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…
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 Catalyst Waterproof iPhone Case delivers reliable protection for your smartphone during coastal kayaking trips and river runs where splashes are inevitable. 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 Hobie H-Crate Junior is an essential addition for any paddler who needs to carry gear without adding significant weight or bulk to…
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 Outward Hound Granby Splash is a surprisingly durable entry-level paddle board that held up well during my recent runs down the Deschutes…
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 looking for a lightweight relaxation float to use during calm summer days at local lakes or private pools where safety…
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 Advanced Elements AE1007-R AdvancedFrame Convertible is a solid entry into inflatable drysuits that balances affordability with surprising durability for casual paddlers. I…
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