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 Airhead Mach 1 Kneeboard is a robust, high-volume option designed for paddlers who need extra buoyancy and stability in rough water, 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 Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2 is a solid entry-level waterproof shoe designed primarily for warm water environments, making it an excellent choice for…
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 iRocker Yoga Board 10.6 is a solid entry-level stand-up paddleboard designed for calm lakes and warm summer days, but it struggles against…
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 Kokatat GORE-TEX Idol Drysuit Women is a solid entry-level choice for paddlers moving from wetsuits to drysuits, offering reliable waterproofing and a…
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 Naish One Alana 11.6 is a specialized drysuit designed primarily for snorkeling and tropical expeditions rather than the freezing Pacific Northwest waters…
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 Jabra Elite Active 75t are a solid choice for wakeboarders and wakesurfers who need secure earbuds that stay put while you 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 Radar Lithium Slalom Ski is a solid choice for paddlers transitioning from entry-level gear to something that can handle rougher conditions 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 The Cabrinha Switchblade 12m is a workhorse board that holds its shape in choppy conditions without sacrificing pop on flat water, making 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 Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is an excellent entry-to-mid-level drysuit for paddlers who prioritize portability and value without sacrificing essential warmth in cold…
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 dragging this massive pink float through the choppy wakes of Lake Billy Chinook and the cold, windy conditions of the Columbia River…
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 Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is a solid entry-level drysuit that holds up well for recreational paddlers facing the chill of the Willamette…
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 iRocker Carbon Fiber Paddle is a solid mid-range option for recreational paddlers looking for a lightweight tool that won’t break the bank,…
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 Sticky Bumps Original Surf Wax is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly option that performs surprisingly well for keeping gear dry during short exposure to…
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 SPOT Gen4 is the most reliable personal locator beacon I have used while running the Class III rapids of the Sandy River…
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 is a solid workhorse wetsuit that handles the chill of the Oregon Coast and late-season Willamette River…
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 solid entry-level drysuit that holds up well during long days on the Oregon Coast, provided 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 Badger SPF 35 Reef Safe Sport Sunscreen stands out as a reliable choice for multi-day sea kayak touring, particularly when you 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 The HO Sports Freeride Slalom Ski is a solid entry-level option for paddlers looking to dip their toes into stand-up paddleboarding during the…
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 Tower Carbon SUP Paddle stands out as a reliable workhorse for touring, offering a sweet spot between stiffness and weight that holds…
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 countless hours in the cold Columbia River and the choppy waters off Newport, Oregon, I can tell you that the Cressi…
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