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.

THE Spraydeck Guide. What is the correct spraydeck for both you and your boat?

So you've got a kayak, what are you going to wear with it?

This is Nookie's comprehensive guide to their spraydecks to help you make the right choice for both you and your boat. Suitable for beginners through to professionals/experts... from recreational splashing about, to challenging sea kayaking, right up to the top of that waterfall you're about to drop off. 

We've got you covered.

SHOCK DECK

This is the crowd pleaser.
Versatile full neoprene spraydeck for a variety of different kayak disciplines at a price that makes your wallet smile.

SHOCK DECK

It's easy to put on; with high quality, stretchy jersey neoprene and 10mm shockcord bungee.
It's easy to take off; with a fail safe, twisted 40mm webbing front release strap, with the added confidence of an adjustable knee strap.
The comfortable neoprene tube creates a snug fit and good seal.

Suitable for recreational touring, or low-grade whitewater.

CONDITIONS: Flat water, Grade 2 White Water.
KAYAKER: General recreational kayaker, beginner whitewater kayaker
WEAR WITH: Pathfinder II Jacket on flat water, Ti Vest on low-grade whitewater

CINCH DECK

This is the deck to choose if you don't know what type of kayakng you are going to do from one day to the next. It can be used for nearly everything.

CINCH DECK

 British made, exceptional quality, universal neoprene spraydeck. It's easy to put on or take off and the great fit will always keep it in place. The reinforced Armotex Deck makes this a durable every day deck.

A quality British made, versatile full neoprene spraydeck.

CONDITIONS: General use, Grade 3-4 whitewater, Sea Kayaking, Surfing
KAYAKER: The type of kayaker that gets in any type of boat and paddles, Mid-level whitewater, Surf Kayaker, Sea Kayaker
WEAR WITH: Shadow Jacket for general use, Airscrew Jacket  for whitewater, Ti Vest for Surfing

ABSOLUTE DECK

A firm favourite with all sorts of whitewater paddlers. Choose this deck if you like to take on a whitewater challenge.

ABSOLUTE DECK

Coated with latex on the underside, this British made spraydeck will grip your cockpit and make a formidable dry seal. The reinforced Armotex deck gives you extra confidence and durability.

A quality British made, latex coated neoprene spraydeck.

CONDITIONS: Whitewater Grade 3 and up
KAYAKER: Whitewater Kayaker, Surf Kayaker
WEAR WITH: Charger Drysuit for full protection; Venom Jacket and Evolution Dry Trousers

ULTIMATE KEVLAR DECK

This is THE Ultimate whitewater spraydeck for anyone who wants a tough, durable spraydeck that won't blow.  Confident British made quality.

ULTIMATE DECK

Reinforced Kevlar® on high-wear areas with durable Armotex neoprene for the toughest deck on the market.  Natural latex grippy underside for a perfect seal. The 38mm superstrong webbing release strap is twisted to make it easy to grab.

CONDITIONS: Whitewater Grade 3 and up
KAYAKER: Whitewater Kayaker, Surf Kayaker
WEAR WITH: Charger Drysuit for full protection, Pro Bib Pants - WW Edition

SURF SKIRT

Renowned British made spraydeck used by World Champion Surf Kaykers. 

Reliability in all conditions.

SURF SKIRT

Unique shaped decks specifically designed to fit surf kayak cockpits. Pre-stretched powerful shockcord makes a confident seal with durable Armotex neoprene. Available in two deck sizes.

 CONDITIONS: Surf / Waves
KAYAKER: Beginner / Intermediate / Expert / Professional Surf Kayaker
WEAR WITH: Ti Vest for climate control and sun protection, 3/4 Strides for grip in your boat.

COMO TOURING

This is the recreational breathable deck.

Versatile spraydeck with waterproof & breathable fabric waist with secure neoprene deck for dryness.  Designed to be comfortable and easy to use. 

COMO TOURING DECK

The breathable waterproof waist is fully taped, with a handy mesh-drained pocket and removable braces make it easy to adjust to fit you. 
It's easy to put on; with high quality, stretchy jersey neoprene and 10mm shockcord bungee.
It's easy to take off; with a fail safe, twisted 40mm webbing front release strap, with the added confidence of an adjustable knee strap.

For recreational touring, up to intermediate sea kayaking.

CONDITIONS: Flat water, Moderate sea conditions
KAYAKER: General recreational kayaker, touring, beginner to intermediate sea kayaker
WEAR WITH: Pathfinder II Jacket or Shadow Jacket for wind & splash protection, or Softcore on its own

ATLANTIC TOURING

The Aston Martin of spraydecks. This top of the range waterproof and breathable spraydeck is British Made quality engineering.

ATLANTIC TOURING DECK

Featuring our high-spec EvoTX 4ply waterproof and breathable fabric in the waist tube with an anti-pooling section (to avoid a puddle of water resting and seeping through). Two sizes of waist with Velcro adjusters and removable braces offers a great fit for everyone. The deck is the highest quality Armotex durable neoprene with shockcord map locators and a grippy latex underside for a dry seal.

More challenging sea kayaking, with a drier deck seal.

CONDITIONS: Heavy Seas or variable conditions
KAYAKER: Intermediate to experienced sea kayaker, or one who wants a more fitted waist
WEAR WITH: Pro Bib Pants and Explorer II Buoyancy Aid



 

NKE REINFORCED DECK

This may be an 'entry-level' / 'beginners' spraydeck, but don't overlook it's excpetional quality and robust build. Designed and made to last.

