Design & Development - U.K. Manufacturing

Every Nookie product is different and takes a different route, but the core qualities of our design process are always the same. 

Left - Circa 1991 through to Right - Current Day.

Nookie was extablished in 1991 in the front room of a small cottage in Clearbrook in Devon with a public red telephone box on the road as its business contact number. It now occupies a busy factory over the border in Cornwall where we make a substantial percentage of our product range. We have always made products in the U.K and we like to choose British whenever possible.

We strongly believe in customer-led design and the development of all of our products comes from feedback of our customers, retailers and our team of product testers; the riders.

 

Hand designed patterns for a perfect fit.

All of our products start their life in our design studio in the Nookie factory. 

They often start with discussions about either a new or re-development of a product concept, be that from a team rider, an outdoor activity centre manager or our internal team, then the doodling starts.

Hand sketching concept products.

Those doodles then get devloped into workable patterns. There's a number of ways this happens. If it's to be made on our U.K. production line we start with some concept sketches and block patterns. Our expert pattern drawer develops these patterns hand in hand with the sketches to make sample products. Those samples are reviewed regarding form, function and ease of construction before being streamlined for our production line.

Samples cut by hand.

Quality control is a fundamental part of our manufacturing process. We are proud of the high quality construction and finish of our garments. You only need to turn one of our products inside-out to see the flawless colour matched waterproof taping to re-assured of our British made quality.

Every Drysuit Pressure Tested.

We don't just test one in a batch, we test every single one. From our experience, if there is a small leak in a seam it's a minor imperfection and cannot be accounted for statistically, so we don't trust just a visual inspection we choose to pressure test every single suit to be confident in every drysuit that leaves our factory.

 

We're the first to admit that not all of our products are, or will be, made in the UK. The simple fact is that some of the technologies and expertise used in the manufacture of our highly technical specialist equipment are more advanced overseas. We make sure we choose the best producer for each of our products, wherever they are in the World. All of our products are designed in Cornwall to make sure function and quality are at the forefront of our range.

www.nookie.co.uk

Nookie Rivermonster XT Buoyancy Aid / PFD - When All You Need Is Everything...

The Nookie Rivermonster has a heritage in the Nookie range like no other product. It has supported generations of kayakers in its various editions and has a solid history in whitewater kayaking.

Nookie Rivermonster - 2016

It was first launched at the turn of the Century with a nearly inexhaustible list of features and high volume flotation.

Kipper; sporting a Nookie Rivermonster mark one.

This revolutionary addition to Nookie was popular among Team Riders, Swift Water Rescue experts and Weekend Warriors!

Swift water rescue training on our local River Dart.
Circa 2002.

Tested to its limits aroung the World, it offered safety, practical storage and extensive adjustability.

Team Rider James Weir imitating
infamous hair shampoo adverts in a
second generation Nookie Rivermonster.
Circa 2005.

Team Rider Ben White taking on the
Garbh Allt, Scotland.

Later generations were updated to new colourways with higher visibility through the addition of retroreflective panels on the upper half for safety.

Team Riders Alex and Ron taking a break in
the Nookie Rivermonster with the streamlined front pocket.
Circa 2008.

When the Rivermonster had it's first big revamp. The bulky front pocket was replaced with a layered neoprene pocket for equally good storage but a streamlined finish for less bulk. The intergrated pocket offers specific spaces and attachment points for carabiners and knives as well as enough space to stow slings, mobile phones and nutrition bars. The high-spec 50mm seatbelt webbing is used throughout as an integrated shoulder, waist and optional crotch harness system. This same high-spec webbing is also used for the quick release chest rescue belt.

The Rivermonster had softened. Its engineered more ergonomic fit offered more comfort on the water with improved adjustability.

 

The latest version is available in a bright yellow with multi-layer shoulder padding that is second to none with the clever 'once-only' adjustment system. Designed to keep the same great fit every time you put it on.

Team Rider Alex Ro having a great day on the water.

Team Rider James Weir in
full rescue mode.

Team Riders around the world still push the Nookie Rivermonster to its limit every day.

Check out all its great features and videos here!

