The Kayak Blog

“The Downstream Shorts by Lotus Designs are clean, no-nonsense and effective. Made from comfy yet durable Polartec® Power Shield®, they are seamless in the crotch and seat area to eliminate chafing. Seat and legs are anatomically shaped for the sitting position; a simple drawcord keeps the Downstreams in place. The cut is just above the knee. Inseam 11 1/4″”. The Downstream Short is contoured to fit the female figure.

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“The Lotus Designs Lolita Swim Vest was born out of recreational discontent.  Thoughtfully tailored to fit paddlers with short torsos or smaller frames, the Lolita’s sleek, tri-panel design sits lower and more securely against the sternum. Adjusts at the sides and waist for optimal comfort. With a large stretch-mesh pocket and lash tab.

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The Stretch Sort-Y by Lotus Designs is ideal for hole-surfing playboaters and other whitewater addicts who want maximum flexibility. Lotus Designs knows that the best shells are those you don’t even know they are there.

“The Lotus Designs Lola PFD is for unleashing the gymnast within. For any kind of recreational paddling, it’s light and agile. The fit is so low profile and ultra-comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing a life jacket. Its tri-panel design hinges on princess seams, creating a breaking front panel that conforms to any body type. The vest zips at the side, providing easy entry and exit, and there’s a neoprene flange inside the zipper to prevent skin’zip. A large stretch-mesh pocket with internal D-ring keeps essentials within reach. Details: adjustment points on the side panels, neoprene waist tunnel and shoulder pads.

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“The Sherman PFD, named after the westernmost county on I-70 in Kansas, originally surfaced as a vest that Lotus Designs built for some squirt boaters, a bunch of freestyle paddlers and themselves. It’s a perfect swim vest for throwing ends at Big Rocks as well as for sailboat racers and sea kayakers. Its principal beauty is its simplicity, designed for one purpose: providing absolute, unhindered mobility. The Sherman’s unobtrusive cut, combined with eight adjustment points, eliminates any chance of irritation and distraction when you’re paddling. The majority of the flotation is placed low on the torso, with the sides scooping in radically to achieve complete freedom of movement. At the bottom of the front panel there’s an inconspicuous stretchable mesh pocket, and against your chest is an inviting, internal neoprene hand-warmer pocket. The waist-belt is constructed of soft, durable, body-conforming neoprene so it resists sliding up your torso. You can use The Sherman as a pullover sty

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“The Lotus Designs’ Downstream Capri is the latest generation of functional insulation bottoms — same as our Downstream Shorts but in a knee-covering style — these formfitting Polartec® Power Shield® pants feature a high-cut waist in the back for warmth and protection from chafing. The seat and legs of the Downstream Capri are anatomically shaped to fit the female figure. Inseam 18″”.

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“The Core Temp Short are ideal for all paddlers.  The cockpit seat is your direct connection to your kayak, and a subtle hip movement can mean the not-so-subtle difference between nailing a tight line and swimming it. That’s why the seat in these Lotus Design shorts is textured for firm traction against the boat’s seat, while the 2-mm neoprene is smooth-faced, inside and out, so you can slip in and out of kayaks without hanging up on thigh braces or hip pads.   The Core Temp Shorts are anatomically designed for the seated position.

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“The Half-Pint  is a Lotus vest for your little one: carefully crafted, comfortable and safe, with an adjustable fit that keeps your child’s attention off gear and on the joys of the river. It’s made from durable Cordura® fabric, in a zipperless pullover design that slips on easily. Bright colors and reflective tape add visibility.

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“Soul surfers of the Lachine Wave and slaves to the chocolate milk mightiness of the Slave River — Lotus Designs made this top-of-the-line dry top for you. The Royal Flush features stretch panels at the shoulders for unimpeded mobility; intelligent piecing eliminates traditional bulk at the waist and under arms. The collar closes behind the neck and has an ample opening to easily slide over your head. The seal system comprises latex gaskets and stretch-nylon cuffs at neck and wrists. Lastly, the Royal Flush Top features a double-tunnel waist cinches down with shockcord and drawcord.

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“The Lotus Designs’ Rio Grande’s moods range from rough and rowdy in the Taos Box to slow and pensive through the southwest Texas desert. Like its namesake, our tried-and-true front-zip-entry vest is up for all types of recreational paddling. The body is low-profile and cut to allow freedom of movement; the adjustable waist, sides and shoulders create a fit that won’t ride up. Lastly, the Rio Grande PFD features a lash tab for a knife, and roomy stretch-mesh pockets with internal D-rings.

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