Not too long ago my husband and I started our on-line store, WakaWai, selling
whitewater kayaking gear. One our first vendors was SkirtworkS SpraySkirts.
They have a line of sprayskirts that are solid, dry and strong. Something, of
course, we all want in a sprayskirt.
About 2 months ago, just before our family trip to Colorado, we received a
particular sprayskirt from SkirtworkS to try out.
I was in the market for something different than my usual, flimsy, leaky skirt. My
husband put the order in and SkirtworkS put something together that was above
and beyond what I expected. I received the Basic Hybrid Skirt, Ladies Fit.
Although, what really caught my attention was the Quick Grab Ripcord.
Now a little about me as a paddler, I have been paddling for about 8 or so years. A
solid class IV boater now the mother of a one year old. Since becoming a mother
my heightend sensitivity to safety has become even greater. Some may even call it
paranoia. I have always triple checked (or more) my grab loop before putting on the
river, while floating to the first rapid and after every few rapids. I have always had a
nagging fear in the back of my head about the grab loop. Call me crazy, but it is
just one of those things. So when I saw the Basic Hybrid with the Quick Grab Ripcord it was love at first
sight. I knew this skirt was going to be perfect for me.
My first run with the skirt was a small section of Boulder Creek in Boulder, CO. The
fit of the skirt to my Mini-Mystic was snug as a bug. Feeling good and confident
that I was going to finish my run clean and dry. And I did.
The next run, however, was not as pretty as my first run. The lack of confidence in
my rusty skills showed up when I barely got worked in a little hole and, yes, I
swam. But the sprayskirt came off with a swift tug. The grab loop was right there.
I cannot express how worry free this system is and just how wonderful that is for
me. One less thing to forget when you have all your other gear to check. Sure, after
time checking your gear is second nature and you roll through your head checking off the list.
But also, sometimes you simply forget because we HAVE done it so many times. I guess
my point is that this skirt is worth taking a moment to review for yourself. It is knowing that
someone is taking the time to produce a product like this. It is worth saving that
extra moment before launching and being certain. -Greyson Briere |
