Catalogue ASTRAL 2013

jjas low carbon shuttle, Prague CZ .photo Meg Smith

EU SP

2013

Welcome to A S T R A L - Europe.

As KAYAKERS, we need gear that makes us feel more comfortable, confident, and safe. Gear that allows us to push ourselves and the sport.

As DESIGNERS, we need to make products that are unique, necessary, and beautiful.

As MANUFACTURERS, we need our factories to be safe, our materials to be non-toxic, and our waste to be minimal.

If a product can not meet all these requirements, we don't make it.

CORPORATION Philip Curry - Owner/ R&D Yonton Mehler - General Mgr. Bryan Owen - Brand Mgr. Jutta Kaiser - Director- Europe Bennett Barr- Sales International Olli Grau - Sales Central EU

WORLD TEAM Pat Keller - USA Evan Garcia - USA Mariann Saether - NOR Jakub Nemec- CZR Rafa Ortiz - MEX Aniol Serasolses - ESP

SP 2013 1

LIFE VESTS This is our specialty. Our experience goes back to 1994 when Curry started Lotus Designs, a USA company very much influenced by the work of Horst Fuersatell. Since then , we have focused exclusively on the needs of extreme kayakers.

The collection here represents some of our best work of the last 3 years.

~ FLYTEVEST ~ CHALECO DE VIDA ~ SALVAGENTE ~ SCHWIMMWESTE ~ спасательный жилет ~ GILET DE SAUVETAGE ~ záchranná vesta ~ FLYTVÄST~ BUOYANCY AID ~

INNOVATIONS MATERIALS

Challenge: The entire whitewater PFD industry (in the USA) used PVC as it’s main form of buoyancy. PVC and its ingredients are toxic to the environment, especially groundwater.

Solution: Astral was founded in 2002 to solve this problem. We achieved it through introducing recyclable PE foams, low toxicity NBR foams, air bladders, and even the use of organic kapok. Now, very few PFD companies use PVC foam in the USA.

FOAM TECHTONICS Challenges: Whitewater and sea kayakers move their upper body in all kinds of crazy ways. When gear does not move with the body, it's restrictive and annoying!

Solution: Techtonics™ anchors an inner panel to your lower torso while the upper panel is free to move with your shoulders.

AIRESCAPE Challenges: PFDs are typically made of closed cell foam that covers the majority of one's torso. This defeats our bodies natural ability to regulate its temperature through perspiration and evaporation.

Solution: Airescape™ technology allows circulation of air between your body and PFD. The result is that you stay cooler when it's hot and warmer when it's cold.

SP2013 3

BLACK

GREEN

GREEN JACKET

1. Freestyle Tectonics 2. Rope Ready (store rope behind front panel) 3. Large Clamshell front pocket with 5 compartments tm

This year we’ve given the industry’s most trusted rescue vest some exciting new technical and visual upgrades.

Check out the GreenJacket’s new clamshell front pocket, innovative carabiner park, and fleece hand-warmers.

4. SPECTRA® safety loop for emergency extractions 5. 500 kg. quick release rescue harness 6. Carabiner Park for tow system 7. Zippered side cargo pockets 8. Fleece hand-warmers

Sizing (cm at chest) S/M = 78-94 M/L = 96-111 ISO-12402-50 N approved 72N design buoyancy

4 ASTRAL

L /XL = 114-130

BLACK

ORANGE

WILLIS 5 0 0

tm

Weighing in at only 500 grams, this ultra light buoyancy aid provides a complete range of motion for freestyle kayakers and racers.

1. Freestyle Tectonics 2. Hydro-Venttm Inner- Back for hydration or cooling.

3. Stretch shoulders maximize comfort 4. High Tenacity Ripstop Shell 5. Quick access Lash tab for knife connection.

Sizing (cm at chest) S/M = 78-94 M/L = 96-111

L /XL = 114-130

ISO-12402-50 N approved 68N design buoyancy

SP2013 5

BLACK

RED

SEAWOLF This sea kayaking inspired lifevest combines incredible fit, lightweight construction and ample, organized storage space.

tm

1. Freestyle Tectonics 2. Ultralight PE foam and Ripstop construction 3. Zippered side pockets 4. Large Clamshell front pocket with 4 compartments

5. Quick Release belt compatible 6. Reflective accents and strobe light attachment points 7. Fleece hand-warmers 8. Hyrdo-Vent back to keep user hydrated and cool

