Europe Lagging On Felt-Sole Issues - 11/06/2010

European anglers are causing untold damage to the environment because of their continued use of felt-soled waders and boots.

So says Brandon Hwang, (above), managing director of Korea-based Aquaz Sports, one of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers. Speaking out against the malpractice, Brandon told TFF: “Despite all of the attention that the global press has given on the subject of felt-soled waders and the problems of invasive species, Europeans still demand them.

“Interestingly, in the US brand owners initially continued to order, but the consumers didn’t buy them – they wanted rubber soles. I think that the US consumers are far more aware of the environment and the potential dangers of felt.

“We were early to adopt rubber soles – and actually buy them in from Vibram. We get them from both Italy and the USA.

“Now only Europeans buy felt. I don’t know how much longer they will do it for – but time is running out.” He continued: “For us the issue is to find the perfect rubber compounds to cope with the task.

“We have worked with many different compounds and it’s still not a perfect solution, but it’s close. It also lasts longer. But the important thing is that it helps prevent the spread of nuisance species – meaning that anglers still have fisheries to fish!”