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For those on a tight<br />
budget, H2Odyssey<br />
have not just<br />
wetsuits, but a<br />
range of winter<br />
gear you can mix<br />
and match. We<br />
tried out a fair<br />
few different bits<br />
and pieces.<br />
H2Odyssey<br />
Maliibu Hood<br />
Price: $29.95<br />
A good hood that does the trick. Tested by bald<br />
men, so we should know. One of my favourites<br />
for its fit and I have tested a fair few. Big fan of<br />
the glare visor more for the fact it stops the water<br />
from streaming down your face. 2mm neoprene.<br />
Gripper Split boot<br />
Price: $35 down from $65 (bargain)<br />
Personally prefer this kind of boot with the split<br />
toe for added balance and end join to stop your<br />
leggie from catching. Recommend going a size<br />
smaller than your shoe because you want a super<br />
tight fit – wet neoprene does stretch and you<br />
don’t want to trip over you boot. Sizes 5-13. I<br />
wore these in Dunedin water and had no drama<br />
with them at all.<br />
Magna Power<br />
Webbed Gloves<br />
Price: $34.95<br />
Let’s face it, if the water is like ice, you want<br />
gloves. If you are going gloves, you might as well<br />
go webbed gloves to increase paddle power. The<br />
question is, ‘Do they work?’ Bloody oath. Even<br />
the Kookman ninja (Page 141) outpaddled some<br />
serious contenders with these babies helping<br />
out. If he can do it, be prepared to increase your<br />
wave count too.<br />
THUMBS<br />
UP for:<br />
EASE OF<br />
USE<br />
Thermalution<br />
heated undersuit<br />
$380 with free shipping in Aust and NZ<br />
Why squeeze into an overly thick wetsuit that makes you<br />
feel like a walrus?<br />
With this wetshirt underneath, you can wear as light as a<br />
3x2 sealed wettie and still be comfortable in near arctic<br />
waters. We tested the Thermalution device in 12˚ water<br />
in Dunedin with a couple of different 3x2mm wetsuits<br />
over the top and if anything, it was as warm as you’d<br />
want it and more .<br />
See, the device has three heat settings. In low light, the<br />
Zoolander accidentally set it too high and felt like he was<br />
in a Jacuzzi. It’s that effective.<br />
All up, that just goes to show it works really well. It lasts<br />
for around an hour. The heating element is non-metallic<br />
so it is light, durable, secure and even washable. To<br />
power it up again, you simply plug it into an electricity<br />
socket or your car lighter.<br />
Use the undersuit surfing, on your SUP, snowboarding or<br />
even under your jacket if you’re heading to the footy. It’s a<br />
smart, reliable and affordable option to heated wetsuits<br />
at a quarter of the price. Big thumbs up from us.<br />
H2Odyssey<br />
3/2 Full Suit<br />
Price: $88, marked down from $179<br />
We trialed this suit on the North Island of<br />
New Zealand. If you’re on a tight budget, you<br />
can’t argue with a suit for $88.<br />
It’s ‘Microskin’ chest panel cuts down<br />
windchill.<br />
You would think<br />
the battery packs<br />
and hardware<br />
add weight but we<br />
didn’t feel anything<br />
in the water<br />
apart from being<br />
toasty warm.<br />
THUMBS<br />
UP for:<br />
PRICE<br />
For any of these H2Odyssey products,<br />
check out the website at<br />
www.seeyououtthere.com.au<br />
For more information and to<br />
buy online, see<br />
thermalution.com.au<br />
144 may/jun <strong>2012</strong>
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