Starved for an outdoor adventure, Giovanni McEastland takes a much-needed escape to . There, the stressed-out office coordinator gains new perspective on his overall work-life balance鈥攆irst off-roading through the rocky hill country west of Austin, then teaming up with professional athlete and Bronco Ambassador, , who guides McEastland through his first standup paddleboarding experience. Watch all of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 three-part series with Ford, profiling unique, overworked individuals who find outdoor adventures as the antidote for their unhealthy work lives.

is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company鈥檚 Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.听

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Sliding my head through the bright orange life vest, I listen to the expedition leader walk us through emergency evacuation protocols. Almost 100 of us are gathered in the lounge toward the bow of the , an expedition ship scheduled for a five-day journey to the Channel Islands.

鈥淚n the unlikely event鈥� of our ship sinking, he says, we need to know how to put these vests on鈥攁nd how to buckle them properly to keep our heads out of the water if we get knocked out. It鈥檚 standard safety speak, but hardly settles my anxiety.

I don鈥檛 like boats. I’ve never liked boats. There鈥檚 the bit about sinking, sure, but mostly, boats make me sick. The nausea starts as soon as I step aboard and continues until several hours after disembarking. Honestly, most forms of transportation make me sick. Planes, cars, trains, buses, roller coasters 鈥� I even avoid rocking chairs.

I鈥檝e developed a scientific method, which is to drink a beer or two during a train ride or boat ride to help relax my inner ear and manage my nausea. This sounds horrible to most people but works for me. However, I鈥檒l be on this boat for five days. My liver can鈥檛 handle that much science.

Though a travel writer, I鈥檝e turned down every opportunity for a cruise or even a day sail. But the idea of an expedition cruise to a place I鈥檝e always wanted to see intrigued me. Two months ago I set aside my irrational fears and my practical concerns and decided to go.

As the cruise date approached, I wondered in irritation, Why did I say I鈥檇 do this? But I’m committed to hop aboard the Quest, and I have my reasons. Part of me is curious whether I can even survive so many days on a boat, but mostly, I want to see what an expedition cruise is like. And I have always wanted to explore the Channel Islands.

This isn鈥檛 your traditional cruise. Instead of an oversized, floating party bus hitting busy tourist ports, an expedition cruise uses state-of-the-art small ships as traveling basecamps to explore hard-to-reach locales, like the fjords of Greenland, the glaciated coast of Alaska, and the Antarctic Ice Sheet. This particular opportunity was aboard a National Geographic-branded ship, operated by .

With room for 100 guests and 60 crew, the Quest to me鈥攕omeone who is used to kayaks and river rafts鈥攍ooks like a miniature version of the Titanic, not a great reminder for someone afraid of boats. Still, it is taking us to the Channel Islands, a small archipelago 40 miles off the coast of Southern California, and will provide a base of operations for bouncing around these mountainous cays in the Pacific.

A few hours after the safety talk, we push off across the channel, and the nausea kicks in. I don鈥檛 throw up, I just want to. It鈥檚 even worse the next morning, and I skip breakfast because lying down is the only thing that keeps me from chumming the waters.

I decide I was right all along; boats are stupid, and I count the days until I can get off the ship. But after breakfast (a nibble of a granola bar, for me), we load into Zodiacs for our first taste of adventure, and my attitude changes entirely.

What to Do on Catalina Island

There are eight Channel Islands, five of which are designated as Channel Islands National Park. The first on our agenda, Catalina, sits outside of the park, but 88 percent of it is protected as a preserve by the . Catalina Island has one small town, Avalon, with a permanent population of 3,000, while the rest is wild, with nothing but dirt roads and hiking trails for infrastructure.

The paddleboard adventure I originally signed up for is canceled because of an increasing swell, so I join a moderate, three-mile hike on a mix of dirt roads, game trails, and a small piece of the 40-mile , which cuts a line along the mountains of the island, to traverse the bluffs surrounding Little Harbor, a rocky cove with a small campground.

I鈥檓 a sucker for a craggy coastline, and the views stack up: the 50-foot-tall bluffs that outline the coast are occasionally interrupted by golden beaches, while the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean melts into the horizon. From a high perch on the edge of the island, I get a kick out of seeing the Quest slowly bobbing in the swell off the coast. I really like boats when I鈥檓 standing on land. They鈥檙e pretty, and I don鈥檛 worry about them sinking at all.

The Channel Islands have been dubbed North America鈥檚 Galapagos because they鈥檝e evolved in relative isolation, never connected to the mainland. There are more than 150 endemic species on the islands, the terrain of which is a mixture of desert scrub brush, lush grass prairies, and steep cliffs.

