Kayak Blog | The Kayak Blog

The Lotus Designs Whip-It is a compact throw rope that sits at the ready while clipped to your boat or stashed in the Whip-It Pouch or EFT Pack. It launches 50 feet at a throw and easily restuffs. The sturdy Cordura® bag has a sewn-in foam panel for flotation and rigidity.

“The Rio Bravo has a slightly lower profile than many other PFDs; the short front and back panels won’t hinder mobility. The side-panel construction puts a gusset of fabric between front and back and lets you adjust the vest to your body with a close and secure fit. Shoulder pads are long for comfort on all-day floats. A lash tab keeps a knife within easy reach, and you can stash essentials in the two generously sized stretch-mesh zip pockets (with internal D-rings). With the Rio Bravo you get the comfort and reliability of a front-zip entry vest.

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“The mango-sized Touring Tow by Lotus Designs clips unobtrusively onto the side of a Locean® and enables you to easily tow a wayward sea kayak to safety. When needed, it provides 50 feet of high-visibility 3/16″” buoyant polypropylene rope. To release the rope, simply pull the quick-release cam buckle. Comes with a wide-mouth carabiner, webbing belt and stainless steel O-ring. The Touring Tow is not for swift-water rescue.

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“You’ll appreciate the reliability and durability of Lotus Design’s Fling Polypro Throw Bag, but not nearly as much as the paddler on the receiving end of the rope will. Toss the sturdy throw bag, and 70 feet of 3/8″” floatable polypropylene rope smoothly deploys. We adapted its wide-mouth design from a climber’s chalk bag for a seamless feed-out and easy restuffing. After it’s restuffed, locked and loaded, clip the abrasion-resistant Cordura® and nylon mesh bag to your boat with the quick-release handle.

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“When spring’s in the air but winter’s still in the water, boost the warmth of your paddling top with the added insulation of an Ultra Khosi shirt. Made from Regulator® fabric, these contoured-fit fleece tops wick away moisture while keeping your core cozy. Handy under-the-shortie insulation with a lighter combo of R1® through the shoulders and torso and R.5® under the arms and in lower torso for maximum breathability and mobility. All Regulator fabrics that are used to build the Ultra Khosi Top are quick to dry.

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“The Skull Cap is an ultra-lightweight insulating layer by Lotus Desings. Using the same waterproof, stretch fleece laminate fabric as their popular Water Heater tops, these caps keep the heat in. If your head and ears are warm on a cold-water day, your fun factor increases exponentially! Stay warm.

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“Lotus Design’s newest, trim-fitting, air-conditioned fishing vest doubles as a USCG-approved, Type III personal flotation device (PFD). Deft adjustment points, die-cut, hand-skived foam and an open-meshed back keep the profile slim (and comfortable to wear, even in a high-backed boat). The low neckline, narrow chest and short waist create large armholes for unimpeded casting.

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“Lotus Design’s most protective dry top, the Eva-lution keeps you warm during snowmelt surf sessions. Stretch panels across the back allow unrestrained movement. The fit is contoured (but still allows for layers), based on a woman’s body, with a shorter waist and less fabric in the underarm areas. The seal system comprises latex gaskets and stretch neoprene cuffs at wrists and neck, and slides easily over your head without any pesky hook-and-loop closures to latch onto your hair. The Eva-lution Top features a double-tunnel system with wide neoprene waistband and adjustable tabs on the sides gives you a tight seal to keep water out.

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“The rescue-ready P-Vest by Lotus Designs is a high-stakes, high-water favorite of expedition paddlers, kayak instructors and safety boaters. It has an integrated chest harness, backed by a semi-internal harness with a quick-release cam buckle and stainless steel O-ring. The entire system adjusts easily and stays secure while you’re working a swift-water rescue. P-Vest pockets are big enough to accommodate the optional P-Vest Implant, which gives you an extra two-and-a-half pounds of flotation when the water gets really big. Thoughtful details on the P-Vest include an internal neoprene handwarmer pocket, two lash tabs, and reflective tape for visibility.

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“When spring’s in the air but winter’s still in the water, boost the warmth of your paddling top with the added insulation of an Ultra Khosi shirt by Lotus Designs. Made from Regulator® fabric, these contoured-fit fleece tops wick away moisture while keeping your core cozy. The long-sleeved version combines breathable and compressible R2® fleece with the lighter knit of R1® under the arms and in the lower torso. All Regulator fabrics used in to build the Khosi Top are quick to dry.

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