Whetman Equipment

Up and Under in Cardiff, UK, stocks a wide range of high-quality watersports gear from Whetman Equipment, including safety and rescue equipment, spray decks, dry bags, clothing, and more. Founded by experienced kayaker and engineer Steve Whetman, the brand is driven by over 30 years of paddling expertise and a passion for creating innovative, reliable gear for paddlers.
Steve Whetman’s background includes extreme whitewater kayaking, guiding in Latin America, and over 15 years in paddlesport manufacturing. His hands-on experience in water rescue and swiftwater instruction shapes the development of Whetman Equipment products. Each item is rigorously tested and refined, either crafted in their Devon workshop or produced in Europe by trusted industry partners, ensuring top performance and durability.
Whetman Equipment
Rigger WRSS480
The Whetman Equipment Rigger WRSS480 is a compact, durable water rescue knife designed for river and sea use. It features a 78mm stainless steel dual-edge blade with a safe blunt tip for effective cutting without risk of accidental injury. The positive pivot thumb button allows quick one-handed opening and can be swapped for left- or right-handed use. A brushed aluminium case with rubber grip ensures secure handling, even with cold or wet hands. Locking blade, belt clip, and lanyard compatibility make it an essential rescue tool.
Whetman Equipment
Adder MKII
The Whetman Equipment Adder MK11 is a super strong lightweight sling made from ultra high strength WRT750. The new Adder MK11 looks vibrant and punchy in yellow bands on black. Bar tacked with super hi tensile thread using the same WRT750 material as the webbing provides an astonishing unrivalled 15kN strength.
Whetman Equipment
Drypod
The Whetman Equipment Drypod is a waterproof screw-tight dry-pod.
Whetman Equipment
Mission Paddler Boots
The Whetman Equipment Mission Paddler Boots has been exclusively designed for paddlers and features a boosted sole thickness thanks to the addition of extra internal laminates. This provides more comfort when paddling and increased protection for when portaging over stones whilst carrying a boat. The underside of the sole features triple grip which is indicated by the three colours, each of which has different rubber density and so offers varying grip characteristics.
Whetman Equipment
Fish Tail Ear Plugs
The Whetman Equipment Fish Tail Ear Plugs prevent water ingress into the ears and protect against wind exposure. For kayakers and other watersports enthusiasts, water ingress can seriously affect your balance during activities in the water. They also help to prevent Surfer's Ear which can lead to deafness and balance problems in the long run.
Whetman Equipment
Sea Kayak Dry Map Case
The Whetman Equipment Sea Kayak Dry Map Case is a waterproof map case designed to be securely stored on the open deck of a sea kayak, enduring the impact of waves and harsh weather conditions. It attaches to decklines using four small carabiners connected by elastic shock cordage. Ideal for safeguarding maps, documents, phones, passports, and more.
Whetman Equipment
Sea Kayak Paddle Cuffs
The Whetman Equipment Sea Kayak Paddle Cuffs will keep spare paddle shafts secure on the bow on your sea kayak. The cuffs reinforced with 4 layers on webbing and are held in place by velcro wraps which makes them very easy to install.
Whetman Equipment
Drogue Chute
The Whetman Equipment Drogue Chute is specifically crafted for sea kayakers as a rescue tool, aimed at managing the speed of kayaks in deep water affected by wind, waves, or surf. By creating underwater drag, it automatically aligns the kayak with the wind, ensuring that deploying it from the stern positions your back against the wind.
Whetman Equipment
Sea Guide Towline MKII
The Sea Guide Towline MKII from Whetman is designed to be used by guides, leaders and coaches. This device was designed with functionality in mind and features two tows. The user is likely to deploy the device on a regular basis so needs a simple system that's easy to be repacked in tough water, ready to be deployed again.
Whetman Equipment
River Bean 3m Towline
The Whetman Equipment River Bean is a three metre towline with a Kraken stainless snag free karabiner, shockcord & floating 6mm rope, compact water pouch, 40mm belt & quick release cam buckle.
Whetman Equipment
Neoprene Cockpit Cover
The Whetman Equipment Neoprene Cockpit Cover is a valuable addition to your kayaking gear. It serves as an ideal solution for protecting your kayak when not in use, preventing rainwater from filling it and keeping unwanted garden pests like slugs and snails out. When heading on a kayaking trip, you can conveniently store your paddling equipment in the kayak, with the cockpit cover ensuring its security. This cover is crafted from robust 3mm neoprene and secured to the kayak using a 9mm shock cord, providing a snug and secure fit.
Whetman Equipment
Deck Grabs
The Whetman Equipment Deck Grabs are ideal for securing items to your kayak. They are easily fitted and removed so they can be stored away if not required. Whetman Equipment have made these elastics from a bungee shock cord and then fitted them with small plastic clips on each end. They are available in two different sizes and are sold in pairs.
Whetman Equipment
Adder 4m
The Whetman Equipment Adder 4m is an essential addition to any kayaking safety kit. This 4-meter long, 25mm wide safety tape boasts a 10kN breaking strength, ensuring reliable performance in critical situations. Both ends of the Adder are looped over to create a double thickness and reinforced with multiple bar tacks for optimal strength, forming the main loop. Additionally, each main loop includes three smaller loops, also reinforced with high-strength bar tacks, providing extra loading points for enhanced versatility and safety.