On Catalina are bison, introduced in the 1920s during a film shoot (there鈥檚 debate as to which film), as well as a troublesome population of feral cats. Seeing bison is always a treat鈥攚e see one later on this hike, munching grass on a distant hillside鈥攚hether it鈥檚 supposed to be there or not, and I鈥檝e always thought populations of cats turning feral was weird.

But the native species throughout the island chain are even more interesting, like the ginormous squirrels, which are roughly 25 percent larger than those on the mainland. In a phenomenon known as 鈥渋sland gigantism,鈥� a species thrives because of a lack of competition for resources. But the native fox on the islands has evolved in the other direction and are tiny, usually between five and seven pounds. (Adult foxes in North America typically weigh seven to 15 pounds.)

The Quest was built with a shallow draft, which means it can venture into waters close to land, and on its stern are twin boarding platforms where guests can load into Zodiacs to go ashore. Aft in the ship is a large dining room, up forward is a sizable lounge, and both are loaded with windows to maximize the views. It鈥檚 all very civilized, with a small library of wildlife and geography books in the lounge, a well-equipped gym and a massage room, yoga on the top deck in the morning, and charcuterie and cocktails before dinner.

The idea behind any expedition cruise is that passengers should spend as much time off the boat as on, hiking, paddling, and cruising the coast in zippy little boats. The National Geographic expeditions are staffed with professional naturalists who give the whole experience a 鈥渟emester at sea鈥� vibe. There are the expedition leader, who adjusts plans based on conditions; a birding expert; a pro photographer to teach us how to take better photos; marine biologists, who dive and film the thriving kelp forests beneath the surface to show us slide shows during cocktail hour; and ornithologists who give talks and lead excursions.

National Geographic also puts a resident National Geographic Explorer onboard for each trip. I鈥檓 cruising with Greg Marshall, a biologist and filmmaker who invented the CritterCam, changing the way wildlife research is collected鈥攊magine a GoPro designed for animals. Marshall has an Emmy, and he鈥檚 hiking with us, giving talks, and teaching me how to keep my shoes dry during a beach landing in our Zodiac.

Ship life is completely new to me. The crew uses terms like 鈥渄isembark鈥� and 鈥渄off,鈥� the specific verbiage providing a certain gravitas to the situation.

As for the guests, at 47, I鈥檓 on the younger end of the spectrum. A few people in their 20s, including some young women van lifers, are scattered around, but the boat is mostly full of retirees, the adventurous kind. I strike up a friendship with a fit 65-year-old guy from Boise, Idaho, with decades of backcountry skiing experience.

I meet a nice grandmother who is a passionate birder, traveling the world to see different species. I have a wonderful conversation with Bernie and Maryanne, a retired couple who鈥檝e been to 59 national parks. They鈥檙e ticking off their 60th park with this cruise and plan to hit Katmai in Alaska later this summer. 鈥淲e hike,鈥� Maryanne tells me. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 just drive through them.鈥�

An expedition cruise has a rhythm. The ship travels at night, anchoring offshore at different islands as we progress through the journey, and we embark on various activities between meals during the day. The bartender usually meets us with a tray of fresh cocktails in the mudroom after each adventure.

I spend every meal at a different table meeting new people. Afternoons feature presentations about endemic birds or photography techniques while the passengers munch on hors d鈥檕euvres. At lunch one day, one of the naturalists runs into the dining room shouting, 鈥淒olphins, dolphins!鈥� and we all rush to the window to look.

The adventures are mild鈥攎ostly hiking and Zodiac tours of the coast鈥攂ut the terrain is stunning. The Channel Islands are full of wildflowers, like native hyacinth and buckwheat; wild creatures, like the pretty blue island scrub jay and the surprisingly cute spotted skunk; and dramatic cliffs. I give into the rhythm, and the nausea fades. This could be due to the steady ingestion of Dramamine, which I’ve also brought along, or maybe I鈥檓 just getting used to life at sea.

What to Do on Santa Rosa Island

For me, the highlight of the trip is an 8.5-mile hike around Santa Rosa Island, which some would argue is the jewel of the park, because of its tall cliffs, sand dunes, and grove of Torrey Pines. That particular species of evergreen is only found on this island and on one cliff in La Jolla, California.

My small hiking group sees a tiny fox meandering around the shade of the Torrey Pines, but I鈥檓 most impressed with the expansive, waist-high grassy meadows that roll all the way down to the edge of the island, where 100-foot vertical cliffs drop straight to the Pacific.

