By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Jackson Kayak Liska stands out as a highly capable sea kayak for those navigating cold coastal waters where weight efficiency is key…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Shimano Stradic FL 3000 is a solid workhorse for wakesurfing setups that demand smooth line retrieval without breaking the bank. At approximately…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Accurate Lines Mainline 75ft is a solid entry-level choice for bass anglers who want to stay warm during early morning trips when…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The YakAttack BlackPak Pro is a robust drytop bag designed for serious whitewater expeditions where gear retention is non-negotiable. It handles Class III-IV…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer After dragging this Creatures of Leisure Icon Surfboard Bag through salt spray at Brookings and rain on a commute down I-84 to Crater…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Dagger Nomad 8.5 is a solid entry into the touring kayak market that I found capable enough to handle long stretches along…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer After weeks of testing various footwear options for cold-water crossings from Puget Sound to the San Juan Islands, I can confirm that the…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Sun Dolphin Journey SS is a solid entry-level option for kids or small adults who want to get into kayaking without breaking…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Zone3 Tow Float Open Water Safety Buoy is a solid investment for anyone launching an inflatable SUP into cold open water where…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Bixpy J-2 is a capable underwater scooter that I found surprisingly durable during cold river runs, though its battery range drops noticeably…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Palm Stikine Drysuit is a solid mid-range option that holds up well against cold Pacific currents without breaking the bank for weekend…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The GILI Kids SUP Board is a solid entry-level choice for introducing children to stand-up paddleboarding or serving as a stable practice board…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer If you are buying your first drysuit or wetsuit for cold water paddling here in the PNW, the Henderson Youth Thermoprene 3mm is…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Roc SUP Paddle Board Anchor Kit is a competent entry-level tool for beginners looking to secure their board while fishing or camping…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer This ISLE Carbon Fiber SUP paddle is a solid entry-level option for beginners who want something durable enough to survive a drop into…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The BigMouth Giant Pizza Pool Float is an absolute beast for backyard fun or a calm lake day where you need to float…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer This Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot is a solid investment for travelers who need to carry their electronics from the car into cold-water…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Jabra Elite Active 75t is a solid choice for audio gear that needs to stay put during active pursuits like SUP touring…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer This Advanced Elements solar shower is a solid choice for weekend warriors who need hot water without hauling heavy jerry cans or burning…
By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The AIRE Tributary Tomcat Solo is a highly capable sit-on-top kayak designed for those who prioritize stability and durability without sacrificing speed. At…
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