across the country who have just been selected for zone squads etc. may be about to face the same dilemma so, 3 years on I thought I’d share what works for me. I began my first winter in a dry suit. It was OK to start with, I could just about stay warm and get through the day when training inland, but with a dry suit the warmth comes from what you wear underneath it and I really didn’t enjoy being bulked up like the Michelin man. Also, as soon as I started sailing on the sea, which sometimes meant being out on the water for up to 6 hours at a time, a dry suit just wasn’t practical. I then spent a long time trying to find kit that would keep me warm through winter, not restrict movement and not bankrupt my parents. That was when I discovered Rooster and, after trying various options, I have finally got there. I’ve got kit that keeps me warm in all weathers and I can concentrate on sailing and improving rather than just thinking about how cold my hands are! I think there are a few important things when trying to get the right kit to keep warm: 1 - Base Layers . A common mistake that you see people making in winter to try and keep warm is layering rash vest over rash vest. I tried it when I started sailing - it doesn’t work! The theory behind this is explained by Steve in this video. Once I’d realised this mistake and switched to Polypro it made a huge difference. They work really well as they wick the moisture away from your skin. For the autumn, and even on cooler summer days, I wear a Polypro Top under my sailing wetsuit and as the temperature drops I add Polypro Socks, Leggings and other layers. Photo Courtesy of Simon McIlwaine - www.wavelengthimage.com Rooster Topper Worlds 2016. 2 - Mid Layers Then comes the most important layer - the wetsuit. Rooster seem to have got this right with the Supertherm Longjohn and Top. My Supertherm Longjohn is probably my favourite Rooster product. By swapping and changing other layers I’ve worn it all year round, layered up in winter or just with a polypro top underneath on cool summer days. I can also fit my Rooster Hiking pads inside the long john.  3 - Extremities To keep my feet warm under my sailing boots in winter I wear a pair of Supertherm Wet Socks over my Polypro socks, just to add an extra layer of warmth, as it is very easy for hands and feet to get cold. What to wear on my hands has always been a tricky one for me as I find that I need both a lot of grip and also a lot of warmth; a tricky combination to find. I have tried normal sailing gloves and thermal builders’ gloves and loads of other types of gloves, but now I think I have finally found the right solution for me. I wear Rooster AquaPro gloves, which are really good because the fleece lining keeps your hands warm. They also keep your hands mostly dry and with the fancy PU coated Amara grip on them I am certainly not short on grip. I also usually wear a pair of Rooster Hot Hands which are basically a Hot Top for your hands! And recently I have been trying Rooster’s Polypro glove liners.   Photo Courtesy of Simon McIlwaine - www.wavelengthimage.com Rooster Topper Worlds 2016. 4 - Top Layer On top of all this it is important to have a good spray top to beat the wind-chill. In winter I wear a Rooster Pro Aquafleece. I find that this is a great product because, as well as having wind chill protection, it also has a lovely fleece inside to add even more warmth and the adjustable seals at the waist and wrists prevent cold water flushing when you hit a wave. Along with this I wear an Pro Aquafleece Beanie as it doesn’t absorb as much water as a usual knitted hat would if you happen to be unfortunate enough to fall in! I find that if you wear the right kit it makes sailing in the winter so much more productive and most of all enjoyable. Each time someone else retires from a race because they’re cold, if you’re still out there you’re assured of finishing one place further up the fleet! Nick Welbourn

After recuperating from 3 months of illness, I am pretty frustrated at not yet being allowed on the water. My fevers have finally subsided, informatory markers have halved, haemoglobin is up and I am now doing some pretty limited training - like cutting the lawn; which incidentally nearly finished me off! At the weekend my birthday treat was to race my Father in Law and Step son in Model Laser's® on Emsworth Pond. The wind was a nice force 3-4 easterly - and these boats could move! Armed with a Rooster Superlite Hybrid Jacket and a Tech Sweater sample, I wrapped up warm and had the time of my life. What was most amazing was that the Model Lasers® behaved exactly like real dinghies in terms of rudder trimming - so all the secrets from the first Boat Whisperer DVD's were put into practice. When on a run with the sail out too far - a gust would make it roll to windward, but with a quick bear away and sheet in - she was back on her feet and the acceleration from the manoeuvre was obvious - against the option of spinning out - this was a cool trick. Also gybing at the leeward mark - showed the classic sheeting in too early as the bear away was started meant the boat encountered a leeward heel that countered and slowed the rudder turn taking all the speed off the boat. The Boat Whisperer trick alternative was to turn slightly upwind, ease the sheet slightly before using the rudder to bear away - then start sheeting in as the boat is turning in its outward heel due to the turning force - and the boat would come out of the gybe speedy and trimmed ready for the beat. All the Downwind and Gybing Secrets on One DVD The only negative about the radio controlled boats was that I could not get in there with it. I wished I could have sat aft in the big gusts downwind to promote a plane rather than a nose dive - perhaps one day long in the future, there will be a radio controlled boat with ballast that can be moved fore and aft - then I would have to grow and extra hand or become an octopus to race that one effectively.