Two of America鈥檚 most iconic landscapes鈥攑rairie and the craggy coast鈥攂lend into one.

What to Do on Anacapa Island

On our last full day, I wake up before the sun rises and see the moon casting shadows through a 40-foot-tall rock arch just off the coast of Anacapa Island. Sea lions, the Pacific Ocean鈥檚 answer to the rooster, bark as the sun comes up. The joy of an expedition cruise is that you close your eyes to one view and wake up to another.

Choppy conditions keep us from making it ashore, so we take a Zodiac cruise, getting a close up view of the famed Arch Rock, a 40-foot-tall upside-down horseshoe of a rock that protrudes from the ocean, and seeing colonies of sea lions lounging on the black, rocky beaches.

I wonder if the sea lions have to jockey for the best spots on the beach, or if some sort of social hierarchy determines their positioning. The naturalist at the helm of our Zodiac says it鈥檚 very cordial, telling us that sea lions are 鈥減ositively thigmotactic,鈥� which in layman鈥檚 terms means they鈥檙e prone to snuggle.

It hits me that I haven’t been anxious since that first day. Somewhere between the post-Zodiac-cruise hot toddies and a presentation about the indigenous Chumash, I forgot all about the ship potentially sinking. The sickness comes and goes, but I don鈥檛 let it bother me. Nothing I was originally worried about troubles me anymore. If we sink, I know how to put on the life vest. If I get sick, I get sick.

But I鈥檓 onshore a lot hiking. I鈥檓 convinced that the expedition cruise is a hell of a way to travel. Imagine a high-end hotel staffed with expert guides, only the hotel moves to a different badass location every night while you sleep. And did I mention the bartender meeting us with trays of cocktails?

Four Small Expedition Cruises Worth Taking

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad has 17 ships venturing into seas and bays all over the world. The is a great option if you鈥檙e curious about this style of travel, and it鈥檚 less expensive and shorter than some other options (five days, from $3,310 per person). But their trip, in October 2024, is a potential banger full of penguins and ice formations, with a visit to the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Peter Hillary, a mountaineer and the son of Sir Edmund Hillary, who in 1953 with Tenzing Norgay first climbed Everest, is the onboard Nat Geo Explorer (22 days, from $28,304 per person).

Quark Expeditions

Quark specializes in arctic exploration, with ships traversing the coldest seas across the globe. Their 12-day expedition, with a boat capacity of 128 passengers, takes in the sights of Iceland and Greenland, allowing you to experience fjords, hike in the tundra, and visit Inuit communities (from $8,396 per person).

Viking Cruises

Viking operates a variety of cruises in different locations, but their 10-day trip, boat capacity of 378 passengers, gives you a chance to see the wilder side of North America鈥檚 inland sea. You鈥檒l kayak among pink-granite islands in Canada and hike to waterfalls along Wisconsin鈥檚 Door Peninsula (from $7,995 per person). 听

国产吃瓜黑料 Smith Explorations

Alaska is the number-one destination for expedition cruises, and operates an eight-day journey that includes two full days within Glacier Bay National Park. Capacity is 76 and 84 passengers on two different ships respectively. Daily adventures revolve around kayaking and hiking,with the chance to see puffins, whales, and bears (from $4,300 per person). 听

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national-parks columnist. He is amazed to have survived five days on a boat and even more amazed to want to do it again.

For more by this author, Graham Averill, see:

Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List

The 5 Best National Park Road Trips in the U.S.

The 9 Most Fun 国产吃瓜黑料 Lodges in North America

and

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

The post Boating Turns Me Green. But I Couldn鈥檛 Miss a Chance to See the Channel Islands. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The standup paddleboard category is a crowded field, like surfing California鈥檚 Old Man鈥檚 on a Sunday. But, after extensive testing (woe is us), we managed to narrow it down to a handful of SUPs that stood out amongst the crowd. Whether you鈥檙e embracing your inner Laird Hamilton on a wave or cruising around your local lake or bay, we have what you鈥檙e looking for right here.

At a Glance

• Best Inflatable Bay Tourer:
• Most Packable:
• Best Beginner Hardboard:听
• Best Inflatable River SUP:
• Best Standup Foil Board:
• How to Choose a Paddleboard
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

Best Inflatable Bay Tourer

Isle Pioneer Pro

Sizes: 9鈥�6鈥� x 32鈥�, 10鈥�6鈥� x 34鈥�, 11鈥�6鈥� x 36鈥�
Volume: 275 L, 375 L, 380L
Thickness: 6鈥�
Weight: 20 lbs, 23 lbs, 26 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Rigidity of a hard board in an inflatable
鈯� Full deck pad
鈯� Ample gear loops
鈯� Addition of carbon fiber reflected in higher price
鈯� No rails for surfing

Isle鈥檚 top-selling Pioneer SUP, available in three sizes, gets a high-performance boost for 2024 with the Pro series, which adds Infinity carbon fiber to the board鈥檚 already bomber Air-Tech construction to increase glide, rigidity, stability, and efficiency.

