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Gear News | The New Wild Swimming Safety Device From TekraSport

"A revolutionary alternative to the traditional tow float”

Wild swimming is in vogue. It’s a booming outdoors trend, with an ever-growing fan base addicted to the revitalising boost you get from an al-fresco, cold water dip. This movement has spawned a growth in specialist wild swimming kit and equipment (such as the RuckRaft By Above Below and these open water swimming wetsuits) – and now there’s a new entrant looking to make waves in this market. Ireland-based water accessories brand TekraSport has launched in the UK with some innovative-looking and forward-thinking products. Here’s the full lowdown.

First up, the name TekraSport – what’s that all about? “It’s a quiet nod to Tetrapods – our aquatic ancestors who first ventured from sea to land”, explains John Hanley, the firm’s founder. “Ultimately our brand is founded on a sheer love of nature, a passion for swimming in the open ocean and a desire for safe and adventurous outdoor discovery. Our mission is to empower all individuals to overcome their physical and mental limits safely, innovatively and with the support of first-hand knowledge and engineering expertise.”

Inspired by Ireland’s rugged ‘Wild Atlantic’ coastline, John is a passionate triathlete, open water swimmer and multiple Iron Man contestant – and his product innovations are born out of these experiences.

“The internal bladder inflates at the pull of a cord.”

TekraSport’s hero product is the TekraPod, which is confidently billed as “a revolutionary alternative to a traditional tow float.” It’s a race legal, safety device that you wear on your back (almost like one of those super-streamlined, minimalist hydration bladder backpacks). When you need support or need to alert people for help, it can be easily inflated within an instant.

At the core of each safety device is a purpose to not limit performance, but rather empower first-time open water swimmers and enable confident athletes to improve without distraction.

“The TekraPod ensures the ultimate in safety, speed and performance in the water,” adds John. “It’s neutrally buoyant and doesn’t interfere with the swimmer’s body position, or their swim mechanics. Because it’s located between the shoulder blades in a narrow hydrodynamic pouch, it has little or no drag effect and has the sticking power of a limpet. The internal bladder inflates at the pull of a cord, the elongated bladder can then be used to wave for attention, to rest on while assistance arrives or given to other water users who might need help. It is also fully reusable by replacing a 16g CO2 cylinder, just like the ones used for bikes.”

The Tekrapod costs £115, weighs 310g and is made from neoprene laminates. It is manufactured in the UK and Ireland using fully certified USA and EU components. TekraSport’s other products include the TekraLite, a powerful, waterproof LED light offering high visibility; and the TekraRobe, a warm, water-proof and wind-proof robe.

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