Sizing (cm at chest) S/M = 78-94 M/L = 96-111

6 ASTRAL

ISO-12402-50 N approved 72N design buoyancy

L /XL = 114-130

BLUE

ORANGE

V-EIGHT The world’s first breathable PFD; the V-Eight combines our AIRESCAPE® Technology (patent pending) with an ergonomic design, quick drying and durable Ripstop® shell, and ample pocket space. The high-foam back integrates well with the tall seats common in touring and rec boats today. [ V8 is currently the best selling PFD in the USA * ]

tm

1. AIRESCAPE® 2. Mesh back (compatible with high seat backs) 3. Large front pocket plus one interior storage sleeve 4. Articulated foam panels

5. Lightweight PE foam construction 6. Reflective accents on front and back 7. Quick access knife tab

Sizing (cm at chest) S/M = 78-94 M/L = 96-111

L /XL = 114-130

ISO-12402-50 N approved 70N design buoyancy

SP2013 7 * as of June 2012; in specialty retailers according to data published by Leisure Trendstm Group

FOOTWEAR Our shoes are uniquely designed for life around rivers and oceans.

They are engineered to provide natural balance, incredible traction, and ultra lightweight performance. They drain and dry quickly and offer various degrees of protection for different uses.

ARCHITECTURE MIDSOLE Our NATURAL BALANCE midsole places heel and ball on the same level for best balance in unpredicatable terrain. The durometer (hardness) is engineered for excellent flex and proprioception.

Unique drainage throught sidewall allows water and debris to escape, but puddle water can not enter. A rockered toe helps immensely for navigating rocky paths.

OUTSOLE

Made with Five Ten STEALTH速 rubber.

If you have used it, you already know. If not; you must try.

UPPER

Our minimized uppers harness the foot for control in the unpredictable world of wet rocks. We use CORDURA速; 17 years of heavy whitewater use prove that their is no equal for durability in a lightweight fabric. The vamp and tongue made with AIRMESH for keeping cool and drying fast.

SP2013 9

Black/ Green size

EU 37.5 - 49

RASSLER

tm

Designed especially for our true love.... Hiking in deep to run the gnar. The Rassler provides enhanced foot support, reinforced wear zones, and draining uppers. We stiffened our NaturalBalance midsole a bit to control foot fatigue and power through Cali granite fields. Incredibly light and with unmatchable STEALTH速 outsoles. This one is a welcome relief from the current trend of moon boots on offer to real kayakers.

10 ASTRAL

1. Mid-cut , 1000D Cordura Nylon uppers for increased support and protection.

2. TPU heel cup and toe cap reinforcements 3. Stealth rubber Outsole 4. Airmesh vamp for ventilation 5. Tough 200d hydrophobic liner dries fast.

6. Natural Balance Midsole with drainage

Black/ Lime

Black/ White

EU 41.1/3 - 49

EU 41.1/3 - 49

size

size

Navy/Azul

Gray/ Maroon

EU 37.5 - 49

EU 37.5 - 45.1/3

size

size

BREWER

tm

Our original shoe, the Brewer excels in its versatility.

Highly breathable mesh and Cordura速 uppers shed water and abrasion while the NaturalBalance midsole securely cradles your foot.

With drainage ports, STEALTH速 rubber, and its classic good looks this shoe can go about anywhere.

1. Amazingly light.. only 214g per shoe.

2. 1000D Cordura uppers for proven durability.

3. Natural Balance EVA Midsole with fast drainage at sidewalls and heel.

4. Step- down heel for clogging.

5. Maximal ventilation at vamp and tongue.

SP2013 11

ACCESSORIES Tools for adding safety and functionality to your ASTRAL lifevest.

1. THROW ROPE this dyneema core throw rope intergrates flawlessly into the GreenJacket’s Rope Ready pocket. The thin pouch can integrate well with many or our PFDs, where is accessible at all times (even when your boat is down stream). 15 meters.

2. WEBTOW a 6ft. SPECTRA® tow strap equiped with a Petzl® William locking carabiner this system tucks safely in side pocket of the GreenJacket and Sea Wolf.

3. This 38mm Quick Release Towing Belt is purchased seperately for using with the Sea Wolf.

12 ASTRAL

Copyright 2012 Astral Buoyancy Co. with big props to Daniel Windham!

A S T R A L - Europe Attn: Jutta Kaiser Am Reulert 4 52078 Aachen Germany Ph: +49 241 18984016 E: Jutta@paddle-people.com A S T R A L - USA 895 Broadway St. Asheville, NC 28804 USA T: +1 828 255 2638 E: info@astralbuoyancy.com www.astralbuoyancy.com