How it works: a six-stringer chassis (one on each rail and in the center, mirrored on the bottom) of a proprietary carbon and thermoplastic matrix gives the board, 鈥渉igh flexural modulus,鈥� engineering speak for a beam鈥檚 ability to resist bending under pressure. Every time a board flexes it loses energy to the water, so this added rigidity ups the Isle Pioneer Pro鈥檚 performance, especially when combined with its six-inch drop stitch construction. But the biggest benefit: You get the glide and stiffness of a rigid board in a portable, lightweight inflatable.

Our testers took the Isle Pioneer Pro from SoCal鈥檚 Mission Bay to the salt ponds and estuaries of Rhode Island, all singing its stand-up praises. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly stable,鈥� said East Coast tester Ross Singer. 鈥淚鈥檓 200 pounds, and I was able to jump up and down on it with little deflection.鈥�

We also tested out the Isle Pioneer Pro鈥檚 new hybrid design, letting it double as a sit-on-top kayak by attaching an inflatable seat ($125) and foot brace ($60) to its Isle-Link attachment system, which allows for endless customization. (Bonus: the breakdown paddle has an extension that turns your SUP handle into a kayak blade.) 鈥淚 went over huge wakes from a 70-foot wooden yacht and stayed dry,鈥� said tester Tim Sharp, who took it out on a choppy day on Rhode Island鈥檚 Point Judith Salt Pond. 鈥淎nd it tracked great in a 15-mile-per-hour wind.鈥�

Other features include a full-coverage deck pad offering comfort and grip for the likes of yoga, pets and kids; a new better-than-bungees gear management system that lets you easily strap on gear via infinite clip-on points; and a nifty carrying handle that lays flush to the board for getting prone (as for yoga). Tech upgrade: on Mission Bay, we turned it into an e-SUP by attaching a Bixpy electric fin motor, tooling around the bay at sunset to the marvel of SoCal motorboat partiers.

Most Packable

Kokopelli Chasm-Lite Inflatable SUP

Sizes: 10鈥� x 30鈥�
Volume: 290 L
Thickness: 6鈥�
Weight: 12.9 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ultra-lightweight and packable
鈯� Less stable than other inflatable SUPs
鈯� No deck pad on the tail section

Renowned in the whitewater community for their premium packrafts, Kokopelli鈥檚 first foray into stand-up paddling is one of the lightest and most packable inflatable boards ever made. Weighing only 12.9 pounds, the board folds in half (hot-dog style) and then packs down to only 18 inches tall鈥攔oughly the size of a regular sleeping bag.

This board can be squirreled away into the tightest of spaces, used as carry-on luggage for plane travel, or hauled into the backcountry to explore remote bodies of water. It fit into a tiny nook in one tester鈥檚 Subaru Outback when it was fully loaded for a camping trip, while other inflatables didn鈥檛 stand a chance of being stuffed in.

Once pumped up, this 10-foot long, 30-inch-wide board offers a respectable paddling experience, though it makes some sacrifices in the stability department. The combination of a 10-knot wind and one-foot swell at the mouth of the Dana Point Harbor felt sketchy鈥攑lus, the lack of a deck pad on the tail did not help matters.

鈥淭his is an ideal board for an experienced user looking for a lightweight, minimalist option,鈥� said tester Dave Shively, founding editor of SUP Magazine. 鈥淭hough the minimalism comes down to the width, there鈥檚 not a lot of board.鈥� While the board itself is spartan, Kokopelli includes everything paddlers need including a small pump, four-piece paddle, nine-inch fin, and a repair kit that easily fits inside their waterproof dry bag backpack.

Best Beginner Hardboard

Starboard GO SUP

Sizes: Available in 4 sizes from 10鈥�2鈥� x 29鈥� to 12鈥� x 34鈥�
Volume: 177 L to 256 L
Thickness: 4.4鈥� to 4.8鈥�
Weight: 23.6 lbs to 35.1 lbs
Pros and Cons
鈯� Beautiful cosmetics
鈯� Great stability
鈯� Big piece of gear to store and travel with

Just starting out? The new Go from hardshell stalwart Starboard makes a great entry level board for those wanting to paddle fast and stay dry. Available in a wide size range from the longer and faster 12-footer to the more maneuverable 10-foot-2-inch board and in a variety of layups, the Go accommodates the whole spectrum of rider weights and abilities (bigger equals wider and more stable, shorter means narrower, better tracking, and increased maneuverability).

