The Paddler Magazine Issue 77 Early Summer 2024 | Page 12

PADDLER 12

REVIEWS

ddipp ® Sea Monster Hydro Robe https :// ddipp . me By Sarah Thornely ( www . supjunkie . co . uk )

I ’ ve been wearing my original Sea Monster Robe from ddipp for about a year now , so I thought it was time to give my review an upgrade , especially in light of some added features and their new colourway , released just in time for spring . ‘ Ocean ’ is their latest colour , bright and feeling like tropical seas .

Changing robes have become one of the most soughtafter items over the last few years for pretty much all outdoor sports , where you need to retain body heat and keep warm after your chosen exercise . ddipp saw a gap in the market and pounced in with some innovative features , including :

• Lightweight , stylish designs in six colourways – Ocean , Aqua , Petrol Blue , Orange , Black , and Olive .

• Available in three sizes to suit the whole family – Junior , S / M , L / XL .

• 30 % lighter in weight and less bulky than other leading brands .

• Built-in , pack-away compression pocket for easy storage , complete with a carry handle .

• Seriously warm , soft , cosy inner shearling fleece to provide maximum warmth and protect sensitive skin .

• Zip-off sleeves for all-season use , making this sports robe versatile throughout the year .

• Strong eco-credentials with inner and outer fabrics and zips made from 100 % recycled plastics .

• Waterproof to10000mm hydrostatic head to protect against the wettest of weather .

So , from being a genuinely good robe , it now has some great new upgrades , including uprated breathability and more waterproofing . An outer waterproof chest pocket with a water-repellent zip and lined hand pockets also feature zips , so it ’ s great for keeping phones and keys safely stored away from water . It also has hi-vis reflective strips on the sleeves for added visibility and safety .

It still weighs a comfortably light 1.1 kg , and whether you are a fan of bright or more traditional colours , ddipp has you covered with a choice of six different colourways . All colours have ddipp ’ s signature orange shearing fleece lining and cool orange / turquoise logo . It also still comes with the clever built-in , pack-away compression pocket for storing and carrying your robe .

Throughout this last year , I have worn my ddipp robe countless times to cover events on rivers , lakes , and the beach , where the weather has ranged from blustery wind to stormy rain . I have always felt warm and dry , even on the wettest days . It ’ s so light and snuggly and perfect for wearing outside camping or in the campervan . It ’ s left in the van permanently as it is always needed , especially when I have finished training on my stand up paddleboard and need to keep warm whilst stowing all my kit away . I can only see this updated version as being better than the original ! I also love that friends and family members run this small British business .

A WINNING SCORE OF 95 %

In 2023 , 220 Triathlon Magazine rated this robe with a winning score of 95 % when reviewing 20 of the best , and in 2024 , the Hydro won the changing robe ‘ Best in Test ’ award . This is up against some longstanding established brands , which is a testament to ddipp ’ s innovative design and features .

ddipp also works with WaterAid UK to help promote their vision of a world where everyone , everywhere has safe , sustainable water , sanitation and hygiene .

They also have a new brand ambassador , Cassie Patten , who is warmly welcomed into the ddipp family . She is a former Olympic and World Championship swimmer dedicated to coaching the next generation of swimmers through her venture , WaveCrest .

The ddipp company ethos is that what ’ s important in life is spending time with those you love , getting outside , and having fun . “ As a family-owned business , we want customers to feel respected and dealt with positively and fairly ,” and from their five-star reviews , it appears they are doing just that . Price : £ 150 ( junior robe also available )