Gore Big or Gore Home!

For any serious paddler, having the ability to step in and out of a drysuit is essential. Maybe you are just jumping on the water for a power hour making the most of the levels, tide or light, maybe you are hopping into the car to race down the road for multiple rivers or laps.
There’s one certainty as a paddler, the last thing we want or need are damp soggy thermals making us cold, killing any motivation to get fired up and straight back on the water.

For as long as I can remember kayakers, canoeist and sup paddlers have been debating which dry gear is best. Ultimately in my opinion when it came down to it, the battle has always been for second place. No matter what company released a new suit, it’s never been exciting because nothing has been able to compete for that top step with the Gore-Tex drysuits already on the market.

But wait, NRS have introduced a brand new GORE-TEX Pro dry-wear range!

The waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Pro is perfect for drysuits. It's the Worlds most advanced technical material for performance outerwear.
This durable yet lightweight construction means you will have maximum movement for added comfort while allowing you to perfectly execute strokes. NRS, like many other manufactures in the current market, have fitted their suits with modern YKK entry and relief zips. The latex gaskets are protected with Glideskin over cuffs to minimise getting flushed with large volumes of water. And Gore-Tex pro fabric socks and abrasion resistance Cordura panels have also been added.

Having absolutely hammered a GORE-TEX suit on a daily basis for the past six years with it still proving its worth, I was eager to get my hands on the fresh faced NRS Axiom this winter.

So what were my initial thoughts?

Well the beautiful colour choice on the women’s suit comes in Mediterranea/Aqua or Poppy/Vino.
The men’s suit however, comes in Blue or Chartreuse, which if I had to hazard a guess, is possibly going to be a love it or hate it opinion.
For what its worth, I love it, the offensive brightness combined with the dark colours just work for me. It’s far from boring whilst adding huge value knowing I will be seen on the river.

The cut with the over shoulder zip has been well designed, making a great fit and wearing the Axiom on the water feels minimal. The Cordura panels are strategically placed in the ankle area which will aid suit protection on mega walk-ins through remote areas.

After a few months of heavy use, the GORE-TEX Pro became a go to item of paddling kit for me. This past winter I have been kayak coaching, whitewater racing and personal paddling around the UK.
Accompanied with the right thermals, as to be expected I have been toasty on cold and icy days whilst the materials breathability keeps me sweat free and comfortable throughout the warmer spring days.

Everyday I happily step into the NRS Axiom with ease, grab my paddle and get stoked to GORE Big!

Review credit: Lyndon Wiliams