The warm weather is upon us and if it’s a nice sunny day, more than likely you’ll find me on the beach. Whether it’s over the weekend or you happen to call in sick (cough), there’s definitive gear you need to take with you when hitting up the local [insert place with large body of water and girls in bikinis here].

Today I’m going to cover the board short, a summer gear essential. Read on to find out why.

Read the rest of this entry »

Heli-rafting. How damn awesome does that sound? Makes you want to just stand up and yell out a guttural roar of “I heli-raft therefore I am man.” Read the OARS itinerary overview and you might know what your next big splurge (figuratively and literally) will be.

The Klinaklini is a fresh-water thoroughfare that snakes its way through dense moose, eagle and grizzly habitat. Successfully descended for the first time in 1997 by O.A.R.S.’ Brian McCutcheon, the Klinaklini is many different experiences wrapped into one. First, a dramatic flight over the Coast Ranges to Nimpo Lake and an enchanted evening in gorgeous lakeside cabins. Next, it’s off to the river by seaplane for your adventure indoctrination. After challenging the steep gradient of the upper Klinaklini you’ll be rewarded with an exhilarating day of heli-hiking around an impassible canyon before being transported back in time to the ice age and the scenic splendor of Silverthrone Glacier. The trip ends with sweeping views of a grizzly bear sanctuary and return flight down a 60-mile fjord to the Pacific. This wilderness expedition fits into a week, but your memories will last you a lifetime.

Full itinerary after the jump.

Cost: $6495 @ OARS

Read the rest of this entry »

The GoPro Digital HERO 3 Sports Camera is easy to use during any activity. This shockproof/waterproof wrist camera makes it easy to shoot digital video and photos during your favorite sporting activities. Miniature size and patented versatility combine with TV resolution video and 3 megapixel photos to form a highly-convenient and fun sports camera.

You can use this camera while you surf, ski, hike, bike, kayak, or climb. The GoPro has various mounting options available which means you can mount this bad boy on just about anything. The GoPro is durable, with crack proof poly carbonate water housing and glass lens and is water proof down to 100ft.

This camera has a 3 megapixel photo resolution and 640×480 video resolution, with 16mb of internal memory, expandable to 2GB.

What this mean to you: Having a hard time convincing the guys at the office of the glorious feats you pulled last weekend while you were out slaying the field as a weekend warrior? Fret no more, have them wetting their pants when you show them the footage of you catching that mysterious big kahuna…

Cost: $140-$180 @ GoPro Camera

[click on image to enlarge]

I don’t usually listen to music when I workout. It messes with my pace and it’s just dangerous when I’m cycling through the city. But surfing is a whole different story. I’ve sat on my board in between sets wishing I could listen to the reverb of Dick Dale or the acoustic tones of Brian Wilson. Enter H2O Audio’s line of waterproof iPod cases and headphones.

I first heard about these when I added swimming to my regular workouts about two years ago. But, I didn’t think of surfing with one until now. Or really until the big-wave surfer, Laird Hamilton, started promoting H2O Audio’s surf series. Not only has Hamilton started endorsing them, with his help they will be developing the “next generation of surf/music products.”

Currently, they offer a wide range of cases that fit both older and newer iPods. They even have a case that fits the $50 iPod shuffle. All the cases in the surf series are water proof to 10 feet and have a LatchTight™ Locking Closure and a SealTight™ Connector. Basically, this means that your iPod will stay dry if you’re surfing the Jersey shore or the infamous North Shore. Also, their cases allow you to easily use the iPod scroll wheel under water. So next time your shredding waves or just waiting for the next big one, you can chill to your favorite surf music

What this means to you: You can take your iPod into the water without worrying about a bill from Rapid Repair.

Cost: $40-$80 @ H20 Audio

The all new for 2007 Cartel Wakeboard is summer watersports action at it’s best. With hundreds of wakeboards out there it’s tough to know what you’re getting into but the crafty engineers over at O’Brien have put all their efforts into this new wakeboard shape which combines primo composite technologies, subtle chevron design and a progressive 3-stage rocker that gives you maximum boost off the wake.

• Abrupt 3-Stage Rocker – Aggressive POP off the wake.
• Subtle Chevrons - Board rides higher and faster in the water.
• Molded Fins – Outstanding tracking and stability with minimal lift or drag.
• V-Spine – Softens landings and saves knees and backs.
• Beveled Edges – Helps prolong the life of the board.

What this means to you: You’ll never look or feel so good behind a boat.

Cost: $290 @ The House

Don’t let the waves and conditions of whitewater and flat-rivers catch you off guard. The Diesel is the most versatile kayak available. It has a high-volume deck and a forgiving performance-oriented hull providing you with control. Minimal part construction keeps weight and potential breakage down.

The Diesel 65 weighs in at 39 lbs. and is 7 ft. 6 in. in length. It has a padded adjustable seat, thigh braces, hip pads, backband and bulkhead.

What this means to you: Read to roll… at your control.

Cost: $999 @ Outdoor Play

[via Oh Gizmo!]

The U.S. Coast Guard approved Two-Way Radio life Vest comes with dual, 14-channel two-way radios, one integrated into the chest of the life vest and another for use on a boat or on shore, allowing instant communication from water skier to boat, or ship to shore from up to 1.8 miles away.

Made from neoprene, the same material used in professional scuba diving wetsuits for its elasticity and durability, while the 100% PVC foam interior is segmented and beveled, allowing ease of maneuverability while swimming.

The Two-way radios have large talk buttons and LCDs for ease of use, remain waterpr oof up to 3′, and have audible low-battery alerts.

What this means to you: Pretty smooth looking and particularly handy when you hit the water wakeboarding and your slightly intoxicated boat companions don’t take the time to look back.

Cost: $129.95 @ Hammacher Schlemmer