NRS Go Left

NRS Go Left Elbow Pads: Uncompromising protection for extreme descents and shallow water

Why wear elbow pads when whitewater rafting?

When creeking or paddling on shallow rivers, there’s a huge risk of hitting a hidden rock with your elbow during an Eskimo roll or if you accidentally fall out of the boat. Such an impact is not only extremely painful, but it can easily sideline you for the rest of the season. The “Go Left” elbow pads from NRS (whose name humorously references the classic paddling command before a difficult rapid) are specifically designed to absorb these impacts so you can safely continue your run.

Shell and Cushioning: Hard Shield, Soft Impact

The core of the protector is an anatomically shaped outer shell made of highly durable, hardened plastic, over which obstacles slide harmlessly. Beneath this plastic shell is a thick layer of shock-absorbing foam bonded to high-quality neoprene. Not only does the neoprene effectively distribute the force of an impact over a larger area, but it also provides warmth and is very comfortable, whether you’re wearing the protectors on your bare hands or directly over the sleeves of a dry jacket.

Clamping system: Holds as if nailed down

For the arm guard to function properly, it must not shift during rough paddling or when you’re paddling hard. For this model, NRS uses a system of sturdy, adjustable Velcro straps. The straps are wide and flexible enough that they don’t cut into your muscles, ensuring that the protector securely wraps around your arm and stays firmly in place right at the joint, even during aggressive torso rotation.

Suitable activities and field deployment

NRS Go Left Elbow Pads are essential gear for:

• Creeking and Extreme Downriver Rafting (WW IV–V): An absolute must in technical sections where there is a risk of close contact with the rock.
• Playboating at shallow spots: Great for preventing scrapes and bruises from constantly doing the Eskimo roll in the waves.
• River Running in the Summer: A safety measure on summer rivers (such as the Salza or Soča), where the water level drops in the middle of the season and rocks come dangerously close to the surface.

About the NRS Brand: An American Paddling Tradition

NRS (Northwest River Supplies), based in Idaho, was founded in 1972 and is now a global leader in the manufacture of whitewater equipment and safety gear. Safety gear bearing the NRS logo has been extensively tested by top paddlers and rescue professionals and sets the gold standard on rivers around the world.

Care and Maintenance of Water Sports Protective Gear

NRS protective gear does not require any complicated care. After riding in dirty water, we recommend thoroughly rinsing the protectors with clean fresh water and letting them dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area (not in direct sunlight or near a campfire). Make sure the Velcro fasteners are always clean and free of grass or mud—this is the only way to ensure they maintain maximum strength and adhesion.

Technical parameters and specifications

Bonus program and purchase benefits

Buying safety gear from us really pays off! When you purchase NRS elbow pads, you’ll earn a significant number of points toward our loyalty rewards program. You can save the credits you’ve earned right away and use them as a discount on your next purchase—for example, to buy a kayaking helmet, knee pads, or a high-quality throw bag. You only have one set of health and joints—with NRS, you’re investing in them wisely and reliably!

Expert advice: Elbow pads are among the most underrated pieces of gear in whitewater… until you take that first unexpected and painful hit against a rock beneath the surface. I recommend keeping them in your car and bringing them along not only for rough “creek runs,” but also for seemingly easy yet shallow and rocky runs. Plus, I have one important tip for you: Be sure to fasten the protectors OVER the sleeves of your jacket! This will prevent the protector from slipping uncomfortably on sweaty skin, give your hand more room for a tighter fit, and—as a bonus—protect the sleeves of your expensive, dry jacket from getting worn through by rocks!