Zhik Deckbeater X Padded Dinghy Sailing Shorts

Zhik Deckbeater X Padded Shorts for Hiking and Summer Dinghy Racing

Three races into a hot July afternoon, the non-slip on the side deck has started to feel like sandpaper and every roll tack lands you seat first on the gunwale. A long wetsuit is far too warm, but bare legs and board shorts leave you bruised and rubbed raw by the end of the day. The Zhik Deckbeater X Short sits in between: light stretch shorts with a moulded pad exactly where you sit on the boat.

The seat panel is compression moulded from Yulex natural rubber, with several thicknesses blended into one piece, so it takes the knocks and the scuffing without flattening out the way soft foam pads do over a season. Around it, recycled spandex stretches as you hike, dries quickly between races and blocks the sun with a UPF 50+ rating, while flatlock seams lie flat against the skin.

On warm days, wear them over a rash vest and nothing else. For an early or late season race, or a breezy summer day, pull them on over a long john or skiff suit to add padding and save the seat of your wetsuit from wearing through.

Padded Sailing Shorts Features for Dinghy Sailors

• Compression moulded seat panel that resists knocks and abrasion on the side deck
• Pad made from Yulex natural rubber that holds its shape rather than flattening over time
• Several pad thicknesses blended into one panel for comfort and protection
• Recycled spandex body that stretches freely when hiking and tacking
• Breathable and fast drying for hot days and back to back races
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Adjustable internal elastic waistband
• Non-itch flatlock seams that sit flat against the skin
• Wear on their own or over a wetsuit for extra padding

Materials and Fit

• 68% natural rubber, 12% synthetic rubber, 10% recycled nylon, 7% recycled polyester, 3% elastane
• 3D body mapped unisex fit
• Colour: Black
• Zhik style number SRT-0076-U

Wear It With

Pair them with a short sleeve rash vest for summer racing, or wear them over a long john wetsuit when it turns cooler. Add sailing gloves and you are set for a full day of hiking.