Keeping warm – the best wing foiling changing robe
Wing Foiling in a changeable climate like the UK means needing to stay warm. That’s why my Dryrobe changing robe is one of my favourite wing foiling accessories.
There is a Facebook group, apparently, titled “Dryrobe W*nkers” which pokes fun at people seen away from a watersports setting wearing the distinctive changing robe. Unembarrassed by that, I can say that having used my Dryrobe frequently for nearly four years, I absolutely wouldn’t be without it.
In this article I will outline why I like the product so much and the benefits of owning one.
* Note that if you click the link above to go to Amazon and purchase a Dryrobe I will be paid a commision. This does not cost you any extra. I only endorse products I use.
In a nutshell
Pros
- Comfortable, warm and roomy the Dryrobe makes it very easy to get into and out of your wetsuit and swimsuit.
- Well constructed with waterproof outer and absorbent fluffy polyester lining it dries you off and keeps you warm after a session, even when it’s raining.
- YKK two way zip can be operated from inside or outside the robe, it also allows you to create a bit more space for final wetsuit removal whilst keeping your upper body toasty.
- Good quality construction, mine shows no sign of damage or wear after nearly four years of use. Dryrobe pride themselves on making products that last for years.
- Can easily be worn over a wetsuit, so when it’s cold you can keep warm while setting up or taking a break between sessions.
- It is big enough to protect your car from wet if you decide to drive home wearing it over the top of the wetsuit (handy in winter).
- It dries really quickly simply by hanging it up somewhere dry.
- The nylon and polyester is 100% recycled and the waterproofing is plant based and PFC-Free. The company is constantly seeking to improve on it’s environmental impact.
- If it gets dirty it easily cleans up with a damp cloth.
- Useful also for dog walks when it’s pouring down but the dog doesn’t care and won’t wait.
Cons
- Some bloke on Facebook who’s only hobby is posting snark on social media may accuse you of onanism
When you need a Dryrobe
Most of the benefits noted below are true of any well made changing robe. However I can’t speak to how well they perform versus Dryrobe and all of the comments below are based on first hand experience.
Getting changed after a session. Generally I drive up to my local spot already wearing my swimming shorts but change into dry shorts after. The Dryrobe is very practical and roomy. It’s simple to carry out the maneuver whilst protecting your modesty. The fluffy “sheepskin style” Polyester is very absorbent, so you don’t need a towel, simply pat yourself dry through the robe.
When it is not that warm (i.e. most of the time in the UK), you can also use the Dryrobe whilst getting the wetsuit off. The roomy practical design means you can put it on as soon as your shoulders are free of the suit, which means you stay warm as you wiggle your way free.
Even in summer in the UK you can get chilly taking a break between sessions. That both makes going back out less appealing and burns some valuable energy (especially crucial for us foilers over fifty). I now habitually slip my robe on between sessions or if I’m having a bite of lunch. Putting the hood up makes a noticeable difference in preserving body heat.
When the weather gets really cold the Dryrobe goes from extremely useful to a must have. Once the temperature gets into single digits I will generally drive up to the lake in my winter wetsuit. There I will wear the Dryrobe while I set my gear up, the big practical pockets are useful here to hold the stuff you need to get set up as soon as possible. After a session, the first thing I do is put the Dryrobe back on. The difference between being in just your wetsuit and having the Dryrobe on is instantly noticeable. Then get everything broken down as quickly as possible and drive home in the wetsuit and the Dryrobe for a welcome hot shower. I have not noticed any wet or water stains on my car seat having done this many times.
As an added benefit, when it rains hard, but my dog Maggy insists we go out, the Dryrobe is a great option for staying dry. I’m clearly not the only dog owner who has realised this.
Finally, in winter especially, I am keen that everything is dry if I am going back out the next day. I have a hot air dryer for my wetsuit, hanging the Dryrobe up near to the wetsuit dryer gives it enough warm air flow to dry ready for use the next day. Even when it has been really wet I have not yet had to put the Dryrobe directly on the dryer.
Dryrobe materials and construction
The following points are based on my first hand experience of Dryrobe. I am not in anyway associated with the company or incentivised to write this review.
Strengths I have found:
- The robes are well made and well designed.
- They work really well as a changing robe where you can slip your arms inside the robe and use the 2 way zip to provide more space to work your wetsuit off.
- They also work really well at keeping you warm between sessions with a full length zip, the ability to tighten storm cuffs on the sleeves and a cosy hood.
- Generous waterproof pocket for mobile phone, wallet etc.
- Polyester lining is absorbent (no towel needed) and dries fast.
- If the robe gets muddy during set-up (or a dog walk) it sponges clean very easily.
- I have had my Dryrobe for approaching four years. It shows no signs of significant wear and is still warm and waterproof. Dryrobe state that they design products “to last for years”, my own experience supports this.
- The company is making a real effort regarding sustainability and social impact. They have focused on recycled materials since the start but continue to progress having recently become a certified B corporation.
In Conclusion
If you live anywhere that gets chilly for part of the year a changing robe that helps keep you warm before, between and after sessions is a key piece of kit. If you have experience of Dryrobe or have another piece of keep warm kit you swear by leave a comment below.
In my view, if you want the best changing robe you can buy get Dryrobe. The payback will come when you find this opens up cold days when you might have stayed home. It’s cold, but the sun’s shining and the winds up, let’s Go-Wingfoil.