The Paddler Magazine Issue 83 June 25 | Page 11

PADDLER 11

REVIEWS

Rooster Aquafleece Robe www. roostersailing. com By Emma Love wotbikinipaddleboarding. co. uk

The Rooster Aquafleece Robe – WOW! What a lovely-looking robe this is.

Design-wise, it sits firmly in the oversized camp and offers great versatility thanks to its removable, quick-drying teddy fleece lining. In addition, fleece-lined hand pockets, a big cosy hood, an inner pocket, and adjustable cuffs keep the chill-out. With two colour options to choose from( black / blue or khaki / black), you’ ve got a highly functional and terrificlooking robe.

At £ 175.00, it’ s competitively priced compared to similar robes on the market, especially considering its high quality. I’ ve been living in this robe post-paddle, and honestly, I feel great in it! It’ s stylish, warm, and lovely to the touch, and the Aquafleece ® outer shell makes it windproof, waterproof, and tough.

One of my favourite features is the teddy fleece lining, which gives that extra layer of snuggly warmth. You can unzip / unpop it from the outer shell and throw it in the wash, making it a brilliant and practical option. Even without the lining, the outer shell makes a decent jacket, and it also has a teddy fleece lining effect, which stops it from feeling like a huge cagoule.

Rooster describes it as an‘ oversized fit’, and yes – it’ s super easy to throw on over paddling gear without feeling bulky or awkward, especially when packing away your SUP.

I love a robe you can keep on while getting changed underneath. You know the drill: zipped up, arms inside, out of wet paddling gear, quick dry down, and into warm clothes without flashing everyone nearby! An absolute must by rivers, canals, and beaches, anywhere where you’ re trying not to scare the locals! I found the S / M too snug for a quick, discreet change. So, if that versatility matters to you, I’ d recommend sizing up to L / XL.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’ s perfect for throwing on pre- and post-paddle, while coaching, or just hanging out by the water.

Thank you to Abi Spencer from‘ CAKE with Wotbikini’ for modelling the Rooster Aquafleece Robe. Price: £ 175

Typhoon Women’ s Essential 3 / 2mm Shorty https:// typhoon-int. co. uk By Savanna Gude

As someone who’ s out on the water several times a week, whether it’ s SUP, coastal paddling, or just getting salty at the beach, I’ m always on the lookout for a kit that’ s functional, comfortable, and built to last.

This wetsuit ticks all those boxes. Right out of the box, I was impressed not just by the look and feel of the suit but by its eco-friendly packaging. No unnecessary plastic, just smart, sustainable materials. It’ s a small detail, but one that stood out.

On the water, the 3 / 2mm neoprene offered the right amount of warmth for summer while still giving me the flexibility I needed when paddling hard or scrambling back on my board. The fit of the super stretchy fabric meant no tugging or pinching. It moved with me, not against me; this is where I noticed the feature of the stretchy underarm; the flat-lock seams kept things comfy, and I found the back-zip system made getting in and out of the suit quick and easy. What I love most is that it feels like a wetsuit designed for real-life use!

I also love the colour of the blue and lime green mixed it’ s a nice summer combination, and the pattern on the suit is fun and makes it more fashionable. Overall the fact that it fits nicely for a curvy woman with bigger hips and a smaller chest was nice I felt that it thought of everything for a size 14 that fits like a size 14 so it’ s very true to size. One thing I noticed was the legs even though it’ s a shortie wetsuit, I often found with previous wetsuits the legs being too short and rising up, however this suit had slightly longer legs just above the knees. I like that it kept me warmer for longer and I prefer that fit, as it also keeps it professional. If wearing it in a professional setting, I wouldn’ t feel uncomfortable wearing it in that environment.

In short, the Typhoon Essential wetsuit has earned a permanent spot in my gear bag.