PADDLER 10
REVIEWS
The new award-winning SUP-specific PFD from Palm is an excellent option to replace an old PFD or buy your first one . Palm Equipment has looked at what the SUP market wants and listened to its user base to bring this new affordable PFD to market .
First up , this is one of the most slimline PFD you will find , it really is slim , and the cut is excellent , meaning it does not impede when paddling . Now one of the biggest things we see posted on socials is , “ I ’ m struggling to get back on my board due to my PFD ” this takes away a massive part of the problem .
Secondly , pockets . Many PFD have big bulky pockets or none at all ! I paddle with and have for some years the Palm Ace , a great slimline PFD ; however , it lacks a pocket making carrying some essentials tricky . Palm has conquered this by designing an elasticated pocket system on the front . If you struggle with bulky pockets , leave it empty , and you will not notice it is there ; however , this pocket boasts extreme storage capacity . I have been carrying a 4-metre rescue sling , karabiner and a river knife in mine ! It ’ s ideal for a phone , snacks and safety gear ( please note it is not a waterproof pocket ). The pocket fastens down using velcro and has an internal clip to secure a knife , keys , phone , etc .
The Solo vest also features a new side entry system making it easier to put on over sup gear ; from drysuits , wetsuits , coats etc ., it ’ s straightforward to throw over your shoulder and put on rather than a bulky front zip or over-the-top style PFD . The Solo features all the usual things you would expect , fully adjustable shoulder straps , waist and side . The side
Dryrobe ® Women ’ s Eco Thermal Gloves https :// dryrobe . com By Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )
As soon as that first flush of sunshine gives us warmth and we spot snowdrops in the hedgerows , here in the UK we believe it ’ s officially spring but then , come March and April , we might get knocked back by the cold weather and sometimes possibly have snow ! So , when a pair of Dryrobe Thermal Gloves arrive in late February , you know you will undoubtedly use them , and so it came to pass that I did on day one ! The bitter wind was brutal on a long walk with the other half , so I popped them on , and they didn ’ t disappoint .
Gloves or mitts ? Sometimes I ’ m unsure which are best , so these fill that gap . Made from 100 % recycled fabrics approved by the Global Recycle Standard ( GRS ), they are water resistant with an ultra-warm polar fleece inner . They will help your hands warm up quickly , especially if you are a wild or open-water
straps are buckle fastening too hence the side entry and offer plenty of adjustment .
The foam is a new Gaia and EPE PVC-free foam , so less environmentally harmful , and the primary material is nylon 420D ripstop fabric so that it will withstand use and abuse dragging yourself on and off your board .
Although this is a SUP-specific PFD , this is an excellent option for all paddlesports and doesn ’ t limit itself to SUP .
I think all this is great , and I ’ ve been using it for a while now and love this vest ; however , the number one selling point for me is this PFD retails at an RRP of £ 70 . Some other brands have recently put out SUP-specific PFDs , but I don ’ t feel they compete with Palm Equipment ’ s offering on price , fit or quality . Price : £ 70
swimmer or paddleboarder like me . Hands often get wet when lifting the board out of the water , and cold extremities are uncomfortable . They have an elasticated cuff which also locks in warmth .
If you want dexterity , the gloves have fold-back magnetic mittens and thumb flaps , so you can quickly switch to fingerless gloves when needed .
As you would expect from Dryrobe , the quality is second to none , and they also look very smart . Check out the sizing on their website , which means you will get the perfect fit . Dryrobe also offers free delivery and returns . Price £ 40