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 Sportsstuff Island Hopper is a capable entry-level paddle float that holds up well during standard rescue drills but shows its age under…
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 Aquaglide Bongo 20 Bouncer is a solid entry-level inflatable kayak that handles moderate chop well but struggles under heavy load or high…
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 Sportsstuff 54-1601 Island Hopper Water Trampoline is a solid budget option for calm lake days or sheltered bays where you won’t be…
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 Sportsstuff Big Mable Blob is a solid choice for recreational kayakers looking to upgrade from a standard drysuit or thick wetsuit, specifically…
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 reliable entry-to-mid-level inflatable drysuit that handles cold coastal crossings without breaking the bank, the Sportsstuff Big Mable…
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 Aquaglide Rockit Blob is a solid choice for kayakers looking to upgrade their cockpit cover without breaking the bank or sacrificing too…
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 RAVE Sports Splash Zone Water Bouncer is a solid choice for recreational kayakers who need extra warmth without breaking their budget, specifically…
By Ryan Calloway, Senior Gear Editor specializing in offshore safety and cold-water paddling dynamics. With over a decade of field testing in the Puget Sound and along the Oregon Coast, Calloway focuses on how equipment performs under real-world stress conditions rather than brochure specifications. The Short Answer The Aquaglide Rockit Blob stands out as a…
By Ryan Calloway, Senior Gear Editor with over a decade of testing cold-water paddling equipment across the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes. The Short Answer The Kokatat Meridian stands out as a premier choice for serious paddlers seeking a drysuit that balances technical performance with comfort in cold conditions. After extensive testing on the…
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