# 6: Palm Nevis PFD – New for 2020

After the first pictures and reviews of the new Nevis PFD appeared on social media end of 2019 there was quite some excitement amongst paddlers in the know as it promised a completely new approach to how the quick release chest harness works.

Palm Nevis PFD

I received the first box of Nevis PFDs in the second half of March, just before the COVID-19 lockdown started here in New Zealand. No opportunity yet to take it out on the river, but plenty of time to check it out while sitting at home. And it doesn’t disappoint.

First of all, it’s super quick and easy to put on: One strap on either side locks it into position, stopping it from riding up. Then, on the right side, tighten up the Piggyback harness. This one adjusts right under chest high to make the fit 100%. No need to fiddle around with the quick release strap and buckle as this “piggybacks” onto the adjustment strap and will always be ready and safe to use. The concept of this new chest harness is a brilliant stroke of genius by the designer, Barney Caulfield. I’m not surprised that Palm applied for a patent for this as it is completely different and novel compared to how quick release harnesses have been built up until now, and it will eliminate release failures due to bad adjustment.

Storage space: If you ever thought Palm’s PFDs could have just a little bit more pocket space – now you’ve got it! At last count I found seven (7) pockets, giving you ample space to store (and quick access to) karabiners, pulley, webbing and prussicks, flipline, rations for a long day, rescue blanket, PLB, and whatever else you may deem important to have on you when you’re out in the wild. I’ve taken a few photos showing the pockets in more detail:

The Nevis PFD has a dedicated knife pocket, but a free standing knife that would normally attach to a lash tab can securely be fastened to the webbing strap on the ouside of the front pocket.
The roomy front pocket has lots of space for karabiners, sling and other rescue equipment, and dividers separate your stash of ear and nose plugs, power bars, and more.
To the left and right of the main pocket are side pockets with velcro closure, perfectly suited to store a couple of prussick slings (or more food).

Next to the side pockets is access to a zipped tunnel pocket that can be accessed from both sides and is suitable to store non-bulky items like a flip line, prussick rope, a SPOT emergency locator, or even more food!.

There is also a pocket on the inside of the front and back panel of the Nevis. The one in the back can accommodate Palm’s 1.5 L hydration bladder, and the front one offers large enough storage for a rescue blanket inside a couple of zip lock bags.

Verdict: It’s a pricey piece of highly technical whitewater equipment but it’s worth every dollar spent. The new Piggyback harness gives peace of mind that an emergency release will always work, without compromising the secure fit of the PFD.
Professional users, guides, expedition paddlers and weekend whitewater warriors alike will appreciate this new rescue PFD concept and its features.
https://paddle-power.nz/product/nevis-pfd/

# 5: Unreal and Strange Times Ahead

24 March 2020

Dear customers and friends of paddle-power

We’ve entered some unreal and strange times. It’s almost impossible to describe in words. We had so much late summer hype just a couple of weeks ago with new PFDs from Palm Equipment arriving, and other new 2020 gear rolling in soon after. This all definitely fizzed out now. However, here’s a big THANK YOU to all customers and paddlers who have supported myself, retailers, and the people behind the brands I’ve been importing for 25 years. I’ve imagined celebrating 25 years in business somewhat differently, but hey, such is life.

While New Zealand goes into lockdown for at least the next 4 weeks I hope that you find opportunities to follow your paddling passion, although for many of you this will not be possible so easily as travel and socialising opportunities will be very, very limited under Level 4. I urge you to not paddle whitewater alone as this has a whole lot of implications under the current conditions if things go a bit pear-shaped on your solo outing. So think about it twice. Surfing on the beach away from others (luckily we have a lot of coast line to fulfil the Social Distancing requirement) or grinding some miles on a lake may have to suffice.

If you need some gear then please support your local shops, they will need your help. And if you choose any of the brands featured here on paddle-power.nz you will also support me and the family, as well as your local.
Most specialized kayak shops have a good online presence or can be contacted by email during lockdown. Freight and courier companies are hopefully able to continue their services throughout Level 4 restrictions so I am pretty sure that orders will reach you.

Thanks again for all your support in the past, now, and in the future!

Stay safe and healthy, and most importantly look after yourself and your family.

 Andi Uhl

# 4: New harness systems for Palm 2020 rescue PFDs

For 2020 Palm Equipment is releasing three new buoyancy aids: The newly designed Nevis PFD, and updated 2020 versions of the Extrem and FXr PFDs. Those PFDs have a new harness system with quick release: Piggyback harness on the Nevis and UCLan harness on the Extrem and FXr. The new system ensures faultless release. Palm published the video below that shows how the new chest harnesses work.
Those three new PFDs will become available here in NZ in about 4 to 5 weeks from now.

Palm Equipment PFD chest harness best practice – New 2020 PFD models

# 1 – Aniol’s Holiday in New Zealand

I saw that Aniol Serrasolses paid Okere Falls a visit a couple of weeks ago and decided to go to Huka Falls for a good spanking… Well, I suppose we’re all in between swims. Enjoy the show (if you haven’t seen it yet), and take care out there when the rivers are high.

Thanks to Kayak Session Magazine for the link.