Flowers are blooming, Lambs are in the fields, and more cars are being spotted with toys (like kayaks) on the roof it can only mean one thing...
Spring is here!
At this time of the year the sunshine and crisp air encourages more of us to get outside and explore and enjoy the beauty of our rivers, lakes, canals and coastline.
But one thing we always forget is just how cold the water still is!
It really can be one of the best, but also one of the most dangerous times of year for us paddlers. We may be a little rusty from the off-season, so spending prolonged periods of time in the water unprepared could result in a really rubbish day.
Apart from whitewater paddlers in the UK (who rarely remove their drysuit year round), Spring is known by many across the world as the official start of the drysuit season.
Here are a few of our current top picks that you'll find in our range of whitewater drysuits:
Kokatat Meridian (GoreTex)
RRP £1349.99
Kokatat's highly regarded Meridian Dry Suit is the definitive whitewater and sea kayaking dry suit. Made with 3.21oz Evolution GORE-TEX® Pro Shell 3-layer fabric and Cordura® seat and knee reinforcement panels for supreme durability. The Meridian features an adjustable overskirt, GORE-TEX® socks, relief zipper, zippered chest pocket, latex gaskets, and neoprene punch through over cuffs. A limited lifetime warranty and Kokatat's custom sizing and option program ensures completely dry comfort for the life of the garment.
NRS Crux
RRP £789.95
With its innovative 4-layer Eclipse™ waterproof-breathable fabric and performance-cut design, the NRS Men's Crux Drysuit gives kayakers a new standard of unmatched freedom of movement and dry comfort.
Attached drysocks are made from the same 125 denier Eclipse fabric. The seams are taped on the inside of the socks, with double taping in the toe and heel area for extra durability.
For improved durability, we've used an extra burly Eclipse fabric in the seat and lower leg. Its high-density exterior weave provides maximum resistance to abrasion and puncture.
Palm Cascade
RRP £529.95
A multipurpose front entry drysuit with all the features you’d expect. A diagonal front zip can make zipping yourself into the suit easier. The same latex neck and wrist gaskets; YKK AquaSeal entry and drop seat relief zip; reinforced panels and socks as you’d find on our premium suits.
Peak UK Deluxe
RRP £625
A bombproof shoulder-entry suit, ideal for all whitewater kayakers. The entry system is a waterproof, lightweight, flexible and curved zip which offers incredible freedom of movement with minimum restriction.
There is also a waterproof vertical front fly zip. The fabric is a breathable and durable X4 midweight nylon with 20m waterproofing, with reinforced shoulders, elbows, bum, knees and ankles.
The socks are a fully taped X4 fabric with flatlocked seams. The neck features a supersoft neoprene outer cone with latex inner, and wrists have a latex inner cone with Aquaout outer seals.
Whatever your level, the Deluxe will look after you.
Yak Horizon
RRP £550
The Horizon drysuit is tailored using 3-layer breathable material technology, with enhanced waterproof properties. This, combined with the twin neck seal system, latex wrists and low-profile fabric socks, keeps the wearer warm and dry – no matter what the activity.
With an adjustable waist band, a unique stretch mesh back panel and adjustable braces, the Horizon creates a custom-fit feel for a wide range of sizes. Plus, the pre-articulated arms and legs provides unrestrictive movement to enhance the suit’s athletic performance.
The cross shoulder YKK Aquaseal, flexible dry zip is positioned for minimum restriction and allows the wearer to don the suit easily. Additionally, Cordura reinforced double layered seat and knees provide extra protection to the areas of high wear to increase longevity and durability.