NKE REINFORCED DECK

Utilising tough 500D Cordura® reinforced panels on high wear areas on the deck and flexible yet durable waterproof Nylon thoughout, this deck is fully taped to keep you dry. The elasticated generous waist will fit a huge diversity of different size kayakers with a simple, effective elasticated drawstring. The deck comes in three sizes (Keyhole, Big and Extra Big) to accomodate as many different kayak cockpits as possible.

This spraydeck is excellent for both personal use as well as use every single day in commercial outdoor activity centres.

Perfect for beginners, canoe clubs and activity centres.

CONDITIONS: Flat, calm waters.
KAYAKER: Beginners, first introuction to a spraydeck
WEAR WITH: NKE Buoyancy Aid and NKE Jacket



Don't forget..

COCKPIT COVER

The perfect way to keep gear in your boat when travelling, or creepy crawlies out when storing your kayak.

Coming soon in two sizes. Great for every kayak.

COCKPIT COVER

CONDITIONS: Travelling or storing

KAYAKER: All kayakers

WEAR WITH: Everything!

Worth the wait... Nookie Rapid Semi-Dry Trousers

The Rapid Semi Dry Trousers are the first pair of semi-dry trousers in the Nookie range for a number of years and they are worth the wait. Made from the same 4ply hyper breathable Bamboo fabric as the Assassin Drysuit, they're comfortable, exceptionally breathable but very tough with Enduro Mesh reinorcement on all high wear areas.

Exceptional features for a pair of comfortable semi-dry trousers

You can kneel down on rock or concrete, or slither down a slip granite boulder on your backside. The Enduro Mesh rienforcement keeps you and your trousers protected.

Enduro Mesh reinforcement

Glued & Blindstitched neoprene waist

Internal easy-on long neoprene cuffs

Adjustable Velcro outer cuff

The ankles have easy-on neoprene cuffs. These are stitched and taped to provide a semi-dry seal and barrier against flushing. The outer cuff is adjustable with a Velcro tab to get the perfect fit over your shoes. The tall neoprene waist is glued and blindstitched for a smooth, comfortable seal. It hugs you. You don't have to adjust it. It's super stretchy neoprene with a glideskin mesh neopren internal band for wicking so moisture will not be dran up into the waist.

Waterproof taped inside

The trousers are waterproof taped on internal seams to keep you comfortable.

Here's the science bit:

4ply Bamboo Herringbone waterproof and breathable fabric

4ply Bamboo Herringbone

The soft handle of the Nookie bamboo mix herringbone belies its incredible abrasion resistance. Whether wet, dry, frozen or submerged this fabric will deliver.
1. Durable, flexible, comfortable herringbone weave outer fabric with DWR (durable water repellent) coating.
2. Hydrophilic, microporous coating waterproof and exceptionally breathable.
3. Hydrophilic membrane, waterproof and breathable.
4. Nylon N18D tricot for wicking.

Waterproofness: 20,000mm/H2O
Breathability: 15,000g/m2/24hrs


The Nookie Rapid Semi Dry Trousers are perfect for whitewater, freestyling or touring. They are already becoming a firm favourite with the Nookie Team Riders.

Get yours here:

BUY NOW 

 

Nookie 3mm Neoprene Strides

These are arguably one of the team's favourite products in the Nookie catalogue.

Nookie 3/4 Strides

They have been a staple part of the range since... um, somewhere around the year 2000, when Nookie first introduced the funky 3/4 leg Alien pant.

Iconic Nookie Alien Pants

Even Kate Middleton (Duchess of Cambridge) was seen sporting a pair not too long ago.

Kate Middleton / Duchess of Cambridge

Design and development has advanced in the last decade and the new Nookie 3/4 strides simply ooze awesomeness.

We wanted to create the best pair of neoprene trousers on the market, so we researched the technology used in expensive surfing suits and applied it to our Nookie Neoprene Strides. 

The neoprene edges and cuffs on our Strides are cut raw. This means the edges do not have stitched binding or trims around them. This raw edge provides complete contact against the skin all the way along the body, as opposed to cheaper products which use a bound edge which is susceptible to flushing. 

Raw edge neoprene

We also choose to glue and blindstitch our 3mm Neoprene Strides. This means they actually provide a complete water barrier, unlike other company's products that advertise 'flatlocked', 'overlocked' or 'mauser stitched' seams which are all ways of saying "we punch loads of holes in your neoprene product to let the cold water flush in". This also means they can use cheaper, stiffer neoprene that we simply feel is uncomfortable.

The knees are super comfortable in a kayak and canoe. They are double layered, so that's 6mm, yes 6, of squidgy, comfortable padded neoprene to protect your knees when gripping the cockpit of your kayak or kneeling in your canoe. (These are also blindstitched on, so there are no seams on the inside to rub or chafe.)

Double layer (6mm) reinforced knee

At the back of the knee there is a thinner 2.5mm super stretchy neoprene panel. This compliments the 3D articluated cut and fit of the trousers, as well as avoiding 'bunching' behind the knee. More comfortable, more flexible.

2.5mm super stretchy back of knee panel

There is a reinforced grippy print on the seat of the Strides. This means your bum stays in the right place in your kayak, and protects the neoprene from wear and tear.

Reinforced high wear areas, seat and knee

What's even better?

They are also now available in a short length, great for sprint kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and any watersport in slighlty warmer weather, as well as the fantastic full length version used by whitewater kayakers, sailors and slalomists alike.

Short Strides

Full Strides

 We hope you love our Nookie Neoprene Strides as much as we and our Team Riderz do!