TEST PILOT CYCLE [013] - MISSION COMPLETE

When it comes to engineering high-performance gear for waterman, tailoring equipment for the needs of outrigger canoe paddlers has been at the top of our list. Because of the unique output and environment of this discipline we knew real-world testing was required and whatever we designed needed to lead with purpose.

The AeroShield Pro Short is a high-performance paddle short engineered for comfort, protection, and fit. Test Pilot Cycle [013] was all about putting our prototype to the test with a crew of outrigger paddlers across diverse paddling conditions.

They represented a spectrum of paddling fields—OC1, OC6, surf, and long-distance—with hours logged in open ocean channels, surf zones, and race courses across Hawai’i and California. And they showed up for this round of testing with honest, unfiltered feedback:

🚩 Test Pilot Ryland Hart

“The Padding Is a Game Changer.”

An elite open-ocean racer based in Honolulu, Ryland pushed the AeroShield Pro Short through four straight weekends of competition, winning the Koa Nui championship, and testing its real-world performance under pressure.

“Great feel—padding is a game changer. Sleek design. In competition, you never want to notice your gear, because usually that means something’s wrong. I raced in the shorts four weekends in a row and had zero problems. Going to be my go-to race short. Wearing the shorts makes me wanna go fast."

🚩 Test Pilot Ryan Cameron

“A Huge Step Up From What’s on the Market.”

A top finisher at the NAC Hal Rosoff Race, Ryan brought high-level racing experience and a technical eye, testing the shorts in fast-paced, wet downwind conditions in Southern California.

“Great ergonomics and waistband, with a nice blend of durability and flexibility. The stealth look with red accents made them look fast standing still. The grippy bottom held up great in wet downwind conditions—no slipping. I could still feel connected to the boat and the bumps. The drawstring and end caps stayed snug even when being thrashed. These are more comfortable and fit better than any of my other paddle shorts—way better than board shorts, with no chafing. This is a huge step up from what’s out there. Most paddle shorts have thick padding that dulls sensitivity for serious paddlers, but this fits that high-performance niche perfectly. I’ll be getting more when they launch. Tried and true in races and downwind.”

🚩 Test Pilot Laau Peloso

“Looked Sick. Felt Even Better.”

A dedicated OC1 and OC6 paddler from Honolulu, Laau also took the AeroShield into the water as a diver—proving the gear’s versatility and comfort across multiple water disciplines.

“They looked sick and I was stoked to use them. The product performed well: flexible, comfortable, and it broke in over time to feel even better. Every time I used them, it handled everything I threw at it.”

🚩 Test Pilot Chris Tanaka

“Designed by Someone Who Understands Paddling.”

A lifelong waterman and surf paddler based in Oahu, Chris tested the AeroShield in both training and 15-mile races, giving detailed feedback on drag reduction, comfort, and cross-discipline performance.

“Very nice, well designed. I could see the thought behind the textured back, sleek tights on the front, and textured wetsuit coverage over the manhood—super comfortable fit like all Florence gear. The standout feature was the minimized drag. The high-quality material never gave me a rash, and the thicker textured backside added padding and grip in the 6-man. I raced 15 miles and trained multiple times in these. Paddling into wind or surf, they don’t drag like boardshorts. I’ll definitely wear these during distance season in 9-man crews.”

🚩 Test Pilot Markus Lizarraga

“Protection, Coverage, Comfort—Balanced Perfectly.”

A student paddler from Kaua‘i with big goals and a strong training ethic, Markus brought an analytical approach to his testing and continues to use the shorts as part of his competitive routine.

“My first impression was how snugly the shorts fit—it felt like extra support. Despite being snug, they were flexible and allowed me to move freely. They kept me warm which is perfect for paddling in cold conditions. The elastic hem sealed tightly around my thighs, keeping water out. The cushion on the back prevented soreness from long paddles. Since receiving them, I’ve only liked them more. They’re now my go-to shorts.”

🚩 Test Pilot Colt Gomersall

“Every Session Revealed Something I Appreciated.”

A competitive junior paddler from Hawai‘i, Colt put the AeroShield Pro Short through a thoughtful and rigorous test process—handing us a journal of notes he took along the way on fit, feel, and long-term performance with each paddle.

“The front nylon panel provided a snug, secure fit, while the neoprene back allowed freedom to move. The padding reduced fatigue during long paddles. The compression minimized muscle strain. They stayed comfortable with no water retention, no rashes, and no bunching. Every session revealed small things I appreciated more.”

🚩 Test Pilot Elijah Sleigh

“Perfect for Outrigger Because of How They’re Designed.”

A dedicated distance paddler with over 50 miles logged in the AeroShield Pro Short, Elijah tested the gear’s comfort, durability, and long-haul performance in real race and training conditions.

“The shorts felt nice and snug. I like the sleek all-black finish, and the extra padding in the crotch and butt areas is very comfortable. They stayed in place, even under pressure, and held up after 50+ miles of paddling. They remained comfortable throughout testing. These shorts are perfect for outrigger because of how they’re designed”

🚩 Dallas O’Shaughnessy

“The Idea Is There—With a Few Tweaks, They’ll Be Great.”

A versatile waterman with experience across OC1 and 6-man disciplines, Dallas focused his testing on functional design differences and how the shorts performed under varying seat and boat setups.

“They looked and felt good. I thought maybe the butt pad was a little thin for 6-man canoe. I wonder if there should be different versions for OC1 and 6-man, since the seats are way harder in a 6-man.”

Wear Testing With Purpose

Test Pilot Cycle [013] reminded us of how crucial our test pilot program is to innovation for all types of ocean outdoor athletes. The goal of the AeroShield Pro Short was simple: deliver comfort, protection, and performance to the outrigger community. Every seam, panel, and stitch was shaped for purpose and with input from paddlers like this the product will reach even higher standards.

We thank our all our Test Pilots in Cycle [013] for their thought, effort and rigorous testing they put our prototype through.

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