The Rooster Aquafleece Robe is the first watersports robe with a removable lining. Katy Stickland tests it over the winter while swimming and walking in all weathers
Watersports
Best eco-friendly wetsuit: How to choose a suit that won’t cost the earth
When choosing the best wetsuit we tend not to think about the potentially destructive nature of the garment. Yet conventional neoprene, an oil-based synthetic rubber that will never biodegrade, is…
Cold water swimming gear: Everything you need to take the plunge all year round
There’s no better way to lift the spirits than an outdoor swim. Whether you’re a dipper or a swimmer, the experience leaves you tingling all day. I’ve been cold water…
We pushed this budget paddleboard right up to its weight limit: Bestway SUP review
I recently wanted to try an inflatable stand up paddleboard (SUP) for use as a tender to get to my boat when she’s out on the mooring. I’ve done this…
How does a smart watch work? Garmin Vivoactive 4 on test with pictures
I’ve had my Garmin smart watch for six months now and have taken it up mountains, swum in lakes and the sea, hiked through forests and run across beaches. There’s…
Plea to Irish Sea boaters to help stop the spread of non-native marine species
When boaters and paddlers travel our coastlines and oceans, they often accidentally transport non-native marine species. By filling in this short biosecurity survey, you can help boating organisations and policy…
Is cold water swimming dangerous? Stay safe with these top tips
Cold water swimming has become extremely popular, and with the right preparation and cold water swimming gear, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy it. However, wild swimming in cool…
Lomo tow float drybag review – stay safe when cold water swimming
I love to have a tow float when swimming in the sea. Since their introduction in 2012, tow floats have become a popular addition to the wild swimmer’s kit-list, especially…
Learning to sail in a Mirror dinghy built from a kit – the hard way
Having built a Mirror dinghy and taken it to the Isles of Scilly on a ferry, Peter Baylis and friends realise they may have overlooked a few details...
The Red waterproof kit bag on test – PLUS what to wear for dinghy sailing
I have a cupboard full of waterproof bags. Some I use for keeping water in (for example, my 40L Musto drybag, which I use for lugging around soggy wetsuits); others…
Local council saves grassroots sailing club
Dorset sailors returned to the water this month after their club was threatened with closure. The club, which was affiliated to Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre (HHOEC), was saved by…
Dog surfing and paddleboard championships this weekend
Does your dog love paddleboarding and surfing? If so, make your way to Poole this weekend for the UK’s only dog surfing and paddleboard championships. Article continues below… Now…
Wild swimming and sewage – beware, red flags don’t always mean rough seas
The red flags were flying when I went for a swim at Boscombe Pier. I thought nothing of it. Yes, the sea was a tiny bit choppy, but I had…
Kayaking 101: Which kayak to choose and how to launch from your boat
I was chatting to a friend, whose husband has a small yacht, and we were comparing the pros and cons of motorboats and yachts. I thought she summed it up…
Wild swimming adventures – “That’s not a tow-float… it’s a seal”
There wasn’t enough surf at Boscombe beach this morning so I went for a swim instead. Little did I know I was being followed! The sea was a green-grey, and…
Paddleboarding with kids – 6 SUPs on test in Poole and Christchurch harbour
Paddleboarding has been one of the lockdown success stories of 20/21, and with the easing of restrictions, you can now paddle outdoors in groups of six (the rule of 6)…
Which inflatable paddleboard? What to look for when buying a SUP
With summer on its way and lockdown restrictions easing, paddleboarding is a great way to find adventure close to home, but there’s a bewildering array of boards out there to…
10 tips for family paddleboarding – stay warm and make it an adventure
Paddleboarding with the whole family is great fun, but as every parent knows, nothing spoils a day out quicker than cold, wet, hungry kids. Here are some of the things…
Paddleboarding gear – what to wear and what to pack for a day on the SUP with kids
I take my three kids paddleboarding and wild swimming in winter, but it does take a mammoth effort to pack the right gear for during and after the water. However,…
Dog lifejacket test – Paddleboard with your dog!
Dog lifejackets are designed to allow dogs to swim comfortably, and are made of foam to support key areas of their body so they can conserve energy in the water.…