Water Sports and Triathlon Wear
BY ADAM W. CHASE
After tolerating such a long, snowy winter we deserve some real warmth, but only with the opportunity to escape, taking wet reprieves in Boulder Creek, our public pools, and the Rez when things get particularly steamy. In order to better enjoy those refreshing splashes, this apparel and footwear and these accessories are designed as water performance wear, to help enhance your wet fun. >>
HORNY TOAD
www.hornytoad.com
>>Jazz Shorts (Women’s)
SRP: $36
With a retro look that may take you back to high school gym class, the Jazz shorts combine a four-inch inseam with a full elastic waistband, on-seam pockets, contrast stripe panel, and curved side vents. But that is where history stops: the Jazz are made of Horny Toad’s Jet Lite fabric, a very light, quick-drying, and extremely supple material. This makes these shorts good for days when getting wet might be part of the fun.
>>Wake Shorts (Men’s)
SRP: $48
As the name implies, Horny Toad made these shorts for all conditions, including water sports. Made of soft yet durable Jet fabric, which combines a quick-drying polyester suede outer and smooth inner, the Wake shorts integrate drainable mesh pockets, vertical zip pockets, and classic style combined with hefty seams, an elasticized waist and a 10.5-inch inseam to be ready for action in almost any setting.
MION>>Wake Shorts (Men’s)
SRP: $48
As the name implies, Horny Toad made these shorts for all conditions, including water sports. Made of soft yet durable Jet fabric, which combines a quick-drying polyester suede outer and smooth inner, the Wake shorts integrate drainable mesh pockets, vertical zip pockets, and classic style combined with hefty seams, an elasticized waist and a 10.5-inch inseam to be ready for action in almost any setting.
www.mionfootwear.com
>>Current Sandal (Women’s)
SRP: $19.95
Mion, which is intentionally pronounced “my own,” is all about the footwear’s “Ergomorphic footbed” that assumes your foot’s unique shape, holding you in place and offering structure for a physiologically-sound posture. The Current’s Super-Structure cord connects the sandal to the foot with a comfortable pressure, relieving pressure from any individual areas of the foot. The Current is extremely light in weight, does not absorb water, and features a siped outsole with a proprietary compound that provides grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
PATAGONIA
www.patagonia.com
>>WaterGirl Bikini: Morocco Mundaka Top and Bayonee Bottoms (Women’s)
SRP: $72
The bikini top is adjustable with a supportive fit, attractive cross-the-back straps, and a deep V-shape. The bottoms have adjustable side ties with a sensual low-rise front. Both the tops and bottoms are lined in front; the top with removable soft pads for a smooth look. The soft yet structured fabric is 80 percent nylon and 20 percent spandex.They look cool too.
>>Avatar Board Shorts (Men’s)
SRP: $75
High-tech meets surf with the Avatar board shorts. Made of four-way stretch-woven polyester with a durable water-repellent finish, these technical shorts use stitch-free welded seam technology to keep the shorts light and reduce chafing. True to their board short heritage, the Avatar shorts feature a twill-tape reinforced tie-enclosure fly, contoured mesh side panels that vent on land and flush in the water, and a self-draining zippered side pocket.
RYDERS
www.ryderseyewear.com
>>Jolt (Unisex)
SRP: $39
Smaller-visaged people have gotten tired of wearing sunglasses that were made for someone else. Fortunately, Ryders recognizes this and has done a superb job crafting frames that fit individuals with smaller or narrower faces. But it is the polarized lenses that are the real focus here, given that it makes the Jolt (and Slim) excellent protection around water. And focused they are, given that Ryders are shaped thicker through the middle, where the eye spends most of its time, relieving eye strain with thinner edges. The lenses are made of scratch-resistant and anti-fog coated polycarbonate material, with 100 percent UV protection and mirror coating.
>>Slim (Unisex)
SRP: $39
Like the Jolt, the Slim offers excellent eye protection and does so in a small, stylish package that fits the smallest of faces.
AHNU
www.ahnufootwear.com
>>Bodega (Women's)
SRP: $85
For multi-purpose, multi-surface (e.g. wet and dry) footwear with “pour through” drainage mesh uppers and non-slip, high-grip outsoles, the Bodega is a straightforward approach to aquatic-friendly footwear. The non-marking carbon rubber outsoles with EVA foot pods combine for traction, and a multi-density, anatomically-designed drop-
in midsole provides arch support and comfort. All that and a functional yet stylish new look.
in midsole provides arch support and comfort. All that and a functional yet stylish new look.
