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I'm a New Believer in Toaster Mitts!

Winter has greeted us here in Idaho. The Salmon River had dropped to a level that brought the Mill Wave, just upstream from Riggins, Idaho, to a perfect surfing level. The temperature was cold but the wave was perfect. Upon reaching the river’s edge, I was greeted by ice on the banks and ice in the river.

I have paddled with NRS Mambas for over ten years. They’ve kept my hands pretty warm, but when play boating, my hands would get cold. I’ve always felt that I need to have direct contact with my paddle and was unwilling to give up my Mambas. But at the beginning of this season, I decided that I would use my NRS Toaster Mitts the whole season. If I was still not convinced, I could go back to the Mambas next season.

So, with Toaster Mitts on I surfed the Mill Wave with ice skimming under the hull of my Star… and my hands were hot. The next test was pulling myself up the eddy with my hands submerged in the river. Still toasty! Next season the first thing I will pull out of my gear bag will be my Mitts!

Mill Wave, above Riggins, Idaho. Great surfing spot! © Devon Barker

Wishing all of you a wonderful winter paddling season,

Devon Barker
Team NRS