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 running a dozen mixed-flow sections on the Deschutes River and testing this vest against colder currents near Hood Canal, I recommend it…
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 Liquid Force Hatchet is a solid entry-level wakesurf board that handles well for beginners learning to catch waves behind small boats or…
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 Hobie Mirage Compass Pedal Kayak is a durable workhorse that bridges the gap between recreational play boats and serious sea kayaks, making…
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 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a fantastic ultralight shelter for warm-weather solo or two-person trips where weight savings matter more…
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 Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a solid mid-tier fishfinder that I trust for weekend trips up to forty-five miles, though it struggles…
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 spending three full seasons dragging this device from my kayak cockpit to a SUP deck in everything from the cold Columbia River…
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 Orca 40 Qt Cooler is a solid workhorse for intermediate sea kayakers who need to keep drinks cold without carrying excessive weight…
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 Werner Kalliste Carbon is an excellent entry-level drysuit that punches above its weight class for casual paddlers who need reliable protection without…
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 Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 is a solid choice for intermediate paddlers who spend long hours exposed to sun during summer sessions…
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 NRS Zoya Kids PFD is a solid choice for younger snorkelers and families heading to warm destinations like Hawaii or Florida 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 Astral Birdie Kids Life Jacket is a solid choice for older children who have outgrown standard foam vests but aren’t ready for…
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 Scotty 241 Baitcaster Rod Holder is a durable, no-frills mounting system that I have kept mounted to my deck rig for five…
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 O’Neill Psycho One 3/2mm is a solid entry-level drysuit that bridges the gap between cheap rental gear and high-end expedition equipment for…
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 O’Brien System Wakeboard is a compact, high-impact board designed to slide out of your backpack for surf spot access or wakeboarding behind…
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 Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Thrust is a robust piece of gear that earned its keep during my toughest sessions on the Columbia…
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 Proline Classic 75ft Wakeboard Rope is a solid budget-friendly option for casual wakeboarders and boat owners who need durability without breaking 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 If you are carrying a lunch or snacks for a day trip where getting wet is part of the plan rather than an…
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 Intex Giant Flamingo Inflatable Pool Float is a surprisingly durable platform for casual kayak fishing that performs best when anchored or used…
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 These earbuds are a solid choice for snorkelers diving in warm tropical waters where you need music without getting soaked by surface spray…
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 spending three full seasons testing drysuits from Astoria down to Brookings where the wind whipped off Puget Sound and into Crater Lake,…
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