Whetman Equipment
Water Belt
The Whetman Equipment Water Belt is a simple and effective way of carrying a kayak throw bag. With the addition of the water pouch you could also carry a small rafting pin kit. Whetman Equipment founder Steve designed this kayak safety belt to feature a 38mm webbing construction and a quick release system for the best levels of safety. There is then a second quick release loop attached.
Whetman Equipment
Tagline
The Whetman Equipment Tagline excels when rescuing swimmers who are just beyond reach, assisting them in covering the final meters to safety—a common scenario in coasteering, rafting, rib and boat operations, and gorge walking.
Whetman Equipment
Sea Bean Towline Elite
The Whetman Equipment Sea Bean Elite, a small compact sea kayak towline that has big offerings of performance. The Sea Bea Elite sea kayaking towline comes in two length options a 10m and the longer 14m.
Whetman Equipment
Pressure Spraydeck
The Whetman Equipment Pressure Deck, a top specification spraydeck that is perfect for paddling at the more challenging ends of the water conditions. This neoprene spraydeck is equally as well suited on whitewater kayaks as it is sea kayaks. The Pressure deck features a robust 4mm neoprene construction, this secures to your kayak of choice via a 10mm shockcord edge. The edges of this kayak spraydeck and reinforced with a flexible aramid rim, whilst the undersides of the deck incorporate a generous brush coating of hydro rubber. This will ensure the deck grips the kayak cockpit security. The front of the deck features a brightly coloured release handle, so it is easily seen in the event of a capsize.
Whetman Equipment
Pig Rig Set
The Whetman Equipment Pig Rig Set is part of a kayak rescue system that will give the user a mechanical advantage for extracting pinned kayaks from a swollen river. The Pig Rig comes supplied in a neat mesh bag and comprises 2 x Whetman Ring Pull Prussiks and 2 x Whetman Python 5m Ring Slings.
Whetman Equipment
Krab Stick
The Whetman krab stick is available in two different size options. The orange krab stick works with snap gate karabiners, while the green krab stick works with locking gate carabiners. This simple piece of kayak safety gear easily secures to your kayaking karabiner and will hold the gate open. This will then allow you to clip things safely, securely and most importantly from a distance. See main description for more information on which karabiners work with each size.
Whetman Equipment
Force Spraydeck
The Whetman Equipment Force Spraydeck, a great entry to mid-level neoprene spraydeck. It is suitable for use on both whitewater kayaks and sea kayaks. This neoprene spraydeck comes in two deck sizes and four waist sizes for a near perfect fit. The Force Spraydeck features a tough and robust 4mm neoprene construction, it then secures to the kayak via an 8mm shockcord. The 8mm shockcord, will offer a bit more stretch than some alternative options which use 9 or 10mm shockcord. This makes it an easier deck to get on and off. the underside of the deck then features a brush coated hydro rubber coating. This will then help to give a more secure fit to the kayak cockpit.
off RRP
Whetman Equipment
River Rat 12m
The Whetman Equipment River Rat is a small and compact 12m kayak throw bag. This kayak throw line is ideal for whitewater kayaking, where you just want a short length of rope for close reach work. The River Rat is also ideal for use in other sports such as Ghyll Scrambling and Gorge Walking.
Whetman Equipment
Deck Quick Release
The Whetman Equipment Deck QR is a quick release element to build into your system as a safety back up for emergency release when towing or linking boats/gear in a water environment
Whetman Equipment
Rescue Stirrup
The Whetman Equipment Rescue Stirrup is an essential sea kayak rescue aid designed for efficient deep water re-entry. Featuring submersible leg loops, it provides a reliable step up, allowing you to climb back onto your kayak with ease. Its bright yellow color ensures high visibility in the water, facilitating a swift and effective self-rescue. This versatile piece of safety equipment is a must-have backup for any kayaker.
Whetman Equipment
Kit Katcher
The Whetman Equipment Kit Katcher is designed to secure your gear effectively while kayaking. Featuring dual mesh pouches – one front-facing and one rear-facing (towards the paddler) – this innovative accessory ensures your spare paddle blades are safely stowed and protected from loss. Keep your paddles safe and within reach with the Whetman Equipment Kit Katcher, the essential solution for every serious kayaker.
Whetman Equipment
Limpet 14m Sea Reach
The Whetman Equipment Limpet was designed specifically for sea kayak rescue. With a 14 metre floating braided 6mm line packed into a light and compact bag to make throwing the line from your kayak as easy as possible.
Whetman Equipment
Colca 20m
The Whetman Equipment Colca 20m is a versatile and user-friendly kayak throw line, suitable for a variety of watersports. When paired with a Whetman Equipment Water Belt, it becomes a popular choice for white water rafting. Durable and reliable, this throw line enhances safety and performance on the water.
Whetman Equipment
Patria 20m
The Whetman Equipment Patria 20m Throw Bag is a versatile and user-friendly essential for kayaking enthusiasts. Designed with an aerodynamic shape, it ensures effortless and accurate throws. The ergonomic design makes repacking quick and simple, so you're always ready for your next adventure on the water.
Whetman Equipment
Sea Contact Tow MKII
The Whetman Equipment Sea Contact Tow MKII, a small compact sea kayak towline that is ideal for close proximity towing. It’s also great as a small fast towline for use in real emergency situations. Whetman Equipment has designed the Sea Contact Tow Line to feature their new and unique kraken karabiner and also their new cam buckle release system. Both of which feature a stainless steel construction.
- 1
- 2