Jet Skiing, IRB & Powerboating: What to Wear
Whether you're heading out on the jet ski, competing in IRB (inflatable rescue boat) racing, or cruising at high speed on a powerboat, what you wear makes all the difference. The right clothing keeps you safe, comfortable, and protected, so you can focus on the ride and not worry about what the sun, wind, and water are doing to your body.
Here's everything you need to know about dressing for the water.
Start With the Essentials: Safety First
Before we talk clothing, the single most important piece of gear you'll ever wear on the water is a life jacket. Also known as a personal flotation device or life vest, it's non-negotiable for riding a jet ski, powerboating, or IRB activity. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't restrict movement.
Also check that your jet ski or IRB is fitted with a safety lanyard, the kill switch that cuts the engine if you're thrown off. Attach it to your wrist or life vest before every ride.
With safety covered, let's look at the rest of your kit.
What to Wear on Top
Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
You're out on open water, often under a blazing sun with no shade. Harmful UV rays are reflected off the water's surface, which means you're getting hit from above and below. Skin protection isn't optional. It's essential.
A sun shirt or rash guard is the best base layer for your upper body. Rash guards are purpose-built for water sports: they offer UV protection, dry quickly, and don't chafe when wet. Look for options with a UPF 50+ rating for maximum sun protection during prolonged rides.
For cooler water temperatures or early morning sessions, layer up with a technical waterwear top or a thermal base layer. Sharkskin helps your body retain warmth and regulate body temperature even when you're wet and exposed to wind.
Eye Protection
Polarised sunglasses are a must. Polarised lenses cut through glare off the water so you can actually see what's ahead, which is especially important at high speed. Make sure they fit close to your face to stay on when there's more spray in your conditions.
What to Wear on Your Lower Body
Board Shorts, Swim Trunks & Neoprene Shorts
For warm water and warmer days, board shorts or swim trunks work well. They're lightweight, move freely, and dry fast. For longer sessions or choppier conditions, technical waterwear shorts are worth the upgrade. They protect your lower body from chafing on rough surfaces, retain body heat, and provide extra protection against the elements.
Avoid anything baggy or loose. Loose items can catch wind or get caught on equipment, which becomes a hazard at speed.
Footwear: Don't Overlook It
Why Proper Footwear Matters
Slippery surfaces, slippery decks, hot surfaces, and rough terrain all make proper footwear essential for a safe jet skiing experience. Flip flops are fine on the beach, but not on a jet ski or powerboat. They'll fly off, leave your feet exposed, and offer zero grip on wet surfaces.
What to Choose
Closed toe water shoes are the go-to for water sports. They grip wet and slippery decks, protect your feet from hot surfaces and rough surfaces, and keep you stable whether you're boarding from a beach, a dock, or the back of a boat.
Our Everywear Shoe is designed precisely for this: versatile, grippy, and built to handle the transition from water to land without missing a beat. If you're browsing options, our full footwear range has purpose-built solutions for every water activity.
Wet feet on slippery decks are one of the most common causes of onboard accidents. Appropriate footwear solves that problem immediately.
Weather Appropriate Clothing: Read the Conditions
The weather on the water can change fast. What starts as a calm, sunny morning can turn windy and cold by midday. Weather appropriate clothing means layering smart.
- Warm days: Rash guard or sun shirt + board shorts or swim trunks + water shoes
- Cool or overcast days: Technical waterwear top + shorts + water shoes + thermal base layers if needed
- Windy conditions: A lightweight wind jacket over your rash guard or technical waterwear keeps wind chill manageable and helps your body regulate temperature during extended rides
Quick dry clothes are essential throughout. Wet cotton stays wet and cold, so choose quick dry fabrics for every layer.
Water Resistant Accessories: Protect Your Gear
If you're taking your phone out on the water then you should protect it. Water resistant accessories like a dry phone case are simple prep that saves expensive equipment.
Don't forget to secure or leave behind any loose items that could fall into the water or become hazardous at speed.
A Quick Checklist Before You Ride
- Life jacket / personal flotation device: fitted and secure
- Safety lanyard attached
- Sun shirt or rash guard with UV protection
- Technical waterwear shorts or board shorts
- Closed toe water shoes or neoprene booties
- Polarised sunglasses
- Sunscreen applied (even under a sun shirt)
- Weather appropriate clothing layered as needed
- Phone in a waterproof case
Gear Up With Sharkskin
Simple prep and the right clothing turn a good jet skiing adventure into a great one: comfortable, protected, and safe from start to finish.
At Sharkskin, we design watergear built for real conditions. From rapid dry tops and rashies to our full footwear range, everything is made to perform on the water so you don't have to think twice about what you're wearing. Explore our full range and gear up for your next water adventure.
