WHIZ-BANG WHIZ
Liz Love lines up with the men for some welcome relief.

Well fellow fisherwomen and female boaties, if you thought the ‘Salad Spinner’ was the best invention produced in plastic . . . think again. Enter ‘The Whiz’.

There’s no denying that women are anatomically challenged when it comes to urinating discreetly out in the boat or in crowded fishing conditions; especially when surrounded by male companions. Plus we all know it’s unhealthy to dehydrate as the alternative.

‘The Whiz’ assists where privacy is limited, allowing “women to pee standing or sitting, indoors or outdoors whenever they choose.” The soft, molded plastic fits snugly against the body. Point the funnel downwards and “nature and gravity do the rest.” Directions with a diagram come with the product, and it is simple, but as a user, I do suggest that a quick practice (a ‘dry run’!) before public usage is a good idea so you have confidence in what you are doing!
It’s practical: it is made from antibacterial plastic, can be rinsed out and is machine washable. The standard Whiz is pliable and pocket sized. Mine is a funky hot pink (Editor notes that this is clearly a reference to the appliance).
The product website mentions a variety of situations where The Whiz is handy: bushwalking, climbing, travelling. Certainly it would be useful in alpine snow conditions and I have heard of it being used by female Antarctic expeditioners, and researchers out in the field.

The same company also produces a ‘Whiz Plus’, with “high-tech plasma coating that repels liquid so it always remains dry”—handy for when you are unable to rinse it out. The “technology was developed and tested by the British army under trying conditions” according to the website (www.whizbiz.com.au).
One wonders if the next step might be a device of more permanent installation—handy for the approaching dotage, or when that huge sneeze catches you out of left field, or better still, the involuntary excitement of the monster ‘brownie’ hovering under your dry fly!

At $19.95, the standard Whiz is a handy little investment.