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 Nomad 8.5 stands out as a solid entry-level sea kayak, though it shines brightest in calm, warm waters rather than 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 Aquaglide Bongo 20 Bouncer stands out as a budget-friendly drysuit option that punches well above its weight class, particularly for paddlers hunting…
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 inflatable stand-up paddleboard is a solid entry-level option for younger paddlers or smaller adults who need something portable that holds up 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 After spending two full seasons testing this hull on calm lakes and slow-moving rivers, I find the Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe…
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 Cressi Gara Modular Impulse Freediving Fins are a surprising powerhouse for stand-up paddleboard touring, specifically when you need to conserve energy during…
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 Shokz OpenSwim Bone Conduction is a solid choice for paddlers who want to listen to music while keeping their ears open 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 Mares X-Vision Ultra LS Mask is a solid choice for divers and snorkelers who need a low-profile mask that stays clear in…
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 paddling the Oregon Coast or the Columbia River in late fall and winter, the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 offers…
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 Burner Combo Water Skis are a solid entry-level option for beginners or those looking to get back on the water…
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 FCS Straight SUP Leash 10ft is a solid, no-nonsense tether that holds up well against the chop of the Columbia River and…
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 Mares X-One Snorkel Mask is a durable, zero-distortion option for wakeboarders and wakesurfers who prioritize visibility and secure fit over featherlight weight….
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 gear on the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River, I found the Plano Guide Series Waterproof 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 Delta 15.5 GT stands out as a rugged, entry-to-mid-level drysuit built for paddlers who need reliability in cold water without the premium…
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…
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 the Deschutes and Clackamas rivers for three full seasons, the Scotty 241 Baitcaster Rod Holder stands out as a rugged option…
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 ISLE Surf and SUP Board Bag stands out as a rugged, no-nonsense carrier that handles the brutal 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 Jackson Kayak Knarr FD Pedal Kayak is a solid entry into the pedal kayak market, offering a stable platform that handles 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 This O’Neill Youth Reactor II 2mm Spring Wetsuit is a solid workhorse for young paddlers facing water temperatures between 50°F and 60°F, offering…
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 entry-level tool that punches above its weight class for casual paddlers and beginners looking 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 Mustang Survival MIT 100 Inflatable PFD is a solid choice for snorkelers and divers venturing into tropical or warm lake waters where…
