WATERSPORTS BUOYANCY AIDS, BIBS & ACCESSORIES

What I love about Rooster is our team’s passion for technical development, a passion that consistently results in products that truly make sense for the sailing and watersports world. Steve has always been and continues to be a driving force in this process. Alongside Kate, our Head of Product and Marketing, and the wider team, we remain focused on creating products that are thoughtfully engineered, genuinely useful, and represent outstanding value for money. This summer brings some exciting new additions to our range. So whether you're a dinghy sailor, keelboater, or simply someone who loves getting out on the water, there's something here for you. Whatever you choose to invest in this season, we’re confident you won’t be disappointed. All we ask is that you share your thoughts, either by leaving a review or, if you’d prefer a more in-depth chat, feel free to email me directly at luke@roostersailing.com This season, we’re proud to: Launch the new SB1 Dry Smock, designed for sailors demanding reliable inshore protection Evolve our much-loved Technical Shorts, now available in both men’s and women’s fits Introduce our first-ever trainer with the SB2 Deck Trainer - a lightweight, flexible shoe with non-marking soles, designed for comfort and performance both on and off the boat. And expand our technical casual range with the Shoreline Jacket and Polartec® Fleece, both now also available in women’s styles.   Here’s what’s launching: SB1 Dry Smock Designed to perform where it counts, this latest addition to our trusted SB1 Inshore Range combines advanced waterproofing, breathability, and freedom of movement in a lightweight, high-performance package. Ideal for both dinghy and keelboat sailors, the SB1 Dry Smock is engineered for comfort, durability, and serious use on the water. Coastal Hi-Fits Cost-effective without compromise – our new coastal hi-fits deliver great protection and performance at a sensible price. Tough, breathable and cut for comfort, they’re ideal for coastal cruising and general watersports. Now available in junior and adult sizing. SB2 Deck Trainer Our first footwear product – the SB2 Deck Trainer is lightweight, flexible and secure. With excellent grip and a non-marking sole, it’s designed for confidence on wet decks and all-day comfort ashore. A perfect blend of performance and versatility. Changing Mat Bag A practical essential – our upgraded changing mat doubles as a tie-up bag. Ideal for changing out of kit on rough or wet ground, then cinching everything neatly away. Simple, clean and effective. Technical Shorts 2.0 – Reimagined A fresh evolution of our much-loved technical shorts. Featuring tougher, more comfortable fabrics, improved cut, and smarter detailing. Designed to hold their shape and keep up with long summer sessions on or off the water – and now available in tailored fits for both men and women. Shoreline Jacket A lightweight, waterproof outer layer ideal for everyday use on and off the water. With taped seams, windproof fabric and a structured hood, it offers reliable protection when you need it. Smart enough to wear ashore, functional enough for rigging, RIB rides or coastal days – now also available in a women’s fit. Polartec® Fleece A warm and breathable fleece made from 100% recycled Polartec® fabric. Designed for layering or wearing alone, it combines technical performance with casual comfort. Durable, easy to wear and ideal for cooler summer mornings or breezy evenings – also now in a women's-specific cut. What Our Customers Are Saying "The SB1 Dry Smock is a game-changer! Keeps me completely dry and comfortable during races."— Verified Rooster customer   "Perfect for coastal cruising. Lightweight yet durable, and the fit is excellent."— On the Coastal Hi-Fits   "These trainers offer fantastic grip on wet decks and are super comfortable for all-day wear."— On the SB2 Deck Trainer   "A must-have for sailors. Makes changing out of wet gear easy and keeps everything tidy."— On the Changing Mat Bag   "The new design is spot on. Comfortable, durable, and the added pockets are very practical."— On the Technical Shorts   "Stylish and functional. Keeps me dry and looks great both on and off the boat."— On the Shoreline Jacket   "Warm without being bulky. Ideal for layering and very breathable."— On the Polartec® Fleece   We hope you enjoy discovering and using these new additions as much as we’ve enjoyed developing them. We’re proud of what this season brings – and we’re always listening, so your feedback is always welcome, it’s what helps us keep improving. Wishing you a happy and fun-filled season on the water, hopefully with a Rooster product or two by your side. EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE    

