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 applying this balm to my arms during a six-hour paddle down the Columbia River at dusk when air temps were around fifty…
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 adhesive is a must-have emergency kit item if you paddle year-round on the Oregon Coast or inland rivers where cold snaps are…
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 Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Repair Adhesive is a rugged, two-part epoxy sealant that works surprisingly well for field repairs on plastic kayaks,…
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 Stormsure Wetsuit Repair Adhesive is a rugged solution for sealing neoprene tears that have been cut away from your skin or gear….
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 Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Repair Adhesive is a reliable stop-gap for field repairs when you are stuck on the water or waiting…
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 For any sea kayaker transitioning from beginner to intermediate who wants to extend the life of their neoprene drysuit or wetsuit through multiple…
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 scrubbing neoprene gaskets through three distinct seasons here in Portland, I recommend the McNett Wetsuit Shampoo and Conditioner for anyone who refuses…
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 a grueling week cleaning my gear following heavy wind sessions on the Columbia River Gorge, this two-in-one formula proved to 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 This adhesive is a tough choice for fixing drysuits, spray skirts, or boat repairs when you are stuck between tide lines or need…
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 decades of hunting for warmth without sacrificing mobility, I found that this neoprene hood delivers a consistent seal against wind chill while…
Ryan Calloway is a certified paddling instructor with over a decade of experience guiding expeditions across the Pacific Northwest, from the rocky shores of Astoria to the inland waters of the Deschutes River. His expertise spans technical gear evaluation, safety protocol development, and rescue operations in cold water environments up to 45°F. The Short Answer…
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 neoprene gloves are a solid mid-range option for paddlers who need dexterity without sacrificing warmth in cold water, making them ideal for…
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