WIP Pioneering Protective Gear for High-Performance Water Sports

Having started out as a partner to the New Zealand America’s Cup team, WIP now specializes in protective gear for all water sports. To find out more about the innovation led brand that produces products of the highest quality, Source reached out to the management 

WIP Protective Gear

Please could we have a short history of WIP since it was founded?

Forward WIP is a Swiss-based company, born in 2015, specialising in innovative protective gear designed for riders/sailors who go fast on the water. WIP’s history began in sailing, which used foils well before other disciplines to fly above the water and go faster. WIP’s fruitful collaboration with team New Zealand crew of the America’s Cup made it possible to develop race winning impact vests and helmets, and to maintain this technological lead by being close to sailors and riders. Today, we are the safety partner of many SailGP teams, which represents the Formula 1 of sailing. Many sailing legends such as Glenn Ashby, Billy Besson, Loick Peyron have chosen WIP, as well as Olympic champions and World champions. At WIP, we are all passionate riders, windsurfers, kitesurfers, wingfoilers and surfers. Innovation is our DNA, we want to provide the best personal equipment available for flying catamarans, fast dinghies, and all riders & foilers to be protected when going fast on the water to help them reach their next level of performance.

What are the key product categories for the brand today and could we have a brief rundown of the current lines?

WIP offers a diverse range of products tailored for high-performance water sports:

1. Impact Vests: Designed to provide maximum protection and flexibility for high-speed water sports.
2. Helmets: Lightweight yet robust, offering superior protection without compromising on comfort.
3. Harnesses: Ergonomically designed for comfort and performance, catering to both beginners and professionals.
4. Wetsuits and Drysuits: Crafted with advanced materials to ensure warmth, flexibility, and durability in various water conditions.
5. Rider 4 Rider: Smart products to make sessions better for foiling enthusiasts.

Each product line undergoes rigorous testing to meet the demands of professional athletes and enthusiasts alike.

What makes WIP different from other brands in these markets?

WIP stands out due to its commitment to innovation and quality. Our products speak for themselves and are the result of extensive R&D and collaboration with top athletes. We focus on combining cutting-edge technology with practical design to enhance safety and performance in watersports. Moreover, our team’s active involvement in watersports ensures that we are constantly pushing the boundaries to improve and innovate.

How is the brand distributed around Europe?

WIP products are distributed across Europe through a network of specialised retailers, clubs, schools and online platforms. We have established partnerships with key watersport shops and distributors in major markets to ensure our products are readily available to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Our distribution is powered by a strong sports marketing program which makes the brand visible and approved by the sports top athletes.

Where is your best performing European market and why?

Our best-performing European market is France. This success is largely due to the country’s strong sailing and watersports culture, supported by numerous clubs, events, and a large community of enthusiasts. France has been a key hub for innovation in foiling and high-speed sailing, aligning perfectly with our product offerings and brand ethos.

What has been the highlight of the past 12 months? 

Our collaboration with top-tier athletes and teams has been a highlight, contributing to many World Championship titles and their preparation for the Olympics. Athletes like Max Maeder, Mathis Ghio, Lauriane Nolot, Luuc Van Opzeeland and others have achieved great success using WIP gear. These partnerships have not only elevated our brand’s visibility, but also provided invaluable feedback for continuous product improvement. In SailGP 2024, we were the safety supplier and partner to two of three teams on the podium with Spain (1st) and New Zealand (3rd).

What’s up next in the product development program?

We are excited to introduce a new range of eco-friendly products, incorporating sustainable materials without compromising on performance or protection. Additionally, we are working on advanced impact protection technology that promises to set new standards in the industry. Stay tuned for innovative updates designed to enhance safety and performance in watersports. We are incorporating our ECO CORK into all our helmets and continue to improve existing products.

www.forward-wip.com