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Paddler's Paradise
Rising to the Mood
Carlisle Taboo Paddle
Stand up or sit down, the new Carlisle Taboo paddle is really two paddles in one. The versatile Taboo quickly converts from a stand-up paddle to a kayak paddle. The fully clad aluminum shaft can quickly be changed from the 230 cm kayak mode to either a 75" or 82" stand-up paddle. The paddle comes with two T-grip handles, one 8" and the other 15" to accommodate a variety of users; blades are durable, high-impact polypropylene. $84; carlislepaddles.com
Necky Rip Kayak
The new Rip Kayak from Necky blends performance features with a solid recreational kayak. The Rip is paddling paradise for novice to intermediate kayakers who want a lively, dynamic ride. The ten and a half-foot boat has a sharp keel and moderate rocker that combine for excellent stability and glide. Stuff your lunch and an extra jacket in the room bulkhead that provides dry, leak-proof storage. The roomy cockpit is easy to get in and out of, and once you are in, the soft, padded thigh pads provide that "one with the boat" handling and control. $500; neckykayaks.com
Teva Tirra Water Shoes
Teva's new women's Tirra has a sleek, sporty webbing upper with a supportive footbed that's sculpted to fit a women's foot. The Tirra's synthetic neoprene/foam upper is snug but not scratchy and the compression molded EVA midsole has a cushy "drop-in" footbed that incorporates zinc to fight bacteria and odor. $70; teva.com
Carve Designs Swim Suit
The Laguna Full Piece swim suit has a flattering cut, full rear coverage and a comfortable, low open back. The material is a luscious matte-finish nylon/spandex that sculpts the body beautifully. The suit has a nice trendy look while providing paddle-worthy function. The 99-percent UVA/UVB protective nylon/spandex blend fabric is machine washable, but hand washing keeps the suit looking brighter, longer. $68; carvedesigns.com
Columbia Backpaddle Top
New for Columbia is a high-performance paddle specific line that has terrific colors, design and value. The new Backpaddle top is made from Columbia's tried-and-true Omni-Tech waterproof breathable fabric. The durable Backpaddle has an athletic cut, but you don't need to be a bean-pole triathlete for a good fit. The tailored jacket is seam sealed to prevent leaks, with gripper elastic at the hem. Cuffs are built to be comfortable and snug with no paddle drip leaking down your wrists. The jacket has waterproof, gusseted opening at the collar and hem, and a drop tail that keeps water from getting in between your top and pants. $100; columbia.com
Patagonia Paddler Board Shorts
Superbly constructed, Patagonia's Men's Paddler Board Shorts have a soft, lightweight loose-hanging 100-percent recycled polyester liner. The shorts are built for high-friction water activities, with reversed-out seams that glide freely over the skin. The nylon outer shell has a DWR finish, so it doesn't soak up moisture. There's a discreet, hidden two-button fly, plus tie closure for micro-adjustments. A side zip pocket (with drainage holes) keeps valuable safe. Shorts come in waist sizes 28 to 40, are 21" long with a modest 9" inseam. $65; patagonia.com
Ocean Kayak Nalu Hybrid Paddle Board
Stand up paddling is fun, and doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. The Nalu is a hybrid paddle board is unique in that it's designed to be paddled from both standing and sitting positions. The rotomolded polyethylene paddleboard is stable for flat water to mild surf. The user-friendly design has a dedicated area for both sitting and standing , plus it accepts a removable backrest. The 11-foot long board is 31" wide and remarkably stable. There are two molded-in fins for tracking, two self-draining scuppers, a storage bungee and carrying handles. $599; oceankayak.com
Mountain Khakis Cottonwood Cords
The desert southwest can get cold at night, especially after paddling all day. My favorite camp pants are Mountain Khakis Cottonwood Cords. You'll leave the sweatpants at home in favor of fashion and function. The Cords get high street-fashion marks, but sport the soft, stretch feel of sweatpants. The 11" rise provides plenty of coverage when you're stoking the campfire or filling up waterbottles, and Mountain Khaki's signature "ballroom" action gusset allows for plenty of range of motion. The lycra content also provides some stretch - I generally wear a size 6 but went down to a size 4 as the pants fit so well. Cottonwood Cords come in men's and women's sizes, regular and long. $79; mountainkhakis.comPost a comment
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