We talk about watersports lots at NCW – that much is obvious. One area that we don’t cover as much – even though we should – is dinghy sailing. And specifically, dinghy sailing for kids.
Having the opportunity to bimble around in light wind, getting used to the way a boat handles and therefore intuitively getting to grips with wind angles (and how this affects steerings and such) is great experience for kids. We appreciate it might initially be perceived as hard to get your children into a boat (if you don’t own one yourself) but plenty of sailing clubs around the country offer taster sessions and ‘have a go’ days through summer.
Dinghies are fab for wee ones as it gives them confidence in something they’ll see as ‘big’. Which if it’s a double hander, for instance, will be the case. Obviously in this situation, an experienced parent or sailing instructor will be required to supervise. But if the sailing club in question has access to child specific boats (such as Optimist class dinghies) then your children can get involved on their own (albeit in light wind with a tethering rope attached).
Even if dinghy sailing isn’t the sport of choice for your kids it’ll give them skills that straddle other disciplines. For instance: surfing requires as much understanding of wind as sailing does. Piloting a dinghy will help develop this understanding. It’s also a way to observe the water from a slightly elevated position which also gives additional knowledge. And, of course, if your kids fancy a stab at windsurfing or kitesurfing then (again) dinghy sailing will help advance their skills.
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (chest zip)
Kids Winter Wetsuits for all types of watersports. Need a kids winter wetsuit? Do your kids get really cold in the water? NCW’s kiddy specific wetsuits are our WARMEST 5/3mm full kids & junior cold water wetsuits that we’ve ever produced. High end chest zip suits, without the premium price tag, are aimed at kids that need the anti flush protection a chest zip suit offers without sacrificing flexibility. Even if watersports isn’t your child’s thing they can be used for general beach fun! See our junior chest zip 5mm wetsuit in action here
Note: NCW does trade ins of ALL used wetsuits – kiddy suits included. If you’re looking to upgrade your child’s wetsuit, and have a pre-loved one you’re replacing, then get in touch. We can probably part exchange or buy your used wetsuit outright.
NOTE : Chest zip suits are top entry via the shoulder width of the suit and you have to pull the neck envelope over your head to zip closed. If your child has issues with tight fitting garments this may not be the suit for you. Even kids that may not initially like this style of wetsuit entry tend to get on fine with it once they have used the suit a few times. The benefit of the chest zip wetsuit performance, for most, outweigh getting used to putting it on. Here is a video of an adult putting on a chest zip suit for you to see if you are unsure, watch the whole video or skip to around minute 6 to see how this works. Let them put one on and if they are not convinced no problem to return, see our returns policy.
NCW kid’s winter chest zip suits are 5/3mm, offering plenty of flex for up and coming stand up surfers, they are made from super stretch neoprene. The special blend of neoprene we use in our kids winter wetsuits is soft and comfortable super stretch which kids are happy to wear whilst giving a warm and snug fit.
Features included in our kids winter wetsuits:
- High quality “Comfort Super Stretch” neoprene for good snug and comfortable fit.
- All seams glued and blind stitched to prevent cold water seapage.
- Spot-on tape at critical pressure joints of seams for added strength.
- Chest and back panels feature durable anti wind chill finemesh neoprene exterior and plush lined heat holding insulative interior.
- Interior lining made with low water absorption materials for quick drying.
- Anti flush envelope over head entry system.
- Snug fit anti flush wrists with rubberised cuff ends.
- Rubberised anti flush neck lining.
- DuraFlex reinforced kneepads.
- High quality YKK metal zip.
- Anatomical suit shaping.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION & SIZING. The drop down box to select size listed measurement is NOT child’s height but ankle to neck if you read below.
ALL SIZES £109.95
Want to read our fair returns policy first?£109.95
When you’re roaming about a dinghy the abrasive nature of swapping sides, clambering over ropes and continually moving requires a wetsuit that’s durable and robust. As well as warm! Being in a dinghy means less submersible activity and more chance of evaporative colling with the sailor being in the air. If your kid’s wetsuit in question can cope with this as well as standing up to scuffing and such then you know you’ve got a good ‘un.
NCW kid’s wetsuits are designed for all types of watersports – dinghy sailing included. So if your offspring are keen then give them the right kit for the job in question.
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