First impressions of the drysuit were that it looked fantastic and was super comfy when trying it on in the living room, but I knew it had to be tested on the water! With levels low I tested it out on a bimble down the Mill Falls section of the Usk in South Wales. Of course it turned out to be unseasonably hot and sunny, not exactly drysuit weather....
Nevertheless I got off the river dry as a bone and with a big grin! The first thing i noticed about the drysuit is how comfortable it is. It was extremely easy to get on and the latex seals and cuffs very easily slid on and adjusted. The zip has been designed so it wraps around the shoulder and reduces restriction, which it does perfectly. The suit also has a neoprene waist band which was great for when off the river and letting the suit hang around your waist.
The socks are now tougher with an XP 4-layering and without too much excess sock so no need to spend 5 minutes stuffing them into your water shoes. Whilst on the river the suit didn't restrict movement whatsoever, you wouldn't even know you were wearing it. I messed about trying lots of new moves and get pretty wet on the way down, when getting changed I was dry as a bone, maybe a little sweaty....
I really recommend this suit, it's had a lot of thought put into it's design. It's comfortable and functional, all the high wear points are reinforced and tough, it has great pocket access and a relief zip and all the seals and cuffs are comfortable and easily adjusted. All around a great drysuit which I look forward to using this coming winter season!
Here's a clip of me competing at the Moriston River Race in May using the suit!
https://vimeo.com/96683690
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