Palm

Palm Equipment is a British paddlesports brand, and we stock their buoyancy aids and drysuits for kayaking, canoeing and other paddle activities – gear built for full-time immersion in the water, not just spray protection.

A buoyancy aid, not a lifejacket, is the standard choice for kayaking and paddling: it’s designed to keep an already-swimming paddler afloat and offer freedom of movement for paddling, rather than turning an unconscious wearer face-up like an offshore lifejacket. Fit matters more for a buoyancy aid than almost any other piece of paddling kit – it should sit snugly enough that it doesn’t ride up over your head in the water, with side or front adjustment to get a close fit over what you’re wearing underneath. A drysuit is the step up for cold-water paddling, sea kayaking, or any activity where prolonged immersion is a real possibility – it seals at the neck, wrists and ankles to keep you dry (and, with the right underlayers, warm) rather than just repelling splash like a spray top.

Check drysuit seals and zips before each significant trip, since a worn latex seal or a dry zip that isn’t waxed is the most common point of failure.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket for kayaking?

A buoyancy aid – it’s designed for an active, already-swimming paddler and gives the freedom of movement paddling needs, unlike a bulkier offshore lifejacket.

When do I need a drysuit rather than just paddling gear?

For cold water, sea kayaking, or any trip where prolonged immersion is a real possibility – a drysuit keeps you dry and warm rather than just repelling splash.

How do I maintain a Palm drysuit?

Check the neck, wrist and ankle seals and the waterproof zip before significant trips, and wax the zip periodically – worn seals and dry zips are the most common failure points.