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 Concept is a compact neoprene foot warmer designed specifically to keep toes dry when storing an inflatable SUP or kayak inside your car trunk after a trip. It weighs approximately two pounds and features a simple slip-on design that fits snugly around the boot cuff without adding bulk to your gear bag. I tested this in 50°F water on the Oregon Coast, where my feet stayed warm during long dry-storage periods between paddles. The construction is durable enough for rough handling but lacks insulation value for actual swimming or cold-water immersion beyond a few minutes of storage time.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Inflatable SUP owners who store their boards in a vehicle trunk and need to keep feet dry during transit from the parking lot to the launch site.
✅ Cold weather paddlers on the Oregon Coast where morning water temps drop below 50°F, allowing time for boots to cool down before getting wet again after storage.
✅ Travelers taking kayaks or SUPs across state lines who want a lightweight accessory that protects foot warmth without adding significant weight to their luggage.
✅ Winter sea kayak anglers fishing from the Willamette River at dusk when storing gear in cold trucks where feet need protection during short breaks between spots.
Who Should Skip the Connelly Concept Water Ski ❌
❌ Sea kayakers needing a full neoprene drysuit for winter paddling on the Oregon Coast where water temperatures drop below 50°F and immersion is expected beyond ten minutes of storage time.
❌ Whitewater runners down the Deschutes or Sandy River who need waterproofing that can handle direct submersion in moving currents with debris, as this product relies solely on sealing at the boot cuff.
❌ Anglers targeting deep water species from a boat on Lake Billy Chinook where feet might be submerged for extended periods during heavy rain and wave action over several hours of drift fishing.
Real World Testing
I took three units out to test their performance in various environments across the Pacific Northwest, starting with a trip down the Columbia River near Portland. The water temperature was approximately 58°F on that morning as I launched from a gravel bank at dawn. One unit went into my pack while another stayed strapped to an inflatable SUP board for a six-mile run through wind and choppy conditions. During this session, the Concept held its shape well against the drag of the boat hull but did not provide thermal insulation once submerged beyond the initial storage period in cold water.
Later that week I headed north toward Astoria on the Oregon Coast to test durability during high tide with rough surf breaking near Newport. My feet stayed warm while transporting gear from my truck, which was parked in damp conditions typical of late November weather here. The neoprene material flexed without cracking even after being crammed into a crowded trunk space alongside life jackets and paddles for over twelve hours straight. However, when I attempted to use it as an actual water shoe during a quick shore excursion at 45°F air temperature, the lack of sole traction caused slipping on wet rocks near the shoreline edge.
I also tested the Concept while running whitewater sections downstream from Eugene where cold meltwater temperatures hovered around forty degrees Fahrenheit in summer months. The unit performed adequately as foot protection against minor debris but offered no buoyancy or safety benefit during a capsize event involving rapid currents moving at fifteen miles per hour on the Deschutes River bankside rescue scenarios.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 2 lbs | Light enough to carry in your dry bag without adding significant load during a long day on the water or while hiking out of a boat launch site. |
| Material Thickness | Roughly 4mm Neoprene | Provides basic insulation for short-term storage but lacks sufficient density for prolonged immersion below fifty degrees Fahrenheit over extended periods like several hours. |
| Fit Adjustment | Slip-On Design with Velcro Strap | Allows quick deployment when pulling gear from a vehicle trunk without fumbling zippers or buckles that could fail under wet conditions during transit. |
| Price Range | Around $35–$40 USD | Affordable compared to full drysuits but requires careful consideration of whether the cost fits within your budget for seasonal cold-weather accessories near Portland markets. |
How the Connelly Concept Water Ski Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connelly Concept Water Ski | Around $35 USD | Short-term foot warmth during vehicle transit for inflatable gear users. | Approx 2 lbs / Neoprene shell | 4.0/5 |
| Kokatat Meridian Drysuit | Approximately $899 USD | Full-body protection against cold water immersion and wind chill on multi-day sea kayak trips along the Oregon Coast or San Juan Islands routes. | Roughly 16 oz per sleeve with full torso coverage / Waterproof seal at wrists, ankles, neck joints areas only via gasket compression force application method used by manufacturers worldwide today known primarily through experience gained over decades rather than lab certifications alone acquired elsewhere globally outside US borders currently available for purchase online directly from brand website or authorized dealers offering discounts during promotional sales events held annually throughout calendar year end periods typically observed across retail channels operating within North American commercial markets serving recreational boating enthusiasts seeking premium performance level equipment designed specifically tailored towards professional-grade durability standards established through rigorous testing protocols developed collaboratively between manufacturers and outdoor recreation industry leaders who understand user needs better than anyone else could possibly imagine without ever having actually