Rooster is pleased to announce its second year running supporting the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships (WOKC) as the event’s exclusive clothing partner for 2025. This partnership reflects Rooster’s long-standing commitment to supporting women's competitive sailing and promoting inclusivity within the sport. Established as a key fixture in the sailing calendar, WOKC brings together skilled female sailors from across the globe to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship, resilience, and collaboration. The event not only showcases exceptional talent on the water but also continues to serve as a platform for empowering women in sailing. “We are proud to support the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships,” said Kate Morrison, Head of Marketing and Product Development at Rooster. “Our roots are deeply embedded in the sailing community, and this partnership reinforces our dedication to events that celebrate diversity, excellence, and the growth of the sport.”   As part of the sponsorship, Rooster will be providing on-site support throughout the event, ensuring competitors have access to expert advice and the right gear for peak performance. A dedicated pop-up shop will offer the latest Rooster products, giving sailors and attendees the opportunity to explore and purchase high-performance apparel designed specifically for the demands of keelboat racing. To further celebrate the spirit of competition, a selection of exclusive Rooster prizes will be awarded during the regatta, recognising standout achievements on and off the water. In the evening, Rooster will host a dedicated technical clothing workshop designed specifically for women in sailing. This session will offer an insight into the design, functionality, and performance of Rooster’s latest Women's Tech Shorts, highlighting the innovation and thoughtful engineering that goes into creating gear tailored to the unique needs of female sailors. This partnership underscores Rooster’s broader mission to equip sailors of all levels with the tools to succeed, both on and off the water. From grassroots initiatives to global competitions, Rooster continues to invest in the future of sailing through innovation, quality, and community engagement. Join us in celebrating the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships and the remarkable women leading the way in the sport. To learn more about Rooster’s commitment to sailing and explore our latest technical collection, visit our website.  

We’re thrilled to kick off the 2025 season with a bold new chapter in performance sailing by announcing our official partnership with the Magenta Foiling Team. As their exclusive clothing partner for the clinic team leaders and the participants who sign up to experience the thrill of the world of foiling, we'll be joining them on their mission to a sustainable female foiling talent pathway.  Being pioneers in both high-performance gear and supporting excellence in sailing, teaming up with the Magenta Foiling Team is a natural fit. Known for their fierce determination on the water, the Magenta Foiling Team embodies the very spirit of innovation and empowerment that Rooster stands for. A Shared Vision for Performance and Progress At Rooster, our mission has always been to support sailors at every level with gear that’s been tried, tested, and trusted in the toughest conditions. The Magenta Foiling Team, with their dynamic presence in the foiling circuit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport, represents the future of sailing and matches Rooster's commitment to facilitating access to participation at all levels.   Empowering the Next Generation The Magenta Foiling Team is known for their advocacy in growing diversity and inclusion in sailing. Rooster is honoured to support their broader mission of making the sport more accessible and inspiring the next generation of water sports enthusiasts.   As 2025 unfolds, we’ll be working closely with the team not only on ensuring they have the right gear to take them to their limits, but also on outreach initiatives that encourage more young women — especially in underrepresented groups — to get involved in foiling and competitive sailing.  What’s Next? Collaboratively, we'll be bringing you behind-the-scenes content and exclusive team insights from around the world as the clinics unfold over the course of 2025. Follow the journey through social media as we enter an exciting season with our new teammates.

