Special Report: Australian performance water sports apparel company Zhik has scored a major win with its industry-first high-performance neoprene-free wetsuit range.
Founded in 2003 by Brian Connolly, the creator of Dolby, Zhik initially focused on crafting high-performance wetsuits for elite sailors. Today, the company commands a large share of the Olympic sailing market and supports hundreds of athletes, from elite level, Americas Cup, and Olympic champions to junior and youth pathway sailors, through its various programs.
And now it’s securing partnerships with six of the 10 world’s top SailGP teams, including two-time America’s Cup winners Pete Burling and Blair Tuke from the New Zealand SailGP team.
The prestigious SailGP circuit, featuring the best sailors on the planet, is renowned for pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. As the demand for sustainable, high-performance gear intensifies, Zhik’s CEO, Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor Mat Belcher, said the new range and partnerships underscore the company’s commitment to meeting elite athletes’ demands without compromising environmental responsibility.
“Our customers expect us to drive sustainability in our industry,” he said.
“Many of our customers are elite athletes who cannot compromise on performance, but they care deeply about the environmental impact of the gear they use.”
“The challenge was to create a wetsuit that ticked both boxes, and we’ve been able to do that with this new range.”
Crafted from sustainable, plant-based Yulex rubber, the new wetsuit collection offers superior thermal insulation, comfort, durability, and mobility, generating 80 percent fewer CO2 emissions than conventional neoprene wetsuits.
The fabric is also infused with graphene, an advanced nanoscale 2D material that can return up to 20 per cent more body heat. This keeps wearers warmer for longer, regulates temperatures during low-intensity activities, and aids the drying process.
SailGP NZ crew member Blair Tuke. Image Supplied.
Six SailGP teams have decided to adopt Zhik’s neoprene-free wetsuits, a resounding endorsement of the company’s sustainable approach. As the sailing community grapples with its environmental impact, Zhik’s initiative represents a significant stride towards mitigating the sport’s ecological footprint while maintaining the highest performance standards.
Over 18 months, Zhik collaborated closely with SailGP teams to test and refine the wetsuit range, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of elite sailing. Blair Tuke, co-CEO and Wing Trimmer of the Black Foils New Zealand SailGP Team, hailed Zhik’s initiative as a significant step forward in pursuing sustainable water sports gear.
“By demonstrating that high performance and sustainability can coexist, Zhik is setting a precedent that could disrupt the sailing wetsuit industry and inspire other manufacturers to adopt better practices,” he said.
Zhik accelerated its global growth plans following a successful capital raise 12 months ago. The $2 million raise, backed by Notable investors, including Marcus Blackmore and Sydney private equity firm Nightingale Partners, was on a valuation of nearly $30 million.
This article was developed in collaboration with Zhik, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
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