PADDLER 6
Palm Tika PFD https :// palmequipmenteurope . com By Sarah Thornely ( www . supjunkie . co . uk )
PADDLER 6
SPECS : l Tapered profile for all female forms . l Wrap around fit . l Low profile pockets . l Neoprene chest and shoulder padding . l Gaia non-PVC foam .
REVIEWS
Palm Tika PFD https :// palmequipmenteurope . com By Sarah Thornely ( www . supjunkie . co . uk )
We love it when a product is designed specifically for women , and the all-new Palm Tika PFD is just that – a considerable amount of research and development has gone into this with extensive testing and feedback from expert and beginner paddlers . The Tika was released on the 15th of December , having just won the ‘ Apparel and Equipment ’ category at the 2024 Paddlesports Show Product of the Year awards .
The full-on testing of this product has created something wonderful for women of all shapes and sizes , and as usual with Palm products , safety and comfort are key . It has a tapered profile and wraparound fit , so you know the ‘ women-specific ’ tagline is no gimmick when you wear it . The uniquely tailored Giai non-PVC foam panels wrap to the sides and angle on the chest and don ’ t create bulk on the waist , so it looks great and feels great , too . It has a front entry zip that is so easy to pop on and off and has a fully flexible fit with easy glide nylon straps . The neoprene padded shoulder straps and sides prevent chaffing and are very comfortable , and the 3D antiride-up waist belt ensures no movement from the PFD when appropriately fitted .
There are two unobtrusive but very roomy zip pockets on the front with soft clips . When I looked at the PFD , I was convinced my huge phone would not fit , but it does , so I ’ m very happy . There ’ s plenty of room for snacks too . The shaped foam and low-profile pockets mean that things do not get too bulky around the chest area – if you are one of those ladies who struggle to get back on your board , these features could help you . Snug fleece-lined hand warmers are tucked away in the top inside front of the PFD .
There are a few tiny extras that show the level of design and care that has gone into this PFD , and if they weren ’ t there , we might not notice , but they are , and we love them ! Reflective details are always good on a safety outerwear product if you need to be spotted in the dark . There are a couple of flat tabs just under the shoulder straps , which you could easily hook your sunglasses into when not wearing them . There is another little tab just under the shoulder straps at the bottom of the PFD near the zip – such a clever little detail means you can grab that whilst pulling the zip up – it ’ s the little things !
I have loved wearing my Tika ; it ’ s not bulky , it ’ s super comfortable and perfect for touring my local waterways , and I can almost forget that I am wearing it because it is so low profile compared to others – wearing a PFD certainly gives you confidence just in case the unexpected happens .
The Tika PFD by Palm Equipment has had all the R & D thrown at it , and as a woman , I appreciate that they have taken their time to talk to real paddlers , pros and beginners alike , and have listened to their feedback . Palm is also donating £ 1 from each sale to causes that encourage and help women to get on the water .
More importantly , it has been designed to fit real women and comes in 3 sizes to cover from XS to XXL with bust sizes from 85 to 145 . It ’ s available in Teal , Tangerine , and Purple . Tika WXS / S 82 – 98 Tika WM / L 94 – 114 Tika WXL / XXL 110 – 145 RRP : £ 135.00