Over 200 paddlers from across Australia are converging on the Gold Coast this August for one of the country’s most iconic endurance paddle events, the Zhik 14 Beaches Ocean Race. Spanning an intense 18 kilometres, the race follows a challenging course along the coastline, finishing at Burleigh Beach. With surging swell, open water conditions, and exposure to the elements, this race demands total performance, from the athletes and their gear.
Now in its third year, the 14 Beaches Ocean Race has quickly established itself as a premier competition for outriggers, ocean ski and SUP paddlers. As the new title sponsor of the event and the Official Apparel Partner of Paddle Queensland, Zhik has kicked off a three-year collaboration to support paddlers across the state and beyond. This partnership represents a bold evolution for Zhik as it expands its legacy of innovation beyond sailing and into the broader world of water sports.
“Zhik is a global leader in performance wear for paddlers, sailors, and water sport athletes,” said Scott Sharples, Executive Officer of Paddle Queensland. “Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting grassroots to elite athletes aligns perfectly with our vision.”
When the race demands your all, your gear becomes a big factor in your overall performance. In a race like Zhik 14 Beaches, where athetes spend hours under the blazing Queensland sun, high-quality gear is critical. That’s why many of the athletes wear key pieces from Zhik’s growing paddle lineup, including UPF50+ certified Eco Spandex LT Baselayer Tops that offer advanced sun protection while remaining breathable and quick-drying. When conditions heat up, the gear works just as hard as the paddler delivering moisture-wicking comfort and thermoregulation across the entire race.
The Zhik paddle range extends across a refined selection of purpose-built items, each developed to meet the rigorous demands of elite paddling. Engineered for performance, the gear prioritises mobility, comfort, and climate control, essential for long-distance ocean racing in harsh Australian conditions. Every item in the range is shaped by direct input from top-level athletes, ensuring that paddlers from all levels benefit from technical design, durable construction, and intuitive features that enhance time on the water.
- Eco Spandex LT Baselayer Tops – Certified UPF50+ protection, breathable, and ultra-light, designed to shield paddlers from UV exposure during long hours on the water while allowing sweat to evaporate quickly and efficiently.
- Paddle Shorts – Stretch-driven design for freedom of movement, with panelled construction to reduce chafing and deliver unrestricted leg drive throughout every phase of the stroke.
- Microfleece Paddle Pants – Lightweight thermal protection with moisture control to keep paddlers warm in changing offshore winds and cool during high-intensity efforts, offering a versatile layer for varying race-day conditions.
- Water Sports Caps & Visors – Essential shade and breathability with lightwieht fabrics and soft sweatbands, helping paddlers stay focused with clear vision and sun protection when racing on the water.
- Zhik Breathable PFD – Streamlined buoyancy and comfort for ocean conditions, cut low for optimal clearance while providing security, minimal bulk, and exceptional breathability for extended sessions offshore.
“By working closely with Paddle Queensland, we aim to empower athletes and grow participation across the board,” said Johnny Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Zhik. “This close connection with the paddling world gives us valuable insights that inform the evolution of our designs.”
Zhik is set to collaborate with Olympic and national-level paddling athletes on the development of future products, ensuring every feature and seam meets the demands of modern water sport performance. Just as Zhik once redefined what sailing gear could be, it's now setting its sights on reshaping the paddling world.
From open ocean racing to everyday training, Zhik is committed to equipping paddlers with apparel that delivers — not just in performance, but in sustainability, comfort, and design. The 14 Beaches Ocean Race is only the beginning. As the brand continues to expand its reach across paddle sports, one thing is clear: the future of high-performance paddling gear is already here.
Explore the Zhik Paddle Range and experience the gear redefining performance.
