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 Accurate Lines Mainline 75ft is a durable fishing line that survived my brutal runs down the Deschutes River without snapping under heavy…
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 Advanced Elements solar shower is a solid companion for sea kayakers and long-distance SUP tourists who need hot showers after cold days…
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 Hi Life 11.5 is a durable entry-level plastic kayak that punches above its weight class for kids learning to brace 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 O’Brien Recon Impact Vest is a robust piece of safety gear that stands out for its ability to hold a dry seal…
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 full season testing bone conduction audio gear during open-water excursions from Lake Billy Chinook to Crater Lake, I can confirm…
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 months casting from my small boat setup near Seaside and testing this rod through heavy surf at Astoria, I recommend…
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 week lugging this kit through wet suits gear bags on cold mornings along the Astoria to Brookings stretch, I found…
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 Platypus GravityWorks 4L is a rugged workhorse for overnighters where you have time to let gravity do the heavy lifting. It handled…
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 RAD Sportz Kayak and Canoe Car Top Carrier is a solid entry-level option for anglers or weekend warriors who need to transport…
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 Hokolite Kayak Light Kit is a solid entry-level choice for paddlers who need reliable warmth without breaking the bank or hauling excessive…
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 Ronix One Wakeboard is a surprisingly capable board for those looking to wake up behind an inflatable SUP or take their setup…
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 Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 SS Tandem is a robust entry-level inflatable stand-up paddleboard that held its shape well during our week-long expedition…
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 Badger SPF 35 Reef Safe Sport Sunscreen holds up well against salt spray and wind while keeping skin protected during long coastal…
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 Ronix Divide Wakeboard Binding offers a surprisingly robust platform for riders who prioritize comfort during long sessions without sacrificing too much responsiveness….
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 full season testing this setup against salt spray on the Astoria to Brookings run and cold morning mist off Crater…
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 cold whitewater on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers this past season, I can tell you that a good air pump 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 The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2mm wetsuit is a sturdy workhorse that handles cold river currents better than most soft goods I’ve dragged…
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 MyMedic Boat Med kit is a robust choice for sea kayakers who need medical readiness beyond basic blister plasters when venturing into…
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 Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2mm is a solid entry-level wetsuit that handles cold water well enough for short sessions but lacks the durability…
Signup for news and special offers!
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
