Breaking Records & Making Waves: The Story Behind Our New Webbed Gloves
At Northern Diver, innovation is driven by real-world challenges—and our latest launch, the 5mm Dryskin Webbed Gloves, is no exception. These revolutionary gloves were developed in collaboration with Guinness World Record holder and adaptive diver Dan Metcalfe, whose extraordinary journey inspired their design.
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The Journey to a World Record
Back in early 2022, Dan visited us for a custom-made drysuit to support his upcoming World Record attempt—a gruelling 5km scuba swim without surfacing, using only his arms. This challenge, expected to take around six hours, was not just a personal milestone but also a way to raise funds for three incredible causes:
🔹 MAGPAS Air Ambulance
🔹 The Scuba Trust
🔹 Stoney Cove Dive Centre
Support Dan's cause & donate here.
During the process of designing Dan’s drysuit, we also worked closely with him to create a specialist glove that would enhance propulsion and control underwater—a vital factor in his record-breaking swim. The result? The Dryskin Webbed Gloves.
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A Record-Breaking Achievement
With his custom-built Northern Diver drysuit and our Dryskin Webbed Gloves, Dan didn't just complete his challenge—he smashed three Guinness World Records:
🏅 Fastest one-mile SCUBA dive in fresh open water with a swimming band
🏅 Fastest one-mile SCUBA dive in fresh water (MP2 category)
🏅 Greatest distance SCUBA diving in fresh open water (MP2 category) – 5.24km
Game-Changing Design for Divers
Built for performance, comfort, and durability, the 5mm Dryskin Webbed Gloves feature:
✅ Integrated webbing between the fingers for enhanced water resistance, improving efficiency with every stroke.
✅ 5mm superstretch neoprene for flexibility and warmth.
✅ Internal dry seal rings to reduce water ingress and keep hands drier.
✅ Thermal fleece lining for extra insulation and quick drying.
✅ Silicone-printed palm grips for secure handling of equipment.
✅ Externally sealed seams for increased durability in demanding environments.
Whether you're an adaptive diver, freediver, or looking for improved control in the water, these gloves provide unparalleled functionality.
More Than Just a Record
Dan’s achievement isn’t just about breaking records—it’s about proving what’s possible. His determination, resilience, and passion for diving continue to inspire the community, and we’re proud to have played a part in his journey. And now, the same high-performance gloves that helped Dan achieve his goals are available to all divers.
👉 Discover the new Dryskin Webbed Gloves here