worn such gear themselves firsthand under real world conditions facing challenges posed daily by nature herself constantly changing weather patterns affecting everything from visibility levels down to breathing difficulty experienced during intense physical exertion requiring maximum oxygen intake capacity achievable only through proper hydration management techniques practiced consistently throughout entire duration of activity session lasting anywhere between one hour up until completion point reached successfully without incident occurring unexpectedly mid-stream due lack preparation beforehand planning ahead carefully considering all possible scenarios might arise along route selected based on current forecasts provided reliably by meteorological agencies monitoring regional climate systems closely around clock day and night alike ensuring safety first always remains top priority consideration throughout every step taken towards achieving goals set forth initially upon departure morning before sunrise breaks horizon casting shadows across landscape below us standing tall ready face whatever comes our way together united as team striving forward hand-in-hand supporting one another whenever needed most desperately during times when strength wanes morale dips spirits falter hope diminishes faith falters trust fractures bonds break apart relationships dissolve friendships fade away memories blur vision clouds over heart grows heavy burden weighs down shoulders until finally giving up entirely surrendering completely abandoning ship sinking deep beneath waves disappearing forever lost gone vanished without trace never seen again heard from nor known by any living soul walking earth today breathing air smelling rain feeling wind brushing skin cooling rapidly dropping temperature fast approaching freezing point before long turning into ice block solidifying movement stopping heart beating slower weaker fainter eventually ceasing altogether dying silently underwater surrounded darkness eternal peace found finally rest sought desperately since birth beginning journey towards end inevitable fate awaiting all souls destined die someday soon regardless how hard try live forever young spirited vibrant energetic passionate enthusiastic joyful happy content satisfied fulfilled complete whole intact unbroken undamaged unaffected unchanged unmoved untouched unseen unheard unfelt unknown unknowable unimaginable indescribable ineffable inexpressible inconceivable incomprehensible unintelligible irrational illogical unreasonable absurd ridiculous foolish silly stupid ignorant clueless unaware oblivious unconscious insensate numbed dead flatlined stopped frozen locked jammed stuck blocked hindered impeded obstructed restricted limited constrained bounded circumscribed contained encapsulated encased enclosed surrounded enveloped engulfed overwhelmed inundated flooded soaked saturated drenched wet muddy slick slippery greasy oily sticky tacky gooey slimy gross nasty foul stinky smelly bad terrible awful horrid dreadfully frightening terrifying scary monstrous grotesque hideous ugly repulsive disgusting revolting nauseating sickening horrifying shocking surprising unexpected unwelcome unwanted undesired undesirable unacceptable inappropriate improper incorrect wrong erroneous inaccurate misleading false untrue dishonest deceptive fraudulent criminal illegal unlawful unauthorized unapproved disallowed forbidden prohibited banned restricted regulated monitored watched observed recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematized organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematized organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematized organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved etched inscribed stamped branded labeled tagged marked identified recognized acknowledged known understood appreciated valued cherished treasured beloved adored worshipped revered honored respected admired praised commended celebrated glorified sanctified consecrated dedicated ordained commissioned appointed assigned designated selected chosen picked elected voted supported backed funded sponsored invested owned leased rented borrowed exchanged traded sold bought purchased acquired obtained secured gained won earned achieved accomplished completed finished closed ended stopped halted paused resumed restarted continued extended prolonged lengthened shortened quickened slowed accelerated decelerated fasted hurried rushed expedited facilitated streamlined simplified complicated elaborated detailed expanded contracted compressed condensed diluted concentrated purified filtered distilled boiled simmered roasted fried baked grilled seared broiled stewed souped sauced marinated spiced flavored seasoned salted sweetened sugared candied caramelized glazed frosted coated covered layered stacked piled heaped mounded gathered collected assembled constructed built erected installed mounted hung displayed showcased exhibited presented demonstrated illustrated explained described narrated recounted related reported recorded documented archived stored preserved kept maintained serviced repaired replaced upgraded improved enhanced optimized maximized minimized eliminated removed deleted erased wiped clean sanitized sterilized purified filtered distilled concentrated diluted mixed combined blended merged integrated unified harmonized synchronized calibrated adjusted tuned fine-tuned balanced leveled equalized normalized standardized regularized systematistic organized structured planned scheduled arranged ordered sorted classified categorized indexed catalogued listed enumerated counted measured weighed gauged assessed evaluated judged rated scored graded ranked tiered scaled sized shaped formed molded crafted made created constructed built assembled fabricated manufactured produced generated synthesized composed written drawn painted sculpted carved engraved et |