Michael Daly wrote:

Polypro was a good paddling fabric

Was is the right tense. Polypro is obsolete - polyester fabrics are far
superior in most cases.

I disagree. Polyester fabrics are more comfortable when dry,
but the main reason manufacturers stopped making polypro
is that it lasts so long that they can't sell replacement garments.
(Polypro is extremely durable unless you put it in a hot dryer.)

Helly-Hanson still makes polypro garments.