Nookie time! –
Nookie wetsuit strides and
Ti rashie
w w w. o c e a n ro d e o . c o m
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Surface immersions suits (or drysuits) are slowly catching on in
UK SUP circles and Ocean Rodeo is a brand leading from the
front. Their sensible colour ways, cool snowboard styling,
feature packed suits and competitive price points should
ensure a large following.
s h e d : a c c e s s o r i e s
Hotting up –
Ocean Rodeo Heat surface
immersion/drysuit
Nookie apparel has been a firm favourite within the world of
kayaking for a number of years. Of late the brand has been
making inroads into the world of SUP, most notably sponsoring
Jersey ripper Aaron Rowe. We got hold of a pair of the brand’s
neoprene wetsuit strides and long sleeve Ti rashie to try out.
During the winter cold snaps we tested the brand’s Heat suit, which
arrived looking stealth in charcoal and black. Dom Moore, Ocean
Rodeo UK media relations guy, puts this to great use down in
Kernow – busting out downwind missions in Arctic temperatures.
For winter flat water days touring or race training, when the
minimum of water wear is needed, Nookie’s two garments fit
the bill nicely. Thick enough to protect from biting cold, if you
find yourself taking a dunking, and light enough to not
overheat during paddling, they’re must haves. The two
products also work in conjunction with a lightweight fleece
which staves off further nips from Jack Frost.
One noteworthy point was how easy the suit was to get into.
Many drysuits have super tight neck, wrist and ankle seals
which, while great for preventing water flush, doesn’t do much
for quick splash ‘n’ dash SUP sessions. This isn’t to say they
aren’t snug fitting and secure; quite the contrary in fact. The
heavy duty zipper is also a nifty design and, instead of
fastening across shoulders, it loops round the wearer’s neck –
no having to get a mate to zip you up.
As with all drysuits, you’ll need to expel trapped air before
hitting the brine, otherwise you’ll end up as a floating marker
buoy. Once sorted though the Heat fits like a glove and is
supremely comfortable and quite flattering to the wearer.
Out on the water it keeps paddlers ablaze with warmth and
allows unrestricted movement through each stroke, manoeuvre
and turn. Inevitably we ended up taking a dunking but the suit
didn’t leak and, on inspection after testing, the only moisture
present was sweat.
It’s worth pointing out that the fringe seasons of autumn and
spring, when air temperatures are slightly higher, are still
perfectly fine for the Ocean Rodeo Heat. Simply discard the long
sleeve/leg thermal layering and replace with shorty versions.
CONCLUSION
Ocean Rodeo’s Heat surface immersion/drysuit boasts good looks,
high end technical features that you usually only find on more
expensive models and a level of insulation that’s second to none.
Perfectly at home in either paddle surf, downwind or flat water
environments, if you want to be as toasty as possible during cold
snaps then look no further. If versatility is your thing, and getting
maximum bang for your buck, then don’t forget the Heat is
perfectly applicable to spring and autumn use, as well as deep
winter.
We also used them on top of a summer 2/2 wetsuit during a
few surf sessions. Even when mercury levels were at rock
bottom, Nookie’s kit helped keep the furnace stoked. This last
scenario is great for those who don’t own multiple wetsuits.
Popping these babies over the top of your ‘other rubber’ is a
great way to lend versatility to your neoprene in a wallet
friendly way.
Nookie strides feature reinforced knees and offer added
padding in the backside area. The Ti top features a bungee cord
at the hip that allows it to be tightened and prevent further
water flushing. Attention to detail is tip top and the fluro
Nookie logo certainly stands out.
CONCLUSION
Nookie are UK paddle sport apparel specialists, something which
really shines through with these two bits of kit. Increase the
versatility of your summer wetsuit and make it applicable to winter
SUP or simply wear as stand alone gear during flat water
touring/race training sessions. Nookie apparel is a must for UK
SUPers.
Price:
Ti-Vest L/s £54.95
Ti-Vest S/s £49.95
Full Length
Neo Strides £64.95
k ie t a r
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Price: £450
Info: www.nookie.co.uk/stand-up-paddling-sup
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