The Paddler Magazine Issue 79 Late Summer 2024 | Page 14

PADDLER 14

REVIEWS

Bio Mate cleaning kit https :// mudmate . uk / pages / bio-mate By Sarah Thornely @ SUPjunkie . uk

We all like to think of ourselves as thoughtful and responsible paddlers . One of the best ways of protecting our kit and the environment is to keep it squeaky clean to prevent the transfer of invasive non-native species ( INNS ) between our precious waterways .

INNS are plants and animals introduced into an area outside of their natural habitat . Most come from different continents . They negatively impact our health and the environment , reduce water quality , and slow down the flow of rivers . The Bio Mate Water Sports cleaning kit is a little game-changer to help with this . Having something dedicated to the job and tucked in your car or van ready to use makes the potential chore of cleaning down kit a little less so !

In March 2024 , the Bio Mate brand became an official partner with Paddle UK , our joint national governing body for SUP . The partnership aims to increase awareness of biosecurity and stop the spread of INNS by encouraging paddlers to check-clean-dry , a part of Paddle UK ’ s Clear Access Clear Waters Charter .

So , what makes Bio Mate so easy to use ? I make sure I fill mine up with water and something like SUP Scrub Eco Paddleboard Cleaner before I leave

home . Then , when I have finished paddling and before I leave the site , I can give everything a good scrub down with the heavy-duty bristled brush attached to the water bottle . If you ’ ve got any delicate areas on your board or paddle , such as stickers / transfers , the sponge is the gentler option .

There is an on / off switch to control water flow , and the sponge can also be used to mop up the excess water . One important thing is to really dry your kit afterwards , as this further helps the spread of INNS . In your kit , you have a decent microfibre cloth that dries everything perfectly . If wearing water shoes , I give them a good scrub , too , which also means I am not constantly having to clean the van out !

Occasionally , I give my boards an extra good deep clean at home to keep them in tip-top condition , and the hose pipe connector provided with the Bio Mate kit is a valuable addition to the box . The kit fits neatly into the waterproof bag provided . This is an inexpensive way to ensure you have the correct tools for the job and would make an excellent gift for the watersport lover in your life .

With the Bio Mate Water Sports Cleaning Kit , it is now effortless to remove wet mud , weed , sand , salt water and detritus from your equipment to get them clean , dry and bio-secure as per the guidance in the Paddle UK check-clean-dry video at https :// youtu . be / smFr4fEv3A ? si = N-HZQ1ys8Yd57Ukr . In the words of Bio Mate – be responsible , be bio-secure ! Price : £ 17.99

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