Regarding the Seaspray tuiliks that I am making - I am coming to Delmarva, and I will have sample tuiliks that I made for myself that people can check out there if you are coming. I'll have different examples with different cuff designs and colours and materials. For example I sell both a standard neoprene tuilik and a Lexcell plant-based neoprene substitute tuilik that is a little softer and spongier in feel.
I'm very open to hearing feedback from anyone who has seen one of the tuiliks I've made because I'm interested in making changes and improvements. In these early stages I am willing to make alterations for anyone who orders one and isn't 100% satisfied. I'd just ask that they pay for return shipping one way back to me and I'll cover the rest.
I made several design changes that differentiate the Seaspray tuiliks from the Brooks tuiliks:
1) The spray deck on the Seaspray tuiliks fits more like a drum except the area around the waist which is loose. I've put pictures on my website of my son wearing one to show what I mean (these pictures are listed under the standard Seaspray tuiliks but the Lexcell tuiliks use the same design). This means they fit on the cockpit more like a neoprene spray skirt. At the same time, the looseness at the torso allows for extreme laybacks and side movement without pulling.
2) The bungee around the cockpit ring is not tied like in a Brooks tuilik, which means it can't be loosened or tightened. So far I have been making them to fit the measurements I'm given (allowing 21% stretch), but if it doesn't fit I can change that bungee out, or replace it with one that is tied like a Brooks tuilik. I can also increase or decrease the stretch. The pull handle is a regular 6" webbing handle, unlike the knot in a Brooks tuilik.
3) I have so far made several tuiliks with wrap-around velcro at the wrists, but I don't like them as much as the tuiliks that have made with a fitted rubber wrist cuff. You can choose which one you want. I'll bring examples of both to Delmarva.
4) the hood is similar to Brooks but is my own design that allows for a bit more head movement. There is no velcro attachment at the back of the head, but instead the cords are collected in an adjustable cord lock and fastened with reflective ribbon.
5) A pocket is optional and is made with a waterproof zipper.
6) I make a collared version with no hood and a waterproof zipper running half-way up the back. The collar is rubber (unlined neoprene) on the inside surface). This version was made for people who want to wear a tuilik with a helmet.
6) All seams are stitched (abutted), glued and taped.
If you have any other questions, please e-mail me at info@vitaminsea.ca :-)
Keep on rolling!
-Jacqueline
Vitamin Sea Paddle Shop
www.vitaminsea.ca