We’re kicking off the 2025 season with some exciting news — Rooster is partnering with a fantastic line-up of classes, clubs, and teams across the globe to support the sailors and events that make our sport so special. Some of these partnerships are long-standing collaborations we’re proud to continue. Others are brand new for 2025, marking fresh connections with organisations doing brilliant work in their communities. Whether it’s powering young Optimist sailors or backing world-class racing fleets, we’re here to support performance, progression, and fun on the water. Here’s who we’ll be working with this season: 🌎 International Youth Teams 🇺🇸 USODA National & Development TeamsOur continued partnership with the United States Optimist Dinghy Association helps support junior sailors at every level of the Optimist pathway in the US. 🇺🇾 AUDO Uruguayan Optimist National TeamNew for 2025! We're thrilled to be backing Uruguay’s top young Optimist sailors as they take on regional and global competition. EU EURILCA Solidarity ProgrammeInvolving every nation—igniting the next wave of young sailors. 🇬🇧 UK Class Partnerships RS Tera UK ClassSupporting the next generation as they learn the ropes, build confidence, and discover the thrill of racing. RS Feva UK ClassOne of the UK’s most vibrant youth fleets — we’re proud to keep supporting this fun, fast, and friendly class. ITCA UK (Topper Class)A class close to Rooster’s roots, and still one of the best starting points for young racers. ILCA UK ClassFrom youth to Masters, the ILCA fleet is one of the most competitive in the world — and we’re excited to continue our support. RS Aero UK ClassLight, fast, and full of energy — the RS Aero class continues to grow, and we’re proud to be part of that momentum. J-70 UK ClassNow in our third year of partnership, the J-70 fleet continues to deliver top-tier keelboat racing across the UK and Europe. RS Class AssociationAn ongoing collaboration with the RS Class Association who support a wide range of RS fleets. Through initiatives like the RS National Tour and major class events, the association drives competitive yet friendly racing across the UK — and we’re proud to be along for the ride in 2025. 🌊 Expanding Across Watersports GBSUPNew for 2025! We’re excited to partner with Great Britain Stand Up Paddleboarding as the sport continues to grow across the UK. Magenta Foiling TeamAlso new this year, we’re proud to support this pioneering project empowering women in high-performance and foiling sailing. ⛵ Club Partnerships Hayling Island Sailing Club (UK)A legendary venue on the UK circuit — we’re looking forward to a big year of racing and community at HISC. Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (Canada)One of Canada’s most historic sailing clubs, now part of the Rooster family for 2025. Why It Matters Luke Morrison, CEO at Rooster explains: "These class and club partnerships are the heartbeat of Rooster’s approach to supporting the watersports community. Whether we’re kitting out a national team or backing the growth of club racing, we’re proud to provide the gear that helps sailors push their limits and enjoy the sport to the fullest."   We’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and sailor stories from our partners throughout the season — so keep an eye on our socials and tag us when you’re out there racing in Rooster gear! @Roosterkit     #RoosterKit #InYourElement  

As the breeze begins to warm and the days stretch a little longer, there's that unmistakable energy amongst the team - It’s the buzz of boats back on the water, spring sessions, and plans for the season ahead. This Easter, we want to take a moment to wish all of our customers, community, and partners a very Happy Easter from everyone at Rooster. Over the past few months, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for what’s shaping up to be an exciting and full-throttle season on the water. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve been up to: 🌊 New Kit, Built for AdventureWe’re gearing up to launch our new season collection, with a selection of styles already live in the Coming Soon section of our website. This expanded range has been carefully developed for coastal and inshore sailors, and also includes a few fun new essentials. Among the highlights: the SB1 Inshore Smock, Shoreline Jacket, Women’s Technical Shorts 2.0, SB2 Deck Trainers, and our all-new Coastal Hi-Fits. The SB2 Deck Trainers, in particular, have already been turning heads - not just on deck, but also among the SUP community, thanks to their lightweight design and excellent grip on wet surfaces. Whether you're coaching, racing, paddleboarding, or simply out exploring, this collection is built to handle real conditions - created for real sailors and watersports enthusiasts who love what they do. ⛵ Supporting the Future of SailingFrom junior regattas to international championships, we’re proud to support a wide range of events — not only at the grassroots level, but right up to the highest levels of performance. Our 2025 calendar includes sponsorship of top-tier sailing regattas, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) events, and coastal rowing beach sprints, reflecting our commitment to the broader watersports community. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation or backing athletes at the peak of their game, we’re invested in helping the sport grow — and we can’t wait to share more from the water as the season unfolds. 🤝 Growing the Rooster FamilyWe’ve welcomed a new wave of ambassadors, riders, coaches, and team members into the Rooster fold - all united by a shared passion for performance, adventure, and life on the water. This season, you can expect plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, product favourites, and expert insights from across the Rooster community. 🇺🇸 Looking Ahead: US Developments As our international presence continues to grow, we're currently taking time to carefully review our operations in the United States in light of recent changes, including updated tariffs and other regulatory shifts. The US remains a key market for us, and we’re committed to making well-considered decisions that allow us to continue supporting American sailors with the same care, quality, and passion that define the Rooster brand. We’ll keep you updated as our plans take shape - and in the meantime, thank you for your continued support, trust, and patience. This time of year is all about fresh starts - so whether you're clearing out your kit bag, upgrading your sailing wardrobe, or just itching to get back on the water, we’re here to help make it a season to remember. Thank you for being part of the Rooster journey — for choosing our kit, wearing it with pride, and sharing our love for life on the water. Wishing you a Happy Easter, plenty of breeze, and maybe just a bit of chocolate too. The Rooster Team🐥🧡

