While serious, all-season paddlers are more likely to go with a substantial shoe such as the Palm Descender or the Gill Marine Edge boots, less-frequent and more fairweather kayakers and…
Reviews
Palm Rock kayak shoes tried and tested review
If you’re a beginner, determined to get into paddling properly, or an intermediate kayaker, canoeist or stand-up paddleboarder looking for one shoe that does it all, then the Palm Rock…
Xero Aqua X Sport kayak shoes review
These good-looking aqua sneakers are made by Xero, a US-based brand that specializes in super minimalist footwear, mainly for ‘barefoot’ running on trails. (Obviously, since we’re talking about a shoe…
First look: CNB78 and CNB88
We first saw something of the CNB 78 at the Düsseldorf boat show in January where CNB had a mock up of its new boat, a whalebone-like structure which showed…
Palm Descender kayak shoes review
There are all kinds of paddlers out there, ranging from dabblers who mostly like to launch from sandy beaches and use sit-on-top craft and SUPs in the height of summer,…
Keen Drift Creek H2 sandals review
In the warmer months, sandals are an ideal form of paddling footwear, especially for more casual canoe and kayak trips. I know from previous experience that US brand Keen make…
Salomon Amphib Bold 2 water sneakers review
Best known for high-end running and trail-orientated footwear, fleet-footed French brand Salomon have gone off on a bit of a tangent with the Amphib Bold shoes, which are designed to…
First look: HH44 – smallest offering yet
The old adage that the many benefits of a cruising catamaran are achieved at the cost of its sailing qualities is no longer true and a growing proportion of buyers…
Swan 55 review: modern performance cruiser
When it comes to choosing a modern performance cruising yacht, it could be argued that many of the current crop of designs share very similar trends, particularly those from Med-based…
I tested the $100 Huck Bucket could it possibly be worth the money?
I, like most sailors I’m sure, use a bucket. A lot. In fact, it’s arguably the most used item on our boat. It’s the first thing I retrieve from the…
First look: Jack Setton’s JV60
This 60ft Judel/Vrolijk daysailer is the latest commission by French businessman and serial boatowner Jack Setton. Those familiar with Setton’s yachts over the last few decades will know he is…
Cambridge Kayak Deluxe padded kayaking seat review
Made by a family run business that specialises in kayaks and paddling equipment, and which is based amid the aquascape of Norfolk in the UK, the Cambridge Kayak Deluxe padded…
Decathlon Tribord 500 Polarised Sunglasses review
Some people dismiss Decathlon kit as cheap and cheerful, but I have visited the French company’s impressive design base in the Alps, and witnessed the thorough testing process the gear…
First look: Rapide 41 – a new Mills Café-Racer
This graceful new Rapide 41 is the first to be built in a new series of performance café-racers drawn by Mark Mills. The in-demand Irish designer was commissioned by a…
SunGod Renegades 8K0 polarised sunglasses review
Your eyes are so valuable, yet reflective glare and UV from the water and sun is incredibly damaging to them over time. I wish I had learned to wear quality…
First look: YBreeze 75ft daysailer
YYachts has unveiled a fascinating new 75ft luxury daysailer concept, the YBreeze. It’s founder Michael Schmidt, the veteran racing sailor, industry pioneer and former Hanse Yachts owner, is known for…
Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Wireless Portable Speaker review
Legendary rock amplifier manufacturer Marshall had a renaissance in 2010 and unveiled the first of its lifestyle range – I know because I was soon drawn into buying its headphones.…
Bushnell Marine Waterproof binoculars
Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof binoculars Best non-traditional mid-range boat binoculars Specifications: Magnification x Objective Lens 7×50 Close Focus 35 ft Weight 1050grams Waterproof Adapts To Tripod Eyecups Fold-down Protective Lens…
Plastimo Marine 7×50 Autofocus binoculars
Plastimo Marine 7×50 Autofocus binoculars Best budget boat binoculars Specifications: Magnification 7, Objective lens 50, Focus Central waterproof? Sprayproof Field of View 123 m Prism BAK-7 Coating Multi Height 185 mm Weight 790…
First look: Aeolos P45 – ultrafast carbon cruiser-racer
Following the ultra lightweight Aeolos P30 short-handed offshore race boat that weighs only 1,550kg, this Dubai-based brand led by German engineer and sailor Hans Genthe has developed a 45ft performance…