Kneeboarding

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 Vortex kneeboard is a durable workhorse for open-water stand-up paddleboarding tours where you need stability during rest stops or cold weather…

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 HO Sports Joker Kneeboard is a budget-conscious option that punches above its weight for short coastal hops or lake crossings where comfort…

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 Connelly Blaze is a compact, durable kneeboard designed specifically for inflatable SUP anglers who need to rest their legs during long days…

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 Connelly Blaze Kneeboard is a solid choice for surf fishing or shallow-water exploration if you prioritize durability over high-speed performance. It handles…

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 Connelly Blaze is a solid entry-level kneeboard that I’d recommend for summer SUP sessions or calm lake days where you want 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 Airhead Mach 1 Kneeboard is a durable, entry-level board that holds its shape well for casual lake days but struggles to track…

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 days running Class III to IV rapids on the Deschutes River this summer, the O’Brien Vortex Kneeboard proved itself…

By Ryan Calloway, Senior Watersports Equipment Specialist with over 15 years of experience testing gear on the Oregon Coast and Puget Sound. The Short Answer The Kokatat Meridian stands out as a top-tier drysuit for cold water paddling, offering exceptional durability and a comfortable fit that allows for full range of motion during long 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 Airhead Mach 1 Kneeboard is a robust, high-volume option designed for paddlers who need extra buoyancy and stability in rough water, but…