With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, you’re probably wondering what to get that special someone. Well, maybe this year’s the year to think outside the (chocolate) box. By having your partner’s hobbies & interests front of mind, you’re more than likely to set the tone and get them a gift that hits the spot. 

Whether it’s paddleboarding gifts, outdoor swimming gifts, gifts for sailing or gifts for watersports - we thought we’d make it plain sailing with some gifting ideas for the water sports lover in your life. Or that loved one who has always been talking about trying something new and needs a helping hand to get started.

Beginner kit:

If you’re loved one is new to watersports or is thinking about joining the fun, here’s some essential kit that can be used on or around the water for a variety of sports:

Pursuit Buoyancy Aid

The Pursuit Buoyancy Aid is suitable for a wide range of watersports. It has a practical self-draining zippered front pocket and reflective detailing front and back for visibility, and the lightweight, minimum bulk design allows full freedom of movement.

Pursuit Full Arm Wetsuit

The Pursuit Wetsuit is made with 4/3mm zoned neoprene to offer full coverage, flexibility and protection when on and in the water. It also allows the wetsuit to be worn all year round for a variety of watersports.

Dynamic Long John/Jane

The Dynamic Long John and Jane are made from 3mm neoprene with 4-way stretch fabric. A front zip designs makes for easy wear. The suit can be worn for a variety of watersports, and they can layer under and over it, making it suitable all year round. 

Aqua Parka

The Aqua Parka has a waterproof, breathable and windproof protective shell and is lined with a high loft thermal fleece that keeps you warm even when you are wet. The oversize fit and stretchy welded seams will allow them to easily change in and out of clothes underneath. Perfect for wear after those chilly dips!

Advanced kit:

If they know their stuff when it comes to watersports, they may already have lots of kit. Here’s some more advanced kit that make the perfect gifts for water sports enthusiasts.

Verso Jacket and Trousers

Verso is our supreme quality collection of waterproof clothing. Crafted using ground-breaking fabric technologies, made from innovative design techniques and construction. It’s made to help push you further and go beyond the competition.

The Verso Jacket and Trousers are made from Lightweight and highly breathable fabric XPLORE+® 3 layer waterproof and breathable fabric and our exclusive XPEL® plant-based treatment which is both water and stain repellent. They also have a quick-dry inner face meaning they’ll be able to move with comfort all day. The trousers also feature reinforced seat and knees, a SuperStretch back panel and adjustable shoulders, and a super convenient touch-screen compatible cargo thigh pocket.

Verso Drysuit

Whether it’s paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, a drysuit does exactly what it says on the tin, keeps you dry when you’re on the water. And the Verso Drysuit is our pièce de resistance.

The Verso Drysuit:

• Has extraordinary waterproofness due to our XPLORE+® 3 layer fabric and XPEL® plant-based treatment.
• Heavy duty, durable TIZIP® MasterSeal waterproof zips, inner neoprene Dryseal gaskets at the neck and cuffs, and an adjustable overskirt to help refine the fit.
• One of its key features is the grown-on hood with 2 way adjustment which can be easily stowed out of the way to ensure performance is not impacted. 

Zentherm

Our Zentherm range was designed to deliver the perfect balance between performance and comfort when out on the water. The 4-way stretch fabric and zip free design ensure a skin tight fit to allow full range of movement on the water.

Outdoors kit:

For a lover of the outdoors, here’s our pick of outdoor valentine’s gifts that can be worn off and around the water:

Fitzroy Jacket

Whether it’s to wear down to the water, around the water or on a commute to work – the Fitzroy Jacket is a dependable companion made from a recycled fabric and insulation. It features a lightweight design, while being durable and windproof.

Shannon/Portland Jacket

The Shannon and Portland jackets are perfect for taking on the go when you need an extra layer of warmth. Made using recycled fabrics and hydrophobic water-repellent down – meaning you can stay outside for longer. And you can conveniently pack it into the chest pocket, making it easy to grab and go.

New Era X Gill Bobble Hat

Cosy and warm, with thermal protection technology, the New Era X Gill Bobble hat has soft touch thermal fleece lining to keep your head warm.

Voyager Backpack

Perfect for adventures around & on the water, as well as, away from the water too. The 30L Voyager Backpack is fully waterproof with its puncture resistant PVC tarpaulin fabric and stitch-free, welded seams - meaning you can take it anywhere, literally. Inside it’s got a padded compartment for a laptop or tablet and secure zippered pocket, plus two outer water bottle pockets and a clear map window which is great for any adventure. Check out the rest of our range of waterproof bags here.

Staff & Athlete Recommendations

For a little extra inspiration, we have also asked some of our staff and athletes for their Valentine’s Day gifting top picks:

• Rachel, the Marketing Assistant at Gill said, ‘I would recommend the Aqua Parka for a Valentine’s Day gift because it is versatile and it will keep your partner cosy, even after a cold water dip.’
• Lowri, the Technical Manager at Gill and a wild swimmer herself said, ‘I would recommend the pursuit full arm wetsuit with neoprene winter gloves and neoprene socks as a gift bundle for someone who swims.’
• JP and Charlotte from Project World Sail told us, ‘as a couple who sail the world together double handed we could not recommend Gill’s OS products enough. When sailing offshore we have to trust each other completely but we also have to trust the gear we’re in to keep us warm, dry and safe.’ 

If you’re still stuck, why not get one of our gift cards and give them the gift of choice?