The Paddler Magazine Issue 69 Winter 2023 | Page 6

Typhoon Hendra Hinge women ’ s specific drysuit https :// typhoon-int . co . uk Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )
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Typhoon Hendra Hinge women ’ s specific drysuit https :// typhoon-int . co . uk Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )

Let ’ s get something out there straightaway , ladies – a drysuit is not a fashion item . It ’ s a fantastically technical piece of clothing designed to keep you completely dry , and choosing one is now a whole lot easier .
The Typhoon Hendra Hinge IS a women ’ s specific drysuit , meaning we ’ ve come a long way from all having to ‘ make do ’ with wearing something usually designed for men .
As a stand-up paddleboarder , I love adventure paddling and white water , so I need something to keep me bone dry and a rear hinge entry to have a quick toilet break without taking all my layers off .
Designed with the female form in mind , it ’ s stylish and made with Typhoon ’ s advanced high-quality TX-4 fabric – meaning it ’ s fully waterproof , breathable and warm . The seat and knees are reinforced , and comfortable socks are incorporated . The YKK ® Aquaseal zip has been cleverly extended almost entirely around the suit for ease of use and is nearer waist level , so if you are a kayaker , you don ’ t end up sitting on the zip . The cuffs and neck are nice and snug , with Velcro on the cuffs to keep everything tidy . Internal braces mean you can adjust the length of the leg or waist height to make the dry suit fit even more perfectly , and the braces have a simple removable buckle for the drop seat feature .
The waist has a ‘ skirt ’ which is fully adjustable too , giving more options for your own personal shape . The whole suit is easy to get in and out of and fully adjustable , making it simple to go to the loo .
Designed in smart navy blue and black panels with striking orange detail on the arms – such a great idea for safety so you can be seen even when wearing a PFD or in the water .
I first used the Hendra at a white water session at Hurley Weir , which was pumping that day – I spent plenty of time in the water , and at the end of a good four hours , I was warm and dry – it was the end of November , so I wore some simple base layers and socks underneath . The suit was flexible enough for me to be able to move around on my board and gave me no issues getting back on either – I never felt restricted at any time whilst on or in the water .
This drysuit had a thorough water test that day , and it did not disappoint – stylish and very practical , it just worked – Typhoon ’ s pedigree certainly shone through .
The suit is certified with CE and UKCA approvals . Typhoon pride themselves on being a UK-based company with years of delivering commercial , military , and leisure products with a complete after-sales service for repairs and servicing . Look at their website , as they have lots to offer , apart from the Hendra Hinge Drysuit .
Price : £ 649.95