Palm Rocket Kids Drysuit review
By Dale Mears @supwithdale
Another suit in for testing, but this one isn’t one I can fit into, as this is a specifically designed kids’ suit. Designed for kids from 134cm, now my daughter, aged 7, is around 130, and the smallest size the KM is perfectly suitable. I’ll explain why later. Let’s have a look at why.
Why a kid’s drysuit?
The Grom market is definitely growing, and kids have always been on the water, but I feel there is greater awareness of the importance of having the right kit and how that can impact performance. This is precisely why a kids’ suit is an excellent option. Of course, the downside is that they grow quickly. I get that, but I feel this suit will last my daughter 2/3 years, at which point it will have been entirely worth it to keep her on the water during autumn/winter. We know kids get colder quicker, and a wetsuit isn’t always the warmest option.
This suit is a three-layer fabric; it feels rough, durable, and well-made. It has many great features, including adjustable velcro cuffs that fit around the latex seals on the wrists. Thick, durable, waterproof socks allow younger paddlers to double up with a thicker sock to keep their feet warm. Everyone knows that keeping your feet warm makes a huge difference.
Kayak-specific but multi-discipline
The entry zip is traditional across the shoulders. This is a kayak-specific but multi-discipline suit. Inside are two removable shoulder straps that are adjustable, meaning they can be tightened so that the suit fits just right. We had to fully tighten the straps for my daughter, and that held the weight of the suit whilst she paddled. She didn’t once complain about the weight of the suit; it’s nice and light and fits well, even if a little oversized for her at the moment. The shoulder zip does mean kids will need a little help getting in and out, but let’s face it, most will be paddling with adults or parents/coaches at this age.
The suit itself comes in a great colourway, Aqua, with some red/orange detailing that matches the Quest range of PFDS nicely. It also features Palm’s Grom logo and a cheeky Haka, which is a nice touch.
There are no pockets in the suit, so it is pretty streamlined. There is a waist baffle for the spray deck, and an adjustable waistband to tighten and keep water out.
My daughter, as mentioned, although slightly smaller sizing for the smallest suit, really liked wearing it and found it comfortable. In fact, it was one of the longer sessions we’ve had since the weather dropped, and the added confidence of the suit meant we had a swim test at the end. She was dry and warm, taking advantage of a onesie underneath, which went down very well!
I definitely think this will extend our paddling season, and if you’re worried about how fast kids grow, they are slightly larger in-store and see how it fits.
All in all, another positive move from Palm to encourage more kids on the water and to wear the right kit. Palm also offers split options in this range, with jackets and dry pants too.
https://palm.equipment/gb
Price: £349.00
SUP Mag UK 
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