December 17, 2019 2 min read
If you're hanging out the boat trying to keep it flat then hiking pads are going to be an essential tool for you to improve your sailing, make your boat sail faster, and for you to enjoy the experience a lot more.
We all know that trying to sail a boat and keep it flat can be painful, especially if you have a boat like a Laser or Topper which has hard edges, your legs will dig in and the harder you hike out, the more it will hurt.
We've seen all sorts of weird and wonderful hiking solutions over the years and everyone has their favourite.
We've seen padding on the side of the boat, hiking wetsuits, hiking harnesses which you step into and strap around your waist and shoulders, then individual pads that fit in many other ways.
Hiking has evolved and we're focussing on less bulk and less to get in the way while sailing.
Here at Sailing Chandlery there is one set of hiking pads that we struggle to keep in stock because they are so popular.
These are the Zhik PowerPads, now in their third evolution.
Zhik have evolved their hiking pads to improve them every time, all based on feedback from sailors of all events, Olympic Champions through to club sailors. When Zhik said they were releasing a third version of their hiking pads we were not sure how they could be better. The improvement came in a better fit, with a velcro tightening option over the top to help keep them in place on your leg.
The Zhik Powerpads simply slide up your leg and fit just underneath your rear, then your wetsuit goes over the top.
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My favourite rope for splicing
Solid folding lock knife, this is my third one (dropped the last and the first I had for over 6 years).
Looks like it will be good at cutting rope, I've only ever used it for cutting cheese...
we order some stainless beta pins, good price and very quick delivery.
Zhik described this range as medium waterproofness. Unsure what this means and whether I need a spare set of gear for stronger weather. Not convinced but it fits well and it’s a good make. Would be good to see a long term review
The Inglefield clip was invented by Lieutenant Edward Inglefield RN in the 1890s, it has been standard issue to British warships since 1895.
The idea was to make a reliable and fast way of assembling a hoist of signal flags, which they do very well.
I have had a long involvement with these clips, mostly for flags, but they have other uses, for example the West Lancashire Seabird One Design (a half rater) use the clips for their spinnaker halyard attachment to the sail, and I have seen a big version cut out of steel plate for a special job.
The standard clips are made from brass, these medium size nylon ones are clearly not as strong as brass, but they are good for small flags.
A further advantage is the avoidance of metallic stains on the bunting.
I don't think they would be strong enough for a big flag in windy conditions, but that isnt what i purchased them for.
Brilliant rope pack - thanks
Well made and arrived well within time frame really happy with the cover and service highly recommended
Many thanks to the team for advice on which products are in stock and which is most suitable.
This part fitted exactly.Excellent expert advice. Promptly delivered.
Regards Martin
Buoyancy aid arrived nice and quickly, and a nice little park of love heart sweets. Haven’t had chance to sail in it yet, but it’s a nice fit and great quality. Should be testing it out this Sunday.
Quick delivery, well made product and perfect for my purposes.
Goods as described. Arrived promptly. Everything as expected.
I bought the rope to replace rope for stage curtains at our village hall. It was speedily delivered in time for the panto and is smooth to use and does the job perfectly!
Great easy to use web shop, delivered on time exactly as described, will deffo use again
Finding it difficult to refuel & surprised how quick the fuel runs out
Came exactly as described --work well--delivered promptly
Vivian Fox
September 17, 2020
Will the Zhik power pads work under any wet suit (e.g. Gil)?