ThePADDLER
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Palm Equipment ’ s Quick SUP belt and SUP leash https :// palmequipmenteurope . com Dale Mears @ Standuppaddleuk
It ’ s safe to say the knowledge and education about quick release systems in SUP has been pushed to the forefront of our minds . We at @ Standuppaddleuk have been pushing with many others to educate the UK paddle scene and hopefully further afield on the benefits of having the right gear . There have been some great articles from the whitewater sup community in this magazine , but what about the average paddler .
SUMMER RELEASE Quick-release waist belts are becoming mainstream , and the reason for this is simple , easier access in an emergency , easier to put on / off , and less trip hazard on your board . I was lucky enough to get hold of Palm Equipment ’ s new waist belt before it hits the market this summer .
Is this just another redesign to freshen up this season ’ s gear on sale ? Absolutely not ! Palm has gone back to basics and R & D to look at what is essential for their new SUP belt and leash system . Research ! Yes , Palm has conducted plenty of research into the design of belts and made an active decision to remove user error by limiting the tail length of the belt that the user can put through the Fixlock buckle to less than 10cm . This is because research suggests that when tested , there are fewer risks associated with the tail of the belt twisting , jamming or getting caught on anything , therefore , releasing faster from the buckle every time .
So how do you adjust the belt if the tail is kept short ? Palm has made the opposite side of the buckle adjustable using an adjustable buckle similar to a PFD adjustment strap . If it ’ s strong enough for your PFD , then , of course , it will hold a release belt . This has meant the new offering has plenty of adjustable sizes for the enduser making it great to use for coaching or if you pop on a few kilograms with that winter spread . Access into and out of the belt is by unclipping this buckle .
What else has changed from the previous rescue belt Palm offered ? The secondary release system / loop has gone , and instead , there are loops to fasten a range of add on extras from Palm . Such as a cargo pouch ( used on this review ) ideal for carrying essentials on the water ( note this isn ’ t waterproof so would need to be lined if wanting to carry first aid kit bit would be ideal if you carry one of those little phone cases . The cargo pouch measures ( w ) 100mm X ( h ) 150mm X ( d ) 60mm . Looking at the loops , there is plenty of room to add other extras to this ; however , I would likely prefer not to carry the pouch as I like to keep a clean belt , but this is my personal preference . The actual grab toggle is bright yellow and slightly larger than most sup belts quick release toggle and more like a PFD quickrelease toggle , making it easier to grab and use .
To the rear of the belt , the anchor point for the leash has also been changed ; generally , belts have a large webbing loop to attach your standard coiled leash to . This belt does not allow you to do so but does offer a small loop that can be used with a paracord loop to attach to a standard leash if wanting to chop and change your leash for different environments . However , this review also includes Palm ’ s new quick leash designed for most SUP environments . I will come to that later .
The belt itself is sturdy and well constructed of Nylon and Polypropylene material , and it will last you a long time and is a premium belt like all Palm gear . The belt