We’ve spent a vast amount of our R&D time this past year assessing, evaluating and developing women’s specific paddling equipment – we refer to it as our #shepaddlespeak project. We’ve undertaken our most extensive research project to date; over 300 women from a global audience completed surveys that not only asked about their sizing but also their preference in garment colour, labelling, fit and function. Our attendance at #shepaddles events, hosted by our partners Plas y Brenin and Glenmore Lodge (National Outdoor Centres), gathered invaluable insight and information; for these events, we had specially developed size sample jackets, legwear and PFDs ready for course attendees to try, comment and review.

Although we went to the #shepaddles events with the new Wrapid Fit style PFDs (Product of the Year entry #1) in mind/hand, it was very reassuring to receive such overwhelmingly positive feedback. The lowered and widened cut of the PFD samples was a highlight for many who tried them on for size. Furthermore, we listened to feedback regarding current top-end technical gear not meeting women’s specific needs. Simple, stress-free relief when needed most was a comment mentioned most often. The Rapid Pants along with Rapid & Tour Suits, with their drop seat relief/entry systems will answer this call. Gear designed for women, with specific features for women, made exclusively in women’s sizes.

As a result of the feedback from the survey, we are changing how we reference female equipment in our collection. Moving forward we will be referring to all female-specific kits as ‘women’s’ size/fit/styles – instead of our previous use of ‘ladies’ size/fit/styles. These newest sizes will be detailed as W10 etc, for technical gear and W10/12 etc in our PFD collection. Choosing colours of women’s specific equipment is always a contentious topic. For all paddlers surveyed that desired ‘more feminine’ colours, there was an equal number of paddlers opposed to this and desired a less overt colourway to distance themselves from unisex equipment. Our colour choices for 2025 reflect the answers we received, with a stunning collection of red, teal and black garments.

Our data collection indicated that our already established size offering of 10-14 is the most common place amongst the surveyed group. That being said, we felt strongly of an up-swell in demand for larger sizes to be available. For 2025 our technical outer women’s garments will be available in sizes 10-18, not only a huge plus for women paddlers, but for Peak PS as a brand, it is a huge sign of intended inclusivity and true representation of the women’s paddlesports market.

For 2025 we’re proud to showcase a brand-new lineup of women’s equipment, (including PFDs, a jacket, technical legwear and two paddling suits) that caters for all the needs identified by women in our survey. The Rapid jacket is an x4 WW jacket, with twin waist, wrists and neck seals, which features all the cornerstones of our More Sustainable manufacturing ethos (recycled fabrics, PFC-free DWR waterproofing, Bioprene seals and zero packaging) and is the benchmark for women’s fit WW gear. A carefully tailored and refined fit makes the Rapid Jacket incredibly comfortable to wear. The Rapid Pants are our high-spec technical dry legwear. These brand-new pants feature a completely unique relief system – a curved YKK Aquaseal zip fitted as a drop-seat relief system. The length of the zip offers easy, stress-free relief when nature calls – whilst the twin waist seal paired with removable, adjustable, elasticated shoulder straps makes these pants the most versatile set of legwear on the market. These pants again manifest all the elements of our More Sustainable manufacturing ethos.

The two latest additions to our One-Piece Suit range represent the biggest change in the paddle suit market since our launch of the leg entry system back in 2008. The Rapid and Tour Suits are fitted with a curved YKK Aquaseal zip, in an extended drop seat location, that doubles as an ideal relief and entry system for women. The zip is placed perfectly across the lower back, to not interfere with kayak back bands. Much like the ankle-to-ankle entry system, this drop seat entry style is donned by placing the garment on like a normal jacket and then stepping into the socks – the zipper is easily closed by the wearer along the outside leg seam, starting from the mid-calf area of one leg across the lower back and finishing at the opposite leg, mid-calf area. All are easily fitted by the wearer; and for when nature calls the entry system doubles as a simple, yet functional relief system too.

The innovative and unique Rapid Suit is constructed using X4 recycled nylon fabric and is equipped with double neck, waist and wrist seals. Ideal for all types of rough water boating, available in women’s sizes 10-18. The innovative and unique sea kayaking/touring counterpart to the Rapid Suit is called the Tour Suit. Again, constructed using X4 recycled nylon fabric, and is equipped with a comfortable Bioprene neck cone, along with a stowable X2.5 recycled nylon hood. Ideal for inland and offshore explorations and adventures via kayak, available in women’s sizes 10-18. Bespoke latex inner wrists & Bioprene outer seals, PFC-free DWR finish and zero packaging along with the accompanying storage bag / changing mat made entirely from surplus materials- make these suits not only two of the most eye-catching garments on the market for 2025, but also two of the ‘More Sustainable’ garments as well.

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