Associate Editor Aileen Mack joined Dockwalk in July 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. If she’s not at a concert or coffee shop, she is lost in a book, movie or a YouTube rabbit hole. Email Aileen at aileen@dockwalk.com.
In preparation for the summer, Zhik’s Spring 2023 collection offers more environmentally friendly watersports and shoreside gear, such as new ranges of shorts and polo shirts. The clothing brand works to make products that are better for the planet, and its crowdfunding campaign raises funds for research, design, and innovation to work toward this goal.
The lightweight, quick-drying Board Shorts are made with a four-way stretch polyester fabric composed of 95 percent recycled yarns. With a UPF50+ protective coating for UV rays, the shorts are also coated with XWR, Zhik’s proprietary PFC-free, water-resistant coating, that rapidly sheds water splashes and spray. The women’s shorts have a contoured elastic waistband with a large and small zipped pocket, whereas the men’s come with a drawstring waistband and a zipped leg pocket with self-drainage. Board Shorts are available in black and provincial blue.
Manufactured with a more sustainable dyeing process, the Elite Polo shirts will keep you cool, dry, and comfortable on and off the water with its quick-dry polyester-textured pique fabric. The e.dye process requires 85 percent less water and 90 percent less harmful chemicals, resulting in 12 percent less CO2 emissions compared to traditional piece dyeing. The polos come in black, navy, white, and ocean red, featuring contrast color stripes on the collar and hems of sleeves, plus space for potential branding.