WRSI New Arrivals

WRSI Current Helmet No Vent

On first glance out of the box the WRSI Current Helmet looks fantastic, the colours really pop.

The first thing I notice upon putting it on is how comfortable the inside padding is, with a full foam lining the helmet really hugs without squeezing your head too tight.

The rear neck adjuster is a little hard to work to begin with, but after a few seconds of pulling it became clear what to do and how it worked to give my head the best fit.

 

WRSI Current Helmet With Vents

As you have probably guessed the main difference between the two helmets are the large vents cut into the top, allowing water to flow freely out of your helmet.

It still comes with the same comfortable padding inside, and shiny shell outside.

The small peak at the front is going to make a big difference when out on the water, just by keeping annoying drips out of your face it can make a days paddling far more enjoyable.

WRSI Current Pro Helmet

The Current Pro is such a stunning helmet. Beautiful design and colours make this helmet stand out from the crowd.

With the same comfort foam on the inside the helmet really feels like it cradles your head once it's on.

Ideal for all forms of kayaking the Current Pro features a peak to keep the sun out of your eyes as well as rain and unwanted splashes. The peak also moves up and down slightly to allow water to pass through without dragging your head back and hurting your neck.

Another great addition to the current pro are the ear flaps, they can be a little tricky to get your ears in to to begin with but I soon got the hang of it. The perforations make a huge difference to how much you can hear while still keeping most of the water out.

         

    

WRSI Moment Fullface Helmet Without Vents

This must be the most comfortable full face helmet on the market. The inside of the helmet is padded all the way around to the chin section of the helmet for added protection. 

The smaller ear slits do reduce hearing slightly, but I would say is a small compromise when the helmet is obviously trying to give you the maximum amount of protection possible.

As with the rest of the WRSI helmets the outer shell is gorgeous, the blue wave / river pattern running down the out side finishes off this beauty full helmet.

The WRSI Moment Fullface really does deliver the whole package.

Swansea to Oxwich. A Walk in the Sun.

It has been a pretty warm Easter this year, and the idea of a day walking along the Gower section of the Wales Coastal Path sounded pretty epic.

We set off from base camp in Swansea, heading straight to the first beach of the day overlooking Mumbles and rest of Swansea. The cycle/walking path is right next to the beach, making it a super easy and very popular walk straight to Mumbles.

The next stretch takes you from Mumbles to Langland Bay. It starts to get a bit steeper at this point, and is the first real part of the walk that requires an extra bit of effort.

The coastline from here on is just stunning, and the path is well kept so literally anyone can experience it for themselves without risking their safety.

From Langland you head to Caswell along another easy well maintained path.

If the tide is out at this point you can cut straight across Caswell beach, and pick up the path on the otherside. This is where it starts to get a bit more tricky, as the nice concrete path from earlier is replaced with a steeper dirt track and uneven stones underfoot.

This is totally worth it for the views though, as you head on to Brandy Cove and Pwlldu Bay.

Oxwich Bay starts to come into view at this point, and once you've got to Three Cliffs Bay you are pretty much home free.

If the tide is still out at Three Cliffs, you can cut out a huge part of the walk by going straight across the beach which links to Oxwich Bay.

As you get closer to the end you can start thinking about what you're going to order at the bar, and if you're sticking around for a BBQ and bonfire in the evening like we did it's not a bad idea to collect some driftwood as you go.

Llangorse Kayak Fishing Competition 2015

Founded by the South Wales Kayak Anglers, the Llangorse Kayak Fishing Competition has become the largest freshwater kayak fishing event in the UK.

This year the event gave anglers a chance to compete in the British Championship, and the turn out was tremendous with people travelling from all over including one competitor who travelled all the way from Sweden!

The day started off slowly, with strong winds and showers that did not encourage many onto the water. The competition was delayed to 11am, when luckily the wind dropped and the clouds turned a lighter shade of grey. Grant and Tom were straight out on the water, making the most of this gap in the weather and burning off the full English breakfast from the cafe.

Mike Harpur took 1st place with the 3 largest Pike on the day, and our Grant is sure he was robbed of the prize for biggest Pike!

Palm Equipment's New Kid On The Block

Palm have released their newest creation, the Palm Alpha buoyancy aid.

On first glance, this looks like a great buoyancy aid for playboaters, surfers, and slalom kayakers.
The ultra slimline design hugs your torso, allowing fantastic freedom of movement which would work well for quick turns on a wave and fancy moves in a hole.

The colour schemes look good too, in keeping with Palm's new look for 2015, so you can match and complement your kit really easily.

There are no outside pockets on the Palm Alpha. This poses a problem for those who like to carry kit on the water, but there is a front inside pocket big enough to hold a set of keys or an emergency chocolate bar.

The Palm Alpha looks like it could be our new favourite surf and play PFD. #escapewatersports #buoyancyaid #palmequipment #kayaking #surfing #playboating

A photo posted by Escape Watersports (@escwatersports) on Mar 10, 2015 at 5:37am PDT

The Palm Alpha looks good all round. Perfect for completion kayaking. #escapewatersports #canoe #kayak #slalom #playboating #surf

A photo posted by Escape Watersports (@escwatersports) on Mar 10, 2015 at 5:44am PDT

Buy Palm Alpha Buoyancy Aid Online

Review - Gul Ecotherm Bamboo Sock

We all wear socks. Well, unless you live in Jamaica, in which case you probably walk around bare footed or in a set flip flops. The rest of us wear socks though, they keep your toes warm, stop your shoes rubbing and help protect your feet.

But what if you're a water sports enthusiast like me? What do you put on your feet then? 

No matter what water sport takes your fancy, you need to check out the Ecotherm BambooThermal Socks by Gul.

Photo taken by: Adam Heason

My passion and love is white water kayaking, so I basically live in a dry suit. In the last few months the wetsuit socks I usually wear over my dry socks to protect them have become rather religious, holey is the only way to describe them! I was in desperate need of something new.

When the Gul Ecotherm socks appeared on Christmas day I was delighted, but also concerned by how thin and light weight they felt compared to previous socks. My initial thoughts were that my feet are going to be cold and then the socks will rip. 

However, I now know just how wrong my first impressions were.

These socks have nearly been glued to my feet! I've worn them kayaking, surfing and walking, they have been in rivers, a dirty canal and the sea. I love how they hold your ankle and support your dry socks before putting into your shoe. No matter where you want to wear them they are designed to be quick drying, making them naturally resistant to mould and bacteria preventing odour and skin irritation. The Gul Ecotherm Bamboo sock stays light weight even when wet so doesn't feel damp and heavy.

I've put mine in the washing machine and dried them on hot radiators, and they feel exactly the same as when I first opened the wrapping paper. 

I look forward to the summer, when the shorts are on and I can wear them inside my canyoneer shoes.

Photo taken by: Adam Heason

I truly believe the Gul Ecotherm Bamboo Socks are fantastic, and will be great for use in multiple water sports such as sailing or kayak fishing where wind chill makes the temperature cooler. 

Review by Lyndon Williams.

Check out the Gul Ecotherm Bambo Socks online and in store at Escape Watersports.