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 two full seasons testing this vest through Puget Sound fog banks and Columbia River rapids, I recommend the Astral V-Eight as…
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 fins are a solid entry for sea kayakers who need lightweight foot protection during cold-water immersion or extended paddle-outs where wading is…
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 running this snorkel set through a full season of testing ranging from the chilly winds of Astoria to the warm summer glides…
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 GILI SUP Anchor System is a solid choice for winter surfers and flatwater cruisers who need to secure their board quickly when…
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 The Dagger Axiom 8.0 is a solid entry-level sit-inside kayak that punches above its weight class for casual paddlers looking to hit local…
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 Dagger Axiom 8.0 is a solid entry-level sit-inside kayak that handles surprisingly well for its price point, 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 This Intex Giant Flamingo Inflatable Pool Float is a massive novelty item that serves one specific purpose: providing buoyancy for adults who want…
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 Badger’s SPF 35 Reef Safe Sport Sunscreen stands out as a reliable choice for kayakers who need sun protection that won’t kill marine…
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 Werner Carve 95 Carbon is a solid choice for recreational sea kayakers who need a versatile vessel that handles both flatwater cruising…
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 twenty seasons testing gear from my first Perception Carolina to modern sea kayaks here in the PNW, I can tell 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 Bell Northstar Carbon is a solid drysuit choice for kayakers who need reliable warmth without breaking the bank, but it lacks some…
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 a wakeboarder or wakesurfer chasing waves at Lake Billy Chinook during summer months when air temps hit the mid-80s but…
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 ATAK 140 is a solid choice for anglers and touring kayakers who need reliability without breaking the bank, but it…
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 Joyride 10 is a solid entry-level hard-shell kayak that punches above its weight class for casual weekenders looking to dip their…
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 Wenonah Boundary Waters Kevlar is a durable entry-level drysuit that holds its own against cold river runs and coastal winds without breaking…
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 NRS Maverick is a solid entry into hard-shell whitewater kayaking that punches above its weight class for recreational raders looking to tackle…
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 Aqua Marina Yoga Inflatable SUP stands out as a surprisingly sturdy entry-level board that handles cold mornings on the Willamette River 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 After spending three weeks testing this inflatable hybrid SUP/walker against saltwater spray from Astoria to Brookings, I recommend it for anyone needing a…
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