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 Necky Chatham 16 is a solid choice for recreational paddlers looking to step up from inflatable boats without committing to an aluminum…
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 Old Town Castine 135 is a capable sea kayak that punches above its weight class for recreational paddlers who want stability 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 Perception Carolina 14.5 is a durable entry-level kayak that has served as my primary trainer boat since 2004, remaining relevant today 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 If you are looking for a durable entry-level drysuit that balances budget with reliability without sacrificing warmth during cold PNW mornings, the Prijon…
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 Riot Kayaks Edge 13 is a solid entry-level sea kayak that holds its own against pricier competitors once you factor in 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 Riot Kayaks Edge 13 is a solid choice for recreational sea kayakers who need stability without sacrificing too much speed during cold…
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 Current Designs Solstice GT is a solid choice for sea kayakers who need reliable performance during cold months without breaking the bank….
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 Old Town Castine 135 is a solid workhorse for sea kayaking that handles cold coastal crossings well when fitted out correctly, though…
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 NDK Romany 16 is a solid entry-level sea kayak that shines for beginners tackling calm coastal bays or lake days where you…
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 Riot Kayaks Edge 13 is a robust touring platform that earned its stripes during some brutal sessions along the Oregon Coast 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 Riot Kayaks Edge 13 is a compact inflatable kayak that excels as an accessible entry point for snorkeling trips to Hawaii 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 P&H Cetus MV is a solid choice for anyone needing a durable, inflatable SUP designed specifically to handle the rigors of travel…
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 Old Town Castine 135 remains a solid mid-length recreational kayak that holds its ground against newer designs, though it lacks some of…
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 Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 is a robust inflatable kayak that serves surprisingly well as an alternative for travelers needing portability or anglers…
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 Eddyline Sitka LT is a solid workhorse for coastal kayakers who need reliable protection against cold winds and spray without paying premium…
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 Necky Chatham 16 is a solid performer for sea kayakers who need reliable protection without breaking the bank, but it shines brightest…
Ryan Calloway is a veteran guide with over fifteen years of experience navigating the complex river systems of the Pacific Northwest. His expertise spans technical white water on the Deschutes and long-distance coastal expeditions along the Oregon shoreline, giving him a unique perspective on gear performance in diverse conditions. The Short Answer The Wilderness Systems…
By Ryan Calloway, Senior Watersports Editor and former rescue swimmer with over a decade of experience guiding commercial rafting trips through the Columbia Gorge and testing gear in the remote backcountry of the Oregon Coast. The Short Answer The Riot Kayaks Edge 13 is a versatile, durable sit-inside kayak that bridges the gap between recreational…
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 Delta 15.5 GT stands out as a rugged, entry-to-mid-level drysuit built for paddlers who need reliability in cold water without the premium…
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