Abstract: A water vest for motocross riders comprises a combination of shoulder pads for the motocross rider, and a water absorbing and air cooling layer attached to the inside of the shoulder pads for overlying the chest area of the motocross rider. The shoulder pads are in the shape of a vest having a front face for overlying the chest area of the rider. The front face is perforated so it is porous to air. The water absorbing and air cooling layer includes an elongated jacket having flexible outer plies porous to air and water. A water absorbing layer, preferably multiple thin layers of a water absorbing material, are disposed in the hollow interior of the jacket. The water absorbing material is capable of absorbing many times its weight in water and is porous to traveling air when water is retained by it. Fasteners removably attach the water absorbing and cooling layer to the front face of the shoulder pads. The water absorbing layer is soaked in water and then fastened to the inside of the shoulder pads.