There are 2 models of the Vortice. One is made in the Boardworks factory and has a screwed breather plug, the other model, Vortice XP, is custom made by Karel Tresnak (only 200 made worldwide) in Hawaii which is all carbon fibre and hollow with the 'aerial' breather. When I first paddled one last week I was a bit worried about getting water in it but it seemed to work ok. Some of them may have been modified to have a gautex? breather the same as the oz made DC16's which allows them to breathe but not suck any water.

Thanks Simon..you're a champion!