With an unseasonably warm weekend on the way and spring just around the corner, we’ve got paddling on the brain. We asked our paddlesports experts to share their favorite apparel, boat, gear, and accessory picks for a great day on the water.
Apparel Picks
- Immersion Research “I ❤ Kayaking” Tee – $24.00 The only thing as good as unicorns? Kayaking, of course. If you agree, this tee is the perfect way to flaunt your love of the yak after you dry off from a great paddle sesh.
- Immersion Research Guide Shorts – $62.00 These classic board shorts have been a favorite for 20 years. Functional features like a reinforced grommet for hang drying, shock cord key keeper, and zippered side pocket make them the perfect basic.
- Free Fly Lightweight Long Sleeve – $49.95 This super soft tee is quick drying, offers sun protection, and looks great. Once you give bamboo a shot, you won’t want to wear anything else.
Boat Picks
- Liquidlogic Coupe XP – $749 A fantastically versatile boat that truly does it all. The Coupe XP features a hull shaped for maneuvering in white water. On flat water, a spring loaded skeg converts it to a touring boat that tracks gracefully.
- Hurricane Sojourn 146 – $1,499 Fast, nimble, and shockingly lightweight, the Sojourn 146 is perfect for long days on flat water.
- Native Titan 12 Propel – $2,799 The perfect watercraft for kayak anglers who want it all, the Titan is super stable, feature rich, and long on storage space. We especially love the pedal drive option, for hands-free maneuvering.
Gear Picks
- Chums Downriver Bag – $59.99 This 7 liter dry bag features a waterproof main pocket and water resistant exterior pocket for quick access. Versatile straps allow it to be worn as a waist pack or cross body bag.
- Pelican 1020 Micro Case – $24.21 This case is the perfect size for a smart phone, but still fits comfortably in most PFD pockets.
- NRS Co-Pilot Knife – $44.95 The perfect compact rescue knife, the Co-Pilot features smooth and serrated blade sections, a non-slip handle, blunt tip, and a sheath that easily lashes to your PFD.
Accessories
- Tilley Paddler’s Hat – $110.00 Classic Tilley endurability paired with a plethora of paddling friendly features, including UPF 50+ fabric, a glare reducing brim, and secret pocket. It’s even buoyant – just in case it gets away from you!
- Astral Loyak – $85.00 This shoe is as grippy as they get, and its low profile design guarantees that you’ll fit in almost any boat. They’re great everyday wear too; stop by the store chances are you’ll see a few of our crew members rocking a pair.
- Chaco Z2 Classic – $105.00 It doesn’t get more versatile than a pair of Chacos. They’re at home on the town and on the trail, but water is where they really shine – they were actually created by raft guides looking for grippy footwear that wouldn’t slip off. Plus, wear them for a couple of floats on the French Broad and you’re guaranteed to earn some enviable Chaco tan lines. (Want to know how to clean your Chacos?)
