TESTCENTRE
Wraparound Robe
Waterproof Changing Robe
COMPANY : NORTHERN DIVER PRICE : £ 70 TEL : 01257 254444 WEB : WWW . NDIVER . COM
There was little in the way of positives during lockdown , but one that was obvious to anyone living close the sea was the increase in numbers exploring what a wonderful shoreline the UK has to offer .
Whether kayaking , paddle-boarding or what I ’ ve heard jokingly referred to as ‘ Middle Class Mermaids / Mermen ’ ( MCMs ) who have embraced wild swimming , it seems that the popularity of our seaside resorts reached levels not seen since their Victorian heyday .
Also apparent is the popularity of changing robes in a variety of shapes , sizes and colours , as a means to preserve modesty pre- and postactivity . While some of the more expensive examples can exceed a hundred-plus pounds , Northern Diver ’ s belated entry into the genre at £ 70 is very affordable to those on more of a budget .
Manufactured from a fully waterproof and windproof fabric , the hooded garment has a 300gsm insulated fleece interior and fulllength two-way zip . Available in two oversize fits ( S / M and L / XL ) it ’ s deliberately designed with plenty of wriggle-room to make getting in and out of wet kit easy-peasy .
In addition to the above-mentioned surface sports the changing robe has plenty to offer divers . Northern Diver have provided roll-sleeve , Velcro cuffadjusters which have been designed to accommodate their dry-glove ( and other similar ) ring systems .
Using the robe over a prolonged period of time ( just as colder autumn / winter conditions began to take hold ) gave me plenty of time to assess its capabilities in a variety of scenarios .
For shore diving it simply cannot be faulted . Rather than struggle with a dinky bath towel while attempting to put on or remove my wetsuit , the robe was just the job , allowing me some dignity while the fleece liner also aided the drying process . Wetsuit diving from a RIB was also a successful experiment and I simply wore it over my suit after diving to retain heat while providing boat cover for others . Travelling to and from the dive site , the robe also afforded excellent insulation from wind-chill when used with wet and dry suit alike . The two roomy , zippered side pockets can be used for storage or to keep cold hands warm and cosy . A similarly-zippered chest pocket proved the perfect spot for keeping my mobile phone accessible , safe and sound . NH
SCUBA SAYS
Northern Diver ’ s Changing Robe is an efficient and affordable way to change , dry off or stay warm , whatever your watersport may be .
Mirror , Mirror ...
64
360 Observe Mirror
COMPANY : DIVING DISTRIBUTION PRICE : £ 25 TEL : 07850 565556 WEB : WWW . FACEBOOK . COM / 360OBSERVE
This latest version of the 360 Observe mirror now features a bright red bungee cord as an alternative to the previous elasticated strap . Using the same 50mm diameter convex mirror as its predecessor , it ' s designed to be worn around the wrist or arm as a means to easily check your surroundings , proximity of buddies or bubble-check your CCR without craning your neck .
As a photographer I found the ideal place for the mirror was affixed to my strobe or strobe buoyancy arm for easy viewing . Twenty-five quid may seem like a lot to pay for such a simple device , but 12 months down the line the mirrored surface is still shining brightly . It would also prove handy for tracking oceanic white-tips in the Red Sea , which have a habit of sneaking up behind you . Ah-ha ! NH
SCUBA SAYS
A handy rear-view mirror for divers that enables a close eye to be kept on buddies , bubbles and marine without cricking your kneck .