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In this article, we answer two of the most common questions people have about sports windbreakers: “Are windbreaks waterproof?” and “What is a windbreak?”
In sport, weather can be the difference between a perfect game and a frustrating one. While rain, wind, and poor visibility can’t be controlled, they can be managed and that’s where sports windbreaks come in.
From tennis courts and hockey pitches to football grounds and multi-sport arenas, windbreaks are a smart addition to any outdoor facility. They not only protect players from disruptive gusts but also enhance privacy, improve aesthetics, and provide valuable branding opportunities.
What is a Windbreak in Sports?
In a sports setting, a windbreak is a specially designed screen or barrier that’s fixed around the perimeter of a playing area. Unlike clothing windbreaks, these are large, durable panels or mesh sheets that attach to fencing or frames.
Sports windbreaks serve several purposes:
- Reduce wind interference so players can perform at their best.
- Improve visibility by blocking visual distractions from outside the pitch or court.
- Increase privacy for training sessions and matches.
- Enhance the appearance of facilities with clean, uniform backgrounds.
- Provide branding opportunities for clubs and sponsors.
At Stuart Canvas, our windbreaks are made to measure, ensuring a perfect fit for each facility whether it’s a single court or a full-size stadium.
Are Windbreaks Waterproof?
No – however, the main purpose of a sports windbreak is to block or reduce wind, the materials we use at Stuart Canvas also offer a degree of weather protection.
- Rot-proof canvas windbreaks provide excellent durability and resistance to moisture, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use.
- High-density knitted polyethylene (HDPE) panels are highly breathable while still offering some rain protection, perfect for reducing wind without creating excess pressure on fencing.
- Our windbreaks are manufactured from UV-stabilised materials that maintain their strength and appearance even after prolonged exposure to the sun.
“While canvas windbreaks provide more solid coverage, breathable HDPE options with carefully selected porosity (typically 34–40%) can block wind effectively without overloading structural frames. Industrial studies confirm this range strikes a practical balance between performance and durability.” More Information
It’s important to note that no windbreak will fully waterproof a pitch, but both canvas and HDPE options help shield players, spectators, and equipment from wind-driven rain.
Choosing the Right Sports Windbreak
When selecting a windbreak for your facility, consider:
- Material: Rot-proof canvas for maximum durability and classic aesthetics, HDPE mesh panels for lightweight, breathable performance.
- Wind permeability: HDPE allows more airflow, reducing wind load; canvas provides a more solid barrier.
- Customisation: Both materials can be printed with high-quality graphics, and logos can be colour-matched to perfectly align with your club’s branding.
- Durability: Both are weather-resistant and designed for year-round use.
- Installation method: Securely fitted to perimeter fencing or purpose-built frames.
Our team works with you to design a windbreak that meets your facility’s needs from size and material choice to full-colour printing for sponsors.
Customisation & Branding Opportunities
Sports windbreaks aren’t just functional – they’re also a valuable advertising platform. We offer high-quality custom printing to help schools, sports clubs, and universities showcase their identity. Whether it’s a team crest, sponsor logo, or unique design, we can arrange for your graphics to be applied directly to the windbreak material in up to eight vibrant colours (depending on selected material), ensuring they look sharp, professional, and durable in outdoor conditions.
By combining practicality with personalisation, windbreaks become one of the most cost-effective upgrades for sports facilities – improving the playing environment while also creating opportunities for sponsorship and revenue generation.
Windbreak FAQ’s
Are windbreaks waterproof?
No – however, the main purpose of a sports windbreak is to block or reduce wind, the materials we use at Stuart Canvas also offer a degree of weather protection.
What is a windbreak?
In sports, a windbreak is a perimeter screen or barrier that reduces wind interference, improves player performance, and can be customised with club or sponsor branding.
How are sports windbreaks installed?
They are usually attached to perimeter fencing or dedicated posts using cable ties, clips, or rope to ensure a secure, weather-resistant fit.
Can windbreaks be used all year round?
Yes – Stuart Canvas windbreaks are designed for year-round outdoor use and can withstand changing seasonal conditions.
Whether you want to improve playing conditions, increase privacy, or create new branding opportunities, a custom-made sports windbreak from Stuart Canvas is the ideal solution.
For more information on Are windbreaks waterproof? Sports Windbreaks Explained talk to Stuart Canvas Group