Bug Head Big In Europe

Recent sales prove that Bug Head tuiliks are becoming popular in Europe. Why? Appreciation of style, color options and basic quality. Which countries? Greenland-style kayakers have ordered from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Norway and Sweden, where Bjorn Thomasson of Black Pearl fame is a happy Bug head customer (1.5 mil black tuilik with fixed bottom casing). "Just picked up my new tuiliq at the post office and it seems to be a perfect fit according to a quick dry run," writes Bjorn in a recent email.

2 Mil Tuiliks In Black

Bug Head now offers the medium-weight (2 mil ) tuilik in black as well as polar-bear blond. We added black because of the popularity of this weight of tuilik -- a comfortable compromise between lightweight (1.5 mil) and heavyweight (3 mil) neoprene.

Fresh Neoprene On The Way

Bug Head will soon take delivery of a large neoprene order from our supplier. Colors soon to be in stock include ivory, brown, and forest green. (Sorry, white-rubber based Polar-Bear Blond is no longer available though we still have some 1.5 mil and 2 mil PBB in stock. Don't despair: Ivory is the same fabric on black rubber.)

Price Hike On Colored Neoprene

Bug Head has raised it prices on colored neoprene tuiliks and akuilisaqs. Basic black tuiliks are still $350 (fixed casing) and $375 (adjustable casing), but colored neoprene is an additional $50 per tuilik, $25 per akuilisaq. Why? Colored neoprene is difficult to keep clean during manufacturing so extra precautions such as masking are required.

Tuilik Pockets Ready For Spring

In response to prodding from Cheri Perry and others, Bug Head now offers optional chest and shoulder pockets on all tuiliks. Designed by Bug Head for durability, capacity and convenience, these expandable mesh work horses are made by the same California shop that makes pockets for Kokatat. The large and small chest pockets feature a knife attachment tab, carabiner-type swivel hook (inside), and heavy-weight zippers. Listing from $30 to $50 installed, pockets are available only with new tuilik orders. (No retro-fitting or stand-alone sales. Sorry.)

Grab Loop Safety

Winter is a good time to look over your kayaking equipment for wear and tear -- and possible repair. Bug Head gear is no exception. The most vulnerable area on a tuilik or akuilisaq (summer spray skirt) with fixed casing is the grab loop. Check out the nylon webbing for signs of trouble: Is the loop well stitched to the bungee? Is the loop in good shape with stitching intact? If not, send the item back to us for timely repair.

Free Akuilisaq?

Yes, with the purchase of two Bug Head tuiliks so tell your friends, paddling club mates and family members to pool your orders. (An akuilisaq is a Greenland-style spray skirt. Great for summer or winter pool session use. List Price? $145. ) Both tuiliks must be ordered together (if ordered by check) --- or in sequence (if ordered online). Offer for strapless akuilisaq only and ends March 31, 2009.