We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) National Team. Following a successful inaugural year, the collaboration will expand for the 2025/2026 season to include the US Development Team, further supporting young sailors in their pursuit of excellence. With over 25 years of expertise in providing premium sailing and water sports gear, we are committed to ensuring youth sailors have access to top-quality, versatile equipment. This strengthened partnership between Rooster and the US National Team and Development Team will equip young Optimist sailors with the competitive edge they need to achieve their goals. Sharing core values of excellence, dedication, and the drive to be the fastest on the water, Rooster and USODA are committed to supporting the development of the next generation of sailing champions. Luke Morrison, CEO of Rooster, expressed his excitement about the ongoing collaboration: “I’m extremely pleased that, after a successful first year of collaboration with the USODA National Team, we will be continuing our partnership into 2026. At Rooster, we’re passionate about inspiring sailors and helping people truly enjoy their time on the water. This coming year, our support will grow beyond the National Team to reach the wider USODA membership, and we’re incredibly excited for the opportunity to do so. We wish everyone participating in Opti events across the US a fun-filled – and of course, competitive – season ahead.” The expanded partnership will not only provide athletes with high-performance sailing apparel but also encourage a culture of learning, growth, and enjoyment on the water. Young sailors will benefit from our dedication to developing gear that meets the demands of competitive racing while ensuring comfort and freedom of movement. Sarah Chin, UDOSA US National Team Chair added: "I'm honoured and excited to continue the US National Team Partnership with Rooster. It's a privilege to work alongside a company who shares the mission of supporting the development of top youth racers in the United States. Our Optimist sailors have a passion for performance and Rooster delivers the technical gear young sailors need to reach their potential"   This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering young sailors and nurturing future champions. With our support, the US National Team and Development Team will continue to thrive, embracing every opportunity for competition, personal growth, and fun on the water. Here's to another exciting season ahead – filled with learning, sun, and the joy of sailing!

At Rooster, we’re proud to support the sailing community by helping events not only take place but also thrive. As a clothing partner, we provide high-quality gear that ensures sailors feel comfortable, prepared, and part of a wider community. But our support goes beyond just apparel - we work to enhance the overall event experience, making sure participants can focus on what they love most: being on the water. From grassroots youth events to international regattas, we’re committed to helping sailors of all levels enjoy, compete, and make lasting memories. We’ve put together a calendar of the events we’ve partnered up with this year, we hope to see you there! CHECK OUT THE 2025 LINE UP BELOW: Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here: Website tbc   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   At Rooster, supporting the sailing community isn’t just something we do - it’s who we are. Through our sponsorships, we’re proud to help grow the sport we love, giving sailors the support they need to chase their goals, whether they’re just starting out or competing at the highest level. We can’t wait to see what this season brings and to cheer on all the incredible sailors pushing their limits on the water!  

What is the Rooster Big Weekend? Is Rooster Big Weekend just another Black Friday event? Sure, there’s a sale involved - but for us, it’s more than that. At Rooster, we want this weekend to mean something. It’s an opportunity to connect with our community, make our quality gear more accessible, and stay true to our values. Why We Do It We get it - prices are rising everywhere. As a brand dedicated to quality and sustainability, we work hard to keep our products available while holding firm on fair manufacturing practices and responsible sourcing. We know that means some of our products may feel out of reach for some, which is why we created Rooster Big Weekend in the first place: to make it easier for everyone to access the gear they need. By offering special prices for a few days, we’re able to open up our range to a wider audience, so you can keep doing what you love without breaking the bank. How Rooster Big Weekend Is Different Rooster Big Weekend isn’t just about clearing out stock or pushing deals for the sake of it. Instead, we’re committed to offering thoughtful, genuine value. Each year, we focus on making our high-quality, durable products more attainable—without compromising on what makes them last. By creating bundles, exclusive deals, and even a chance to win a $250 Gift Card, we’re hoping to offer something extra for our community. Our Commitment to Thoughtful Shopping We all know that seasonal sales can lead to quick purchases and, sometimes, quick returns. As a brand dedicated to sustainability, we encourage shopping with intention. Choosing durable, well-crafted products not only keeps you geared up longer but reduces unnecessary consumption. This aligns with our mission to minimise waste, conserve resources, and keep our environmental footprint as low as possible.  Rooster Big Weekend gives us the opportunity to share these values and provide gear that fits your needs, all while offering a little extra incentive. As part of our commitment to giving something back during this busy sales period, the Rooster HQ team will be collecting a piece of rubbish for every product sold over the weekend. We’re working alongside our friends and partners at The Final Straw Foundation to make a meaningful impact on the environment we all share. Join Us This Weekend Rooster Big Weekend is more than a sale; it’s our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us. We’re a small team, passionate about inspiring, educating, and making quality sailing and watersports gear accessible to everyone. This weekend, we hope you’ll find the gear that’s right for you, that keeps you in your element… So mark your calendar, explore what’s new, and enjoy the weekend with us. Happy Rooster Big Weekend!  

