Photo courtesy dryrobe
Its winter, which means the waves are good. But it also means it's cold. From getting out of the car, changing into your wetsuit, paddling out into the lineup, and paddling back in, the entire experience is cold, chilly, or even downright freezing.
For years, I’ve done what just about every other surfer does: dealt with it. Mind over matter, right? Maybe I’m getting older, but as winter rolled around this year, I’ve noticed the chill setting into my bones more than it used to.
Aside from dealing with it over the years, I’ve also brought layers — sweatshirts, sweatpants and towels — only to get them damp and sour in the process. They haven't insulated me from the cold temperature, either.
So all that to say I finally hit the point where I wanted to do something about it. I decided to give dryrobe’s Advance Changing Robe a try — and I can’t believe I’ve been missing out this entire time.
Not only has kept me comfortable getting to and from the water during the winter — it’s helped me catch more waves, knowing that I won’t be freezing before and after paddling out.
dryrobe Advance: The Backstory
Photo courtesy dryrobe
dryrobe was first launched in 2010 as the original weather proof changing robe.
The first dryrobe was created by Gideon Bright, a UK based surfer, who grew tired of using a cold and wet towel when changing after surfing in the area's chilly temperatures.
His creation is a marriage of a changing robe, a winter jacket, with the most comfortable material imaginable.
dryrobe is now one of the most sought after and discussed brands in the UK and Ireland, two places known for cold water surfing, and in recent years, it’s made its way to the US.
Now, it's popping up near lineups from New Smyrna to Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz, and many areas in between. Try it yourself and it's easy to see why.
Here’s 6 things we loved about it.
Photo courtesy dryrobe
#1: The dryrobe Advance is warmer than you think.
It's more than warm; how about toasty?
Not only does the dryrobe Advance preserve your core temperature with full protection from the chilly weather; its unique fleece lining made from 100% recycled polyester is warm, soft, and downright comfortable.
Plus, its unique inner lining draws the water away from the skin and into the pile of the fabric.
I’ve used it dozens of times before and after paddling out in North Florida and California, and there’s yet to be a time when it hasn’t kept me insanely warm.
My favorite aspect are the fleece-lined zip pockets, which act as mini-hand warmers, too.
There’s no doubt about it: with its thickness, it will keep you toasty regardless of how chilly the temperature is.
And, if your area is chilly but not freezing, or you'd like to use a changing robe during the in between months when the weather isn't too chilly, the dryrobe Advance comes with a short-sleeve option too.
#2: The dryrobe Advance is weather resistant.
It’s not enough for a changing robe to be warm; it needs to be resistant against the harsh elements.
Not only is the dryrobe Advance’s outer shell waterproof up to 10,000mm; it has water-resistant finishing combined with heat-sealed seams that creates a solid barrier against wind and water — and adds to its warmth factor.
So, even if you’re changing or checking the lineup and there’s snow falling — I'm convinced the dryrobe Advance will keep you warm in Antartica — you’re guaranteed to be warm and protected from the elements.
#3: The dryrobe Advance is made from recycled materials.
As surfers, we’re eco-conscious. That’s another reason why the dryrobe Advance is so great.
It’s made with 100% recycled fabrics, so it’s a great, sustainable choice, without compromising on its warmth and comfy performance.
But that’s not all. It’s waterproof and windproof outer shell made from 100% recycled nylon, so everything about this product is conscious.
Photo courtesy dryrobe
#4: The dryrobe Advance is affordable.
So, how much will the dryrobe Advance set you back? It’s price point is $195.
If you’re like me, and you’re on a budget, you might think that’s too much.
But how much are you willing to pay for warmth getting in and out of the car during the winter months, without the need to blast your heater and wait for it to kick on? That's priceless in my opinion.
Best of all, by keeping me warm, the dryrobe Advance has motivated me to surf more, and I’ve caught far more waves this winter season than any winter in the past. You can’t put a price tag on that.
#5: The dryrobe Advance is durable.
At the $195 price point, how much can you use it?
Well, if it’s wet, it can be reused multiple times without feeling wet or cold. I've personally hung it out to dry after every surf session, and by the time I've put it on again, it's been dry and ready to go.
This is what separates it from other changing robes on the market: I've heard stories in the lineup about changing robes not even lasting a winter season.
Based on how durable the material of the dryrobe Advance feels, I’m expecting it to last at quite a while — I've heard stories of some dryrobe's lasting 10 years!
#6: All of this is backed with a performance guarantee.
dryrobe is so sure of their quality and durability that they back everything with a Performance Guarantee.
This means they will replace your purchase free of charge due to defects in workmanship and/or materials within a year of purchase.
You can find out more about the dryrobe® Performance Guarantee here.
Photo courtesy dryrobe
dryrobe Advance: Get Yours Today
There you have it: from affordability to durability, warmth and more, the dryrobe Advance is the best surf changing robe. Take it from us: try it once, and you’ll never go back to wet and sour towels or even other changing robes in the market. Get yours today by visiting their website.
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