Warm in the water: Our hardy west-coast surfers may be horrified at anything that could encourage bigger crowds at their sacred breaks, but the Tiki Prodigy heated wetsuit (£239/€265, www.tikisurf. co.uk, extra heat pads £5/€5.55; will ship to Ireland) is intended not so much at getting thinner- skinned surfers into the waves as at lengthening other surfers' stay in the water.
Two gel panels, triggered with a simple snap of a metal disc, heat the wearer's kidney area. The suit can give about an hour of extra surfing time, which will be appreciated by those who've spent half a day driving from Dublin to Donegal to worship in the green cathedral.
Of course, the suit wont keep your fan club from freezing. Girlfriends, boyfriends, mothers and mates can watch the action from the car, wrapped in one of Avoca's classy throw rugs, made from lambswool, mohair and cashmere, in three sizes. (www.avoca.ie, €46 to €100). Save the scratchy picnic blankets for sitting on.
The Bushnell BackTrack is a high-tech version of the ball of string that saved Theseus in the labyrinth of Greek mythology. It's a compact GPS unit that will help you find your way back from the top of a hill on even the mistiest day, to your tent at Electric Picnic, or even back to wherever on earth you left your car last night. Mark your departure point with a click of the button and click again when you want to retrace your steps (€85, www.great outdoors. ie).
aharvey@irishtimes.com