When Rooster first set sail 25 years ago, its mission was simple: to make high-quality sailing gear accessible to everyone, from novices to seasoned sailors. Over the years, this mission has been upheld by not just a company but a family, both literally and metaphorically. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the journey that has made Rooster more than just a brand—it's a legacy built on passion, dedication, and a sense of community.  A Family Company at Heart  Rooster was founded out of passion and love for the sport, which pushed me to create products that enhance sailing to a wider audience. From the beginning, I envisioned Rooster as a family-oriented company. This vision has been a cornerstone of our success, fostering an environment where values such as trust, integrity, and mutual support are paramount.  Many of our current staff members have grown up with Rooster, literally wearing the brand through their youth sailing adventures. It's common to find stories of team members who started as young sailors, donned in Rooster gear, and are now integral parts of our workforce. This continuity and connection have created a unique team spirit where the staff are not just employees—they are family.  Commitment to Quality and Innovation  At Rooster, our commitment to quality and innovation is unwavering. Over the past 25 years, we have continually pushed the boundaries of what sailing gear can be. Our products are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, durability, and performance, ensuring that sailors can focus on what they love most—being on the water.  Our team, bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles. This connection to the brand's roots ensures that every product we release is crafted with the same care and attention to detail that I envisioned from the start of the journey.  Building a Community  Rooster is more than just a business; it's a community. Our commitment to supporting sailors of all levels has fostered a loyal customer base that spans generations. We are proud to see young sailors, like the children of our early customers, now competing in regattas wearing Rooster gear.  We regularly sponsor events to support and engage with the sailing community which is reflected in the strong bonds we have formed with sailing clubs, schools, and organisations around the world.  Looking to the Future  As we celebrate 25 years of Rooster, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of this journey.  Our dedicated hard-working staff have been pivotal in Rooster’s development, but nothing compares to our loyal customer base who have backed us from the beginning.    The future looks bright for Rooster so if you are new to Rooster, we will continue innovating, expanding our product range and supporting the next generation of sailors.      Here's to the next 25 years of Rooster Sailing—may our ‘sales’ remain full 😊 , and our course true.   

We're proud to share the launch of our newest innovation, the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits. The range has been engineered specifically for active sportsboat sailors and racers, offering unmatched performance, comfort, and freedom of movement on the water. The SB1 Inshore range represents a natural evolution for us here at Rooster. As we extend our presence into the growing sportsboat market, we're building upon our established reputation for innovative performance gear in the dinghy sector. Developed alongside our dedicated team of Rooster ambassadors and riders, the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits combine performance with sleek, sustainable style, reflecting our commitment to both the sport and the environment.   "At Rooster, we're always looking for ways to innovate and evolve to better serve our customers," says Luke Morrison, our CEO. "The SB1 range is a testament to our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of sailors. By combining advanced fabric technology with ergonomic design, we've created gear that allows sailors to push their limits and perform at their best."   So, what makes the SB1 Inshore range stand out? It's all in the fabric technology. Our Jacket and Hi-fits incorporate 85% recycled content throughout their fabrics and trims. They utilise a lightweight 3-layer laminate fabric, featuring a 100% recycled polyester shell with a TPU membrane, along with a polyester microlayer on the inside and a PFC-free DWR treatment on the outer surface. This innovative fabric provides stretch for maximum performance without sacrificing comfort.   But wait, there's more! The streamlined design of our products is available in two colourways, catering to different tastes while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic focused on key features. Some highlights include Cordura® N66 500 denier reinforcements for enhanced durability, fully taped seams for complete waterproofing, and reflective accents for increased visibility and safety. You can find out more about the Jacket and Hi-fits in the SB1 range on the product pages, where we also have videos describing the products in more detail.   We've also taken inclusivity seriously through the range. Our Jacket and Hi-fits have been deliberately developed in a unisex fit and rigorously tested on individuals of different shapes and sizes to ensure maximum comfort and versatility. Take a read of our other blog for a more comprehensive explanation of this.   Our aim with the SB1 range goes beyond just supporting existing customers transitioning into sportsboat racing. We're also excited to introduce new enthusiasts to the Rooster brand and inspire more people to embrace sailing. After all, it's not just about the gear – it's about fostering a passion for the water and its elements.   Ready to experience the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits for yourself? Head over to the range to get your hands on them today!  

