Kokatat Meridian Goretex Dry Suit - Review

Paddle sport coach Matt Blue, of Blue Paddle, started wearing the Kokatat Meridian Goretex Dry Suit a few months ago.
In this time he used it during a commendable 30 days of active coaching sessions, including raft guide training and white water safety and rescue courses.

Here is what he had to say;

"The first thing that struck me was how light the suit is in comparison to other suits I have worn, especially when wet. The Meridian is a light suit and this means more comfort and a faster drying time, the GoreTex is amazing and the suit is by far the only one that I would call a dry suit."

"It is my first chest entry suit and I was a bit sceptical as to the comfort for kayaking and canoeing. Once your buoyancy aid is on and you have taken a few strokes, any thought of the chest zip is gone and the suit feels great."

"The feet have remained dry as and sweat free this is a joy as all other suits by now would have started to have let a bit in, I always use a changing mat and bang my shoes out before putting the feet in so I do take care of my gear."

The lifetime warranty that comes with all Kokatat suits is certainly something to consider, with the cost of their suits being more than other top brands. So far Kokatat have exceeded expectations, and we hope they continue to do so in 2013.

PGL Surf Day

Escape-Watersports welcomed the guys and girls training for PGL this week.

After teas, coffees and doughnuts all round, the group soon set out for Rest Bay, Porthcawl, for a bit of fun in the surf.

      

On such a stunning winter day Gus couldn't let them have all the fun!

We wish all of them the best for the near future, and hope to see them again soon.

Paddles - Straight or Cranks?

When buying a new paddle, whether you're a first timer or an old guru of the boating world, we eventually come to the big question.. straight shaft, or cranks?

Ultimately, a straight paddle is simple. There's no messing about, you know what you're getting, and that's perfect for those of us who want to just get out there and paddle the world without looking back. Straight paddles are usually cheaper too, often the deciding factor in most purchases...

But then why the fuss over cranks?

Cranked paddles will keep your wrists straighter throughout the stroke, which means that there is less stress on the tendons. For many paddlers who use cranks, including myself, this helps to reduce inflammation in the wrists which typically leads to tendinitis.

Cranks help your paddling technique too, providing more leverage in technical strokes like draws. They also lift less than a straight shafted paddle towards the end of a stroke, so you do not lose as much momentum.

When going for a roll, I have also found it easier to feel where the paddle is in my hands allowing for a more successful first time roll attempt.

At the end of the day what feels best to you is what matters, but cranked paddles are definitely something to consider for your next investment.

Love It, Live It!

We were happy to hear some exciting news when friend of Escape-Watersports, Sam Ward, and his company Love It Live It, became the new owners of Africa's premier kayak school , Kayak the Nile.

Based in Uganda, Kayak the Nile offers paddlers a chance to get out there and experience the river whether you are at a beginner or advanced level. 

Now in the hands of the guys at Love It Live It, you can be sure that Uganda is soon to become an even more popular destination for paddlers of all ages, size, and ability.

Christmas and Uganda

Not long left until the big day!

We are all looking forward to stuffing ourselves with food and drink, watching some classic Christmas movies, and preparing ourselves for another great paddling year.

Recent inspiration came from Escape-Watersport's team paddlers Talc and Steph, who ventured out to Uganda to carve it up on the mighty river Nile.

Two weeks of fun in the sun included highlights like the Nile Special and Kalgala Falls, making those of us back in the UK very jealous. Definitely one to put on the new years bucket list.