Bespoke Printing For Your Activity Centre or Club

We offer a personalised printing service.
We can print your company logo on NKE Buoyancy Aids and NKE Jackets so they are easy to identify as well as advertise your company.
Once Only Set-Up Fee
We only charge a set-up fee the first time you order. The artwork is kept on file so there’s no need to pay for set-up each time you order.

It's really simple... place your order with our Sales Team and then follow the 3 steps below.

Call or email our Sales Team for a full quote now
01822 832 333 or sales@nookie.co.uk

1. Send Your Logo

Email your logo to us and
our clever designer will
transform it into a vinyl print.
We accept all sorts of files
from .jpgs, .psd, .ai and .pdf.

If you're not sure, just ask.

2. Approve Artwork

We will then email you back
with a colour .jpg for your
approval. It will clarify any
amendments we've had to
make to your logo to put it
through our one-colour
print process.

3. Receive Good

Once we have your approval,
we'll crack on and print all
your lovely products.

We'll pack them up safely
and courier them to you
as soon as they're ready.

Our busy design and production
team can't wait to get their hands
on your logo.


As soon as we receive your logo,
we convert it to a file that our
plotting machine will cut out
with pin point accuracy.


We then hand pick out
the design ready to print.

Your logo is then pressed on your
buoyancy aid or jacket and
sealed with heat. They are then
re-packed and shipped    
straight to your door.

        This process is extremely durable,     
we have used it for nearly a
decade. 

We have many happy customers
because of the fantastic quality
and visual impact.

Call our Sales Team for a quote now 01822 832 333 or email sales@nookie.co.uk

Thermal layering for on, off and in the water.

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing colour and the rain starts falling to fill up our beautiful rivers.

It also means it's time to start wrapping up warm to enjoy as much time on the water and out in the elements as possible. This gives me the opportunity to share my tips and thoughts on layering.

Layering your breathable, waterproof and thermal clothing can help to keep you warm, dry, comfortable and safe in and on the water. By choosing a variety of garments it allows you to add or remove layers to react to the conditions and your own body temperature. It's always a good idea to plan ahead what you want to wear, what to take with you and even what to have ready waiting for you as soon as you get back to the car!

BASE LAYERS:
Personally I would recommend a base layer all year round. In the summer it keeps you cool by wicking moisture away from your skin and in the winter it keeps you warm by trapping air close to your body.

How should it fit?
A base layer should be tight fitting so the fabric is close to the skin to work most effectively.

What should it be made of?
At Nookie we believe for watersports a synthetic base layer offers better performance because it dries much quicker than natural fabrics such as wool.

What do we recommend? 
Nookie Softcore Thermal Base Layer.

© @tommyhatwell

OK, first things first, everybody who has this top, loves it. One of our customers, Ben, emailed us when he opened his delivery from Nookie to find his brand new Softcore Top inside:

"What is this top made from?! It's so soft I want to cry. It's like it's made from clouds or angel wings!"

We know you'll want to feel it for yourself after that description!

Our Nookie Softcore is actually made from our incredible Softcore fabric, comprised of a Nylon and Spandex blend that is quick drying, stretches 4-ways and is super-soft and furry against your skin. The UPF30+ offers sun protection when you need it, which is great if you choose the short sleeve option in the summer.

What can you use it for?
The Softcore Thermal Base? Anything! Literally anything. We know from customers, Team Riders and our in-house factory team that it works brilliantly for nearly any activity.
Kayaking, Canoeing, Walking, Running, Skiing, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Outdoor Circuit Training, Surfing Rash Vest, Motorcycling, Rafting... to name but a few!

Softcore Thermal Base Layer

MID LAYERS:
This layer is designed to trap the warmth your body creates, as well as further wicking away any perspiration from activity. In watersports you might choose a quick drying fleece or a neoprene/wetsuit layer.

How should it fit?
A mid layer should fit comfortably and does not have to be as tight as a base layer. It works by trapping air between your layers, so a fit like a snug jumper would work nicely.

What should it be made of?
In most situations it should be a breathable synthetic fabric, but occasionally a neoprene/wetsuit layer may be a better choice because of it's windproof properties.

What do we recommend?
We have three great mid layers that we would recommend. The Nookie Thermalcore100 Top and the Nookie Iceman All-In-One are both made from Polartec® Classic100 Recycled Fleece for warmth and wicking.