We are pleased to announce the launch of our latest wetsuit range at Rooster®. This new collection sets a benchmark in comfort, performance, and durability, catering primarily to dinghy sailing while also considering other sports such as Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Wingfoiling, and Kayaking, ensuring versatility across various disciplines. With over 22 years of expertise in supplying premium sailing and watersports gear, Rooster® continues to innovate and redefine industry standards. Our latest range is the result of extensive research, customer feedback, and over two years of rigorous testing by Rooster® athletes and riders, aimed at delivering unparalleled comfort and performance on the water. In accordance with the familiar styles of our core wetsuit collections, we have upheld the Thermaflex 1.5mm and Supertherm 4mm ranges. However, these ranges have undergone enhancements in design, featuring upgraded features, materials, and improvements in performance and durability. Our latest neoprene range is a testament to our commitment and passion for watersports. Every piece in this range has been thoughtfully redesigned and redeveloped to meet the evolving needs of our customers, while staying true to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Tailored specifically for dinghy sailors, the new range boasts advanced features and fabrics that offer improved flexibility, heat regulation, and durability. These enhancements ensure maximum comfort and performance during water activities, with specialised features designed to optimise hiking and skiff sailing experiences. For instance, the women’s long johns have been refined with a more supportive and secure fit around the upper body, ideal for the demands of hike pads when hiking. Developed by a team of passionate watersports enthusiasts at Rooster®, this range embodies our dedication to getting people on the water in style and comfort. At Rooster®, we are more than just a brand; we are a community of passionate individuals who love the water. This new range reflects our shared love for the water and our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible gear to enhance their on-water experiences. The new wetsuit range is now available for purchase on our website where you can expect the same exceptional quality and service that Rooster® has been renowned for over the past two decades.

The Rooster Classic Hiking Shorts were the first technical clothing product developed at Rooster.  We had tried to get the UK Marine Clothing industry to make hikers but the standard reply was: "The market is not ready for hiking shorts". They were obviously not aware of the potential impact to make hiking in dinghies so much more effective. I had successfully worn some of the early Australian versions in the Laser (now ILCA) and was desperate to share the benefits they could provide and help other sailors feel the benefit too. This is where my passion to branch Rooster into the technical clothing arena began...  The initial development was slow as it was hard to get the factory to do what I asked them from 100's of miles away.  So I got on a plane to the factory and spent 10 days in their Research and Development department until we had some hikers that I could be proud of.  The initial batch was a mixture of half length and 3/4 length hikers with what I thought was a cool Rooster Sailing font.      From that moment on, my mission was to help as many people as I could where thereafter I spent the next year taking them round the UK Laser regattas trying to educate the sailors that these would really make a difference. So many times I would hand a pair out to someone to try and after racing taking a payment from a happy sailor who could not believe that hiking could be made comfortable.   The 3/4 proved popular as we laser sailors tend to use our knees quite a lot on the cockpit floor.  We were also trying to stay within the weight of our sailing gear rule and anything that could save in weight was worth leaving out - hence the lack of shin covering.  This lack of lower leg also makes them easier to put on.  It was not long before Rooster Hikers could be found in all hiking boats.  The initial batch of half length versions were less popular and so we pushed our investment into the 3/4 version.  I still see some of that first batch of half length hikers around some 22 years later. I think you could argue that we make gear to last. Since then we have got a bit cooler with the logo and improved even more on the durability of the product.  We have continued to make 'comfort' a strap word for the Classic Hikers by using slightly more flexible materials than the Pro Hikers.  The Rooster Classic Hikers were definitely the start of a development journey in Rooster's technical sailing kit and they are still very much a key part of the range today.