>>Tilden (Men's and Women's)
SRP: $90
If you want more than a sandal but less than a shoe, the Tilden, with its breathable, vented upper and EVA midsole with TPU shanks may be just what you seek. Ahnu’s environmental emphasis is apparent in the Tech-Dry bamboo lining, which boasts natural anti-microbial qualities. The Tilden’s single-pull lace system and cam buckle serve to keep you secured to the supportive and comfortable midsoles.
KEEN
www.keenfootwear.com
>>Roatan (Women's)
SRP: $35
This water shoe takes a minimalist approach, with a focus on underfoot traction on wet surfaces with Aqua Stop Grippy Rubber. Weighing a mere 5.4 ounces, the neoprene upper with elastic band stays affixed to your foot but without any buckles, Velcro, laces, or other attachments for simple and quick on-and-off ease.
ZOOT
www.zootsports.com
>>ULTRA Race Suit
(Women’s)
SRP: $175
You can see a majority of female triathletes at any of the Boulder triathlons or Stroke and Stride events sporting Zoot. The ULTRA race suit has BioWrap panel construction for compression and an integrated bra with support. The suit features sleek hip pockets, six-inch inseam and pad construction, a finished leg hem that eliminates the need for a restrictive leg hem, and “modesty panels” that stay opaque when wet.
WALLAROO
www.wallaroohats.com
>>Casual Traveler Hat
(Women's)
SRP: $34
Fashioned out of water-resistant and lightweight microfiber, Wallaroo’s Casual Traveler hat is the perfect pool-side accoutrement. Wallaroo, based here in Boulder with connections to Australia, knows well the deleterious impacts of the sun and, accordingly, builds UV protection into its extensive hat line. In fact, the Casual Traveler is rated a UPF 50+, blocking 98 percent of the sun’s UV rays. As an added bonus, the fashionable hat is packable, crushable, and washable.
SUGOI
www.sugoi.ca
>>HydroLite Jacket (Men's and Women's)
SRP: $100
While other products in this review may work well with the water, the HyrdoLite jacket works well against it. Made out of an almost magical material called—and don’t be too surprised here—“HydroLite,” the fabric is worthy of being the life of a party. An intelligent fabric, it activates upon contact with moisture so that water falling on the outer surface causes a reaction to the molecular structure of the membrane, creating a barrier. While the bubbling metamorphosis doesn’t enhance the performance of the laminate, which is polyurethane-based on a polyester face, the four-way stretch translucent fabric is just plain cool and well-suited for triathletes, runners, and cyclists. The jacket uses welded seams, Scotchlite reflection, and it is easily packed into a jersey pocket.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH
www.outdoorresearch.com
>>Satori Shorts (Women’s)
SRP: $50
Made of quick-drying, lightweight, and sheer-yet-tough fabric, the Satori shorts are well-suited for a summer day’s varied activities, including a splash in cool water. With the comfort of a gusseted crotch, the Satori shorts won’t restrict your movements and the button-closing back pockets will secure your valuables when you are in motion.
>>Endura Shorts (Men’s)
SRP: $58
Burly. That is the word that best describes the Endura shorts. They are made out of durable if not rugged nylon stretch canvas that is soft on the skin yet, with a DWR finish and their quick-to-dry qualities, they are well-suited for moist pursuits. Sporting an integrated belt and functional pockets, the Endura shorts make an excellent travel short for almost any occasion.
GOPRO CAMERA
www.goprocamera.com
>>Digital HERO 3
SRP: $140
To capture the fun in all settings, wet or dry, the GoPro wrist camera arms you with the means to take photographs and videos. The rugged, waterproof, light and micro-sized Digital HERO 3 packs in a three-megapixel sensor for high-resolution photos and TV-resolution video delivered at a smooth 30frames per second, including audio. The HERO 3 includes a 2 GB SD card tha holds more than 2,500 photos or up to 54 minutesof continuous video.
Adam W. Chase
practices tax law in Boulder and is the trail editor of
Running Times magazine and the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Trail Running.
He also serves as a Teva Mountain Running Ambassador, a sponsored adventure racer, trail runner,
and captain of Team Atlas Snow-Shoe Company.
chase@statetax-law.com
practices tax law in Boulder and is the trail editor of
Running Times magazine and the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Trail Running.
He also serves as a Teva Mountain Running Ambassador, a sponsored adventure racer, trail runner,
and captain of Team Atlas Snow-Shoe Company.
chase@statetax-law.com