8 minute read
To say the past couple of years have been challenging would be something of an understatement. The global pandemic has changed the way we do… well… everything! As 2021 progressed though, things started to open up. Big events got going again, travel became less restrictive and some kind of normality resumed. At dryrobe®, we’re fortunate to work with amazing people and incredible organisations, and their work has inspired and motivated us through the tough times. It was really hard to choose, but here are a few of the things that rocked our world in 2021…
Cotty starring in HBO’s 100 Foot Wave
This year 100 Foot Wave, a documentary series from HBO, hit our screens. The show follows big wave surf pioneer Garrett McNamara and his quest to find the ‘Everest’ of surfing - the elusive 100 foot wave. Garret’s quest takes him across the globe, eventually leading him to the epic waves of Nazare in Portugal where he teams up with dryrobe® ambassador Andrew Cotton. It’s awesome to see Cotty on-screen charging the waves at Nazare and getting the recognition he deserves. Definitely, a series to add to your watchlist if you haven’t seen it already. Check out our interview with Cotty about the show.
dryrobe® making a splash at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Throughout the games in Tokyo, we were asked the same question “Did I just see someone wearing a dryrobe®?”. We’re proud to say that a Team GB branded dryrobe® Advance was in use there! After the success of dryrobe® Advance at Rio in 2016, we were excited to again provide change robes for the Triathlon, Swimming and Diving teams. Team GB athletes and coaches recognise the huge benefit that keeping warm both before and after competing can have on performance. Read the full story of how this collaboration happened and the impact it at the games.
The introduction of 100% recycled fabrics
We’re proud to say that starting in 2021 our dryrobe® Advance range and accessories are now made with 100% recycled fabrics. This something we’ve been working towards for a long time and has not been an easy journey - the challenge was to never compromise on performance, whilst using the most sustainable materials possible. The outer lining of the dryrobe® Advance is made from pre-consumer recycled nylon, such as old fishing nets, tights and carpets. Whilst the inner is made using recycled polyester (rPET), a large part of which comes from plastic bottles. Find out more about our sustainability journey and our goals for 2022.
Cal Major’s ‘Scotland: Ocean Nation’ expedition
dryrobe® ambassador and environmental campaigner Cal Major is no stranger to epic stand up paddle expeditions, having previously set a world record SUPing from Lands End to John O’Groats. In 2021 Cal took on her biggest challenge yet, circumnavigating Scotland on her paddleboard! The aim of this incredible 1200km journey was to explore the vital role our ocean plays in the climate and biodiversity crises, and how our personal connections to the sea can influence its protection. Read Cal’s blog about her epic journey.
The 2021 dryrobe® English Adaptive Surfing Open
For the second year in a row, this incredible event took place at The Wave in Bristol and we were proud to have been headline sponsors this year. The competition welcomed some of the world’s best adaptive surfers to compete and the surfing on display throughout the competition was phenomenal. 2021 also saw the introduction of a new Waikiki Participation Session. This inspiring session allowed adaptive surfers who are above beginner level, but may not yet be confident enough to compete, to take part in the event and become familiar with the workings of surf competitions. Read our report from the event.
The launch of the dryrobe® Warmth Project
At dryrobe® we’ve always believed that the great outdoors should be accessible to everyone. A huge part of this is caring for the environment that we all love and depend on, ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy the benefits of getting outside in nature. Through the dryrobe® Warmth Project, launched in 2021, we’re proud to extend our support for charities and non-profit organisations that share our values of promoting wellbeing through outdoor activity and protecting the environment. Throughout the year, we’ve helped some incredible charities including Surfers Against Sewage, The Wave Project, 2 Minute Foundation, A Walk On Water and Surfers Not Street Children. In 2022 we’ve got some big plans, so watch this space! Read more about the dryrobe® Warmth Project.
Return of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
2021 saw the return of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and when we were asked if we could supply the divers with dryrobes to keep them warm on the Irish leg of the tour we jumped at the chance. The rugged west coast around Downpatrick Head in County Mayo was the perfect place to watch the world’s best cliff divers battle it out over the Atlantic. Read our report from the event.
Max Woosey - the boy in the tent
For over 18 months, 12-year-old Max Woosey has slept out in his tent, raising an incredible £570,000 so far for North Devon Hospice! Max, who lives just around the corner from dryrobe® HQ, was inspired to sleep out every night in a tent given to him by his neighbour and friend Rick, who sadly died from cancer in February 2020. Rick told Max ‘Promise me you'll have an adventure in here’. North Devon Hospice cared for Rick in his final days, so when Max heard that their fundraising events for 2020 had been cancelled he decided to camp out in the tent to help raise money for them - he’s been sleeping in his tent ever since. Find out more about this remarkable boy and how you can donate.
Izzi Gomez being nominated at The Red Bull Big Wave of the year Awards
dryrobe® Ambassador Izzi Gomez is a board riding force of nature! At the age of just 22, Izzi already has racked up five SUP Surfing world titles and is now making a name for herself in big wave surfing. Earlier this year she was nominated for 2021 Women's Ride Of The Year at the Red Bull Big Wave awards for the epic charge at Jaws (below), alongside some of the best Big wave surfers in the world. Find out more about Izzi in our interview with her from earlier this year.
Ben Skinner making waves on the WSL Longboard Tour
Back in February 2020, everything was looking good for dryrobe® ambassador Ben Skinner’s prospects on the WSL Longboard Tour. Then the pandemic hit. After nearly 18 months off, the tour kicked off again in September this year with two contests at a pair of iconic locations - Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch and Malibu Beach. Ben took home second place in the Malibu Classic in a final that truly demonstrated the respect and camaraderie there is between the world’s top longboarders. Read our interview with Ben about the tour.
Michael Coates & Nathan Jones - Swimming 26.2 Miles In One Day
Back in October, Michael Coates and Nathan Rainbow Jones set out to swim 26.2 miles in one day, raising money for three important charities. Described as ‘the most brutal one-day swimming challenge on the planet’, they completed this epic swim in 17 hours, battling through water temperatures of 10 degrees and setting a new world record in the process. Read our interview with these two incredible athletes.
The dryrobe® community
We are inspired on a daily basis by all the exciting adventures, big or small, our followers share with us. Whether it’s hammering through thick ice to go swimming, surfing a new break for the first time or just taking your dog for a walk - we love seeing what you get up to in your dryrobes. Get involved by tagging @dryrobe using #dryrobeterritory on social media.
Thank you all for your support throughout the year, see you in 2022!