Paddle
On
Paddling enthusiasts can get the portability of an inflatable kayak with the rigidity of a
hardshell in
West Marine's Advanced Frame™ Single Touring Kayak ($399.99). The removable
aluminum rib forms and reinforced seams give the bow and stern a rigid shape that improves paddling
efficiency and tracking ability. Its large rear compartment and forward bungee deck lacing provide
extra space for camping gear, and includes military-spec air valves, carry duffel and a foot pump.
(800) 685-4838,
www.westmarine.com.
Beef It
Up
With a complete overhaul for 2007,
CWB's Transcend 138 wakeboard ($495) is made for those who enjoy the hardest
"wake-to-wake buck" on the water. It has twin tunnels off the tip and tail, a beefed-up center
spine, and a fin system that extends for added traction. The Transcend has an innovative center
spine to break up landings, as well as an extensive smooth top shaping for the tip and tail. (425)
775-5416,
www.ridecwb.com.
Safety
Essentials
To maintain your family's health and safety during your next adventure,
Athena Brands offers Safety-To-Go ($99), a unique emergency preparedness kit
designed for three specific needs during any type of disaster - cooking, food and safety. The kit
comes with essentials for survival during any emergency, including lighting, radio, first aid,
blankets, light sticks and water purification tablets. In addition, it contains a Wind 'N Go
flashlight and mini LED lantern, which don't require batteries or electricity to operate. The
durable nylon bag also doubles as a cooler. (800) 272-8603,
www.athensbrands.com.
Global
Force
Sportstuff's Nuclear Globe ($289.95) bump-and-bounce, 7-inch sphere inflatable has
the inset cups on the outer surface to help you grip and paddle the globe as you spin through the
water. It features a heavy-gauge PVC bladder, speed safety valve and tie-down grommets. (888)
814-8833,
www.sportsstuff.com.
Reel
Deep
Specifically designed for deep-drop fishing,
Daiwa's Seaborg SB500Fe Fishing Reel ($599.95) is a "power-assist" tackle that's
portable and user-friendly. The interchangeable, compact batteries give the reel mobility around
the boat, and is great for casting jigs and large baits, or for dropping to depths of 800 feet.
Special features include a programmable jigging function, 11 ball bearings plus roller bearing, and
a compact, castable design. (800) 736-4653,
www.daiwa.com.
Rod And Reel
It
A unique addition to any angler's fishing equipment,
Plano Tackle Systems' 1415 Z Series Rod and Reel Case ($49.99) is the perfect
blend of hard case protection and soft-case convenience. Constructed from heavy-duty molded EVA
foam exterior, this hybrid case is large enough to carry two two-piece fishing rods with reels
attached up to 6 feet 6 inches in length. The case measures 55.5 inches by 9.5 inches by 5 inches,
and is lined with a molder foam interior. (630) 552-3111,
www.planomolding.com.
Cool
Fishin'
The first and only mobile storage unit on the rear of a personal watercraft,
CoolCruise's CoolFish ($299.99) allows fisherman to keep bait or fish alive aboard
their craft. The fisherman-friendly system consists of an Igloo marine grade cooler with a 25-quart
aerator, a booted waterproof switch and 30 inches of air-line tubing. CoolCruise's universal fit
allows for easy installation on most personal watercrafts. It's lightweight and easily detached for
cleaning, towing or off-season storage. (662) 808-COOL,
www.coolcruise.com.
Airhead For
Two
A state-of-the-art, kid-friendly craft,
Kwik Tek's Airhead Viper 2 ($228.99) is a cockpit-style towable that has a
hull-like bottom for a lively, yet stable ride. The Viper series are a favorite for young NASCAR
fans and small children who feel more secure riding on the inflated cockpit floors. The durable,
30-gauge bladders are completely encased in double-stitched nylon, with no exposed PVC, and the
handles have neoprene knuckle guards for comfort. (800) 436-9219,
www.kwiktek.com.
Future
Anglers
The perfect gift for future anglers, a portion of the proceeds from purchasing
Plano Molding's "Take Me Fishing" Starter Tackle Box ($9.99) will be donated to
the Future Fisherman Foundation, which aims to bring the wonderful sport of fishing to everyone.
The tackle box includes assorted starter tackle, brass bailed latch and a full-size lift-out tray.
(703) 519-9691,
www.futurefisherman.org.
Contour Your
Cruise
One of Connelly's best cruisin' tubes, the
Dually Deluxe Tube ($179.99) is a fully covered, two-rider inflatable with
contoured, air-filled back supports, 2-inch thick, removable 840 Denier nylon-encased seat cushions
and padded handles with foam backed knuckle guards. The inflatable uses a 30-gauge PVC for the
right amount of inflation without shape distortion. Its internally reinforced handle system
eliminates all surface-mounted webbing and rough-cut edges from around the grip area. (425)
775-5416,
www.connellyskis.com.