Thermalcore100

Iceman All-In-One

The Nookie Ti Vest 1mm Neoprene is a great choice if you don't need as much breathability (less active) but want more protection and warmth from the wind.

Ti Vest Short & Long Sleeve

What can you use it for?
The Nookie Iceman is a versatile one-piece. Primarily designed for cold kayaking expeditions, this stylish thermal has a following that includes RAF pilots, heating engineers, hard-core campers and any one on a river shuttle run.
 
Use the Thermalcore 100 everyday! It's a great technical mid layer, but it's really popular as a climate control jumper for want of a better description.  It's often seen around Nookie HQ at this time of year (not to mention the local Pub too).

The Ti Vest is a good choice if you're likely to get wet. It's popular with surf kayakers as a mid/outer layer, but it's also popular with recreational paddlers who feel the cold but aren't exerting a lot of energy.

OUTER LAYERS:
Depending on what activity you're doing on the water, means you need to choose the right outer layer for you. This layer should protect you from the wind and rain, and if you choose, keep you dry in the water. It should also be breathable to help release the active moisture your base and mid layers have wicked to the surface.

Why not read our Drywear Guide for helpful advice about how to choose between a full drysuit, or a layering system of jackets and trousers.

Have fun out there this autumn, and whatever you do, make sure you keep yourself safe and warm!

Hazel

Hazel, Designer @ Nookie
in her Thermalcore 100 mid layer

Nookie Boardies - our new favourite shorts

The design team are pretty excited about the new Nookie Boardies. 

 Sometimes what seems to be the simplest design takes the longest to get right.

A phenomenal amount of careful pattern design, fabric specification, sampling and customer feedback have gone into these simple board shorts to make sure they're perfect.

 Made from a soft polyester fabric that not only hangs nicely when worn, but dries incredibly quickly to make them comfortable to wear literally every day.

Replacing the traditional Velcro fly with a Lycra gusset and lace tie makes these shorts soft against the skin and easy to adjust. Not to mention they avoid embarassing Velcro bulges when sitting down ;)

 Great attention to detail has gone in to making really useful pockets. The generous hand pockets are exactly that; perfect for mooching about.

The clever 'hidden' pocket inside the right seam is zipped shut to keep its contents safe. Add to that a useful shockord/bungee loop inside to attach your keys or other valuables to and you'll never lose them.

Available in two colours, grey with blue trim, or grey with yellow trim.

Wear them on a board, in a boat, at the beach or in a bar!
We hope they'll also be your new favourite shorts pretty soon too.

Nookie on the Beach

Get ready for the beach this summer with a few clever life hacks from Nookie.

We've picked out some of our favourite essentials to take to the beach, so let's start with what to take them in...

Introducing the fantastic NEW Nookie Dry Bag, available in both 60L and 80L.

This pair of beauties are new to the range this year. They feature comfortable back pack straps and an easy to hold rubber carry handle. The pocket on the front is great for stashing the little stuff that you need to find.
Designed for putting all your wet kit in at the end of the day to avoid the dreaded soggy car boot!


You'll have to choose the Nookie Roofbar Pads if you want to arrive in style.

They are THE best way to carry your SUP, Kayak, Canoe or Board on your roof to avoid damaging them. Full 360º padded foam with heavy duty Nylon shell.


If you're going in the water, why not wear the Nookie Ti Vest and Nookie 3/4 Strides for a little bit of warmth and sun protection?

The 1.0mm Ti Vest is lined with metalite coating that reflects the heat back to your body without restricting movement.

A grippy seat and padded knees make the Nookie Strides the most versatile neoprene trousers on the market. Great for canoeing, kayaking, surfing and sailing.


It's always a good idea to take a Nookie Foot Mat.

Keep your feet warm, comfortable and dry by standing on this when you get changed. Not hobbling around with one foot on you trainer, doing the one leg dance and generally looking a bit of an odd-ball at the beach.


If you're just looking to chill out on the sand for the day, then what better to wear than the brand new Boardies in the Nookie range for 2015, with either a snuggly Hoody or stylish T-shirt.

     

So, get out there and enjoy it.

This is going to be a best summer ever!

#riverseasurf