20 Years of Success & Innovation
While being the youngest high-performance sailing brand in the world, Zhik has a rich history, full of achievements. Since its inception in 2003, Zhik has been at the forefront of the sailing and water sports industry propelled by our product innovation and enthusiastic support of elite athletes.
Our elite athletes and high-performing teams see Zhik as a natural partner for their ambitions. Zhik has always been a brand that has strived to excel, whether in product innovation, supporting our community of athletes, or pioneering ocean sustainability initiatives.
Explore the incredible journey of Zhik, a brand fuelled by an unrelenting pursuit of innovation and an enduring passion for the water.
OUR HISTORY
ZHIK WAS BORN
The company was launched when founder Brian Conolly saw an opportunity in the sailing apparel market. From the Sydney Olympics, there was a clear demand for more innovative and technical gear suited to specific needs. This is where the unflinching focus on product development and improvement began.
TIMELINE
Gold at Beijing Olympics
The Beijing Olympics was the first Olympic Games where Zhik was able to support many of the world’s top athletes. Even in such early stages of the company’s evolution, we were able to push eight sailors onto the podium with 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. A monumental achievement for such a new brand to the sport of sailing.
Powerpads Launch
Our revolutionary hiking pad system was first launched giving dinghy sailors much more adaptability and customisation with their equipment choice. Becoming a favourite for hiking sailors this product has been a core part of the Zhik range.
Singapore Sailing
Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the Singapore Sailing Federation, kicking off a long-standing relationship with young and upcoming sailors.
T2 Harness Launch
Our innovative trapeze harness design becomes the new standard. And is soon copied by competitiors. The innovative T2 Trapeze Harness design reimagined the standard for trapeze sailing. It became the new standard for top level trapeze sailors around the world and continues to this day.
ELITE ATHLETES
Zhik has always worked with the world’s elite athletes, helping them progress and outperform their competitors. Zhik has supported over 100 elite athletes representing 23 nations, having amassed more than 50 Olympic medals and 100 World Championships. The Zhik team of athletes includes world-renowned sailors, kite surfers, windsurfers, and stand-up paddlers.
ZKG's Launch
Moving away from traditional marine footwear Zhik’s high-grip and versatile amphibious shoe, ZKG, was released while becoming an iconic and favourite item in Zhik’s water sport collection
Gold at London Olympics
Zhik's unwavering support for sailing athletes and dedication to performance was once again showcased at the London Olympic Games in 2012. Advancements in our innovative sailing gear, featuring cutting-edge technology, provided athletes with comfort, durability, and a competitive edge. We went the extra mile to make sure our gear was able to meet the needs of all the Zhik sailors, resulting in numerous medal-winning champions. In total, 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals were claimed by Zhik supported sailors.
ZhikGrip II Launches
Our innovative boot and strap locking system for hiking launches.
Australian Sailing Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the Australian Sailing Team.
America's Cup
Zhik produced the performance gear worn by Oracle Team USA & Emirates Team New Zealand.
British Sailing Team Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the British Sailing Team.
4X More Durable Ocean Wear
Zhik develops waterproof membrane 4X more durable than the competition.
New Zealand Sailing Team Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the New Zealand Sailing Team.
Danish Sailing Team Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the Danish Sailing Team.
Zhik Enters Paddle Sports
Zhik spreads its wings into paddle sports such as SUP & Kayak.
Gold at Rio Olympics
The third Olympic cycle for Zhik saw us sponsor many Gold Medal winning Sailors. A total of 18 Medals were claimed by Zhik sailors with 6 Gold, 8 Silver and 4 Bronze medals.
Avlare Launches
Our super water repellent material technology hits the market.
Xeflex Launches
Our heat reflective thermal technology is released, providing warmth without weight.
Extreme Sailing Series
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the Extreme Sailing Series.
World Sailing Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the World Sailing Federation.
Zhik Enters Volvo Ocean Race
Zhik joins the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time becoming the gear sponsor for Dongfeng Race Team & Team AkzoNobel.
SUSTAINABILITY
Our commitment to protecting the environment stems from our core value - Made for Water. Caring for the environment is woven into the very fabric of our business, so it is our responsibility to respect and protect it wherever possible.
We are driven to make products that are better for the planet. We support and are committed to sustainable initiatives that minimise the impact of the watersports industry on the environment. We aim to pioneer new materials, processes, and initiatives that are better for our planet and the people who use our products.
We can — and will — continue to push our industry to be more focused on sustainability. Find out more about our sustainability initiatives here.
Volvo Ocean Race Win
Volvo Ocean Race Win - Zhik was the official provider of sailing gear to Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018 teams Dongfeng and AkzoNobel, with Dongfeng being crowned the winner.
Our Eco Journey Begins
Zhik begins its move to a more sustainable, eco Friendly future by redesigning most of its packaging to limit or remove all single-use plastics. Zhik replaced plastic films, wrapping, and bags with alternatives made from either recycled paper and card, or plant-based plastic alternatives.
Inaugral SAILGP Series Win
Team Australian, skippered by Tom Slingsby, wins the first ever SAILGP series, with Zhik as their proud technical clothing partner.
Alex Thomson Partnership
Sailing Legend Alex Thomson partners with Zhik for his 3rd Vendee Globe Attempt on Hugo Boss.
Zhik's ECO Wetsuit
After significant product development, we launched our neoprene-free ECO Wetsuit, a market-pioneering launch in water sports apparel. Zhik’s ECO Wetsuit is sourced from sustainable, natural resources and recycled materials. The suit is created with 90% plant-based insulation, 95% recycled fabrics and utilises recycled material from 59 plastic bottles for one suit and top.
Gold at Tokyo Olympics
After a year's delay, Zhik becomes official partner for the Australian Olympic Sailing Team, helping bring home a bag of gold medals. Zhik partnered athletes claimed 6 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze medals across the many sailing disciplines.
Mat Belcher OAM as CEO
Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor, Mat Belcher OAM, retires from a professional sailing career of more than 20 years to take over as CEO of Zhik.
SAILGP Partnerships
Zhik partners with 6 out of 10 SailGP teams being their Technical Apparel Partner for Canada, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany and USA.
reZHIKle Launched
We’re proudly launched our new wetsuit recycling pilot program. Partnering with the leader in textile recovery and garment recycling, UPPAREL, to help divert wetsuit products from landfill.
Paddle Australia Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for Paddle Australia. with Australia's Jessica Fox winning her second gold medal at the Paris Games while wearing Zhlk.
Canoe NZ Partnership
Zhik becomes clothing partner for the New Zealand Canoe Association. Aiming to emulate it's success in sailing.
Spain WIn SAILGP Season 4
Spain's commanding win in the 2024 SailGP season, backed by Zhik gear, showcased their dominance in a thrilling finale, securing the overall championship.
Thank you!
We couldn't have done all this without YOU, the customer!
Thank you for sharing our journey and supporting our passion for sailing and watersports apparel for 20 Years!
The future is looking bright.
