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 Tempest 170 is a robust inflatable kayak that serves surprisingly well as an alternative for travelers needing portability or anglers…
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 looking for a reliable entry-to-mid-level inflatable drysuit that handles cold coastal crossings without breaking the bank, the Sportsstuff Big Mable…
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 Stearns Classic Series Child Vest is a rugged entry-level life jacket that I have put through the wringer on everything from 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 The Seachoice Anchor Kit is a solid workhorse for kayak anglers and touring sea kayakers who need to stop quickly without dragging 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 Bonafide SS127 is a compact inflatable stand-up paddleboard designed specifically for travel scenarios where portability matters more than maximum performance. Priced at…
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 Liska stands out as a highly capable sea kayak for those navigating cold coastal waters where weight efficiency is key…
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 Shimano Stradic FL 3000 is a solid workhorse for wakesurfing setups that demand smooth line retrieval without breaking the bank. At approximately…
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 choice for bass anglers who want to stay warm during early morning trips 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 The YakAttack BlackPak Pro is a robust drytop bag designed for serious whitewater expeditions where gear retention is non-negotiable. It handles Class III-IV…
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 Creatures of Leisure Icon Surfboard Bag through salt spray at Brookings and rain on a commute down I-84 to 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 The Dagger Nomad 8.5 is a solid entry into the touring kayak market that I found capable enough to handle long stretches along…
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 weeks of testing various footwear options for cold-water crossings from Puget Sound to the San Juan Islands, I can confirm that 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 Sun Dolphin Journey SS is a solid entry-level option for kids or small adults who want to get into kayaking 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 Zone3 Tow Float Open Water Safety Buoy is a solid investment for anyone launching an inflatable SUP into cold open water where…
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 Bixpy J-2 is a capable underwater scooter that I found surprisingly durable during cold river runs, though its battery range drops noticeably…
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 Palm Stikine Drysuit is a solid mid-range option that holds up well against cold Pacific currents without breaking the bank for weekend…
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 Kids SUP Board is a solid entry-level choice for introducing children to stand-up paddleboarding or serving as a stable practice board…
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 buying your first drysuit or wetsuit for cold water paddling here in the PNW, the Henderson Youth Thermoprene 3mm 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 Roc SUP Paddle Board Anchor Kit is a competent entry-level tool for beginners looking to secure their board while fishing or camping…
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 ISLE Carbon Fiber SUP paddle is a solid entry-level option for beginners who want something durable enough to survive a drop into…
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