Designed for a variety of conditions, from flat water cruising to navigating light wind and chop, its versatility comes from a classic surf shape sporting a concave bottom. A wide tail and nose provide balanced trim for efficient touring, while a deep center channel on the bottom enhances glide and stability (like a catamaran). Its steadiness is augmented by boxy rails, which also limit water flowing onto the deck, keeping feet and gear dry. And you can still step back for a quick snap turn and rely on the nose for added stability in chop. The fin box is also positioned well astern for improved tracking.

Plus, it鈥檚 easy to carry to the beach thanks to its two-in-one carry strap and paddle holder, which lets you hang the board on your shoulder and instagram your outing or sip your coffee on the way home.

Our testers took it everywhere from Michigan鈥檚 Great Lakes to Newport Beach, California, vouching for its impressive all-around performance. 鈥淔un and stable,鈥� said Midwest-based tester Chris Rosario, who was appreciative of its seam-welded construction that enhanced the board鈥檚 stiffness. 鈥淕reat for beginners or seasoned paddlers, as well as surfers and yogis.鈥�

Two cherries on top: First, the ASAP WS version of this board includes a windsurf-mount attachment and additional mid-fin box, so it doubles as a windsurfer with upwind control. Second, Starboard is a B-corp that buys plastic and carbon offsets for every board sold.

Best Inflatable River SUP

Hala Atcha 86

Sizes: 8’6″ x 34″
Volume: 269 L
Thickness: 6鈥�
Weight: 22.5 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great maneuverability and surf chops
鈯� Stable in waves
鈯� Not much hull speed on the flats
鈯� Hard to reflip upright

Hitting what it calls the sweet spot where 鈥渟tability-meets-surf,鈥� Hala鈥檚 re-designed Atcha line ups the ante with its new longer, spring-loaded StompBox2 fin, beefing up responsiveness and power. The nine-inch fin, made of tough TPU, is more听rigid in all directions, serving up more drive in deep water and preventing you from supermanning off the board when the going gets shallow.

Tester Davide Sartoni took it on dozens of rivers throughout the country, ranging from Class II-IV and low to high water, and was impressed by its balance of skills. 鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to maneuver, has great stability, rides over waves and tracks well across current, and it surfs waves that are not too steep really well,鈥� he said. He also credits the new, longer fin for keeping him upright and in control. 鈥淚t lets you ride in shallow water, which has always been a problem of river supping,鈥� he reported.

鈥淚t’s made to keep you upright,鈥� echoed tester Sady Carelli. 鈥�When rocking side to side, it doesn’t flip you off. You can walk up, down, and side-to-side, giving you a chance to save yourself before plunging into the drink.鈥�

Which brings up one demerit. 鈥淚f you do swim and the board is upside down, it’s hard to flip back upright,鈥� she remarked, crediting the nuisance to its rocker. Still, for overall river running, she concluded it鈥檚 a great choice. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fun for riding small wave trains thanks to its rockered nose,鈥� she said. The retractable fin also builds your confidence. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a lifesaver,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 stopped me from several face plants.鈥�

Best Standup Foil Board

KT Ginxu Dragonfly

Sizes: Available in 7 stock sizes, from 6鈥�6鈥� x 18鈥� to 8鈥�4鈥� x 22鈥�
Thickness: 6.5鈥� to 7鈥�

Pros and Cons
鈯� Quick to get up on the foil
鈯� Great stability and glide
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Carbon construction dings easily

Shaped by company namesake Keith Teboul, the Dragonfly downwind SUP foil board鈥攏ew this year from Maui鈥檚 KT鈥攊s billed as the 鈥渃omplete downwinder.鈥� Built for light downwind and wing foiling, it鈥檚 a performance downwind SUP whose displacement hull makes it quick to get going. The patented Ginxu step on the bottom鈥攁n indentation that helps it plane鈥攈elps lift it off the water quickly, detaching from the water in front of the foil. It also comes with a beveled tail so you don鈥檛 touch when turning.

Who better to attest to its features in these two categories than eight-time world champion Kai and his brother Ridge Lenny, both all-around watermen born and raised on the island. 鈥淚ts main strength is its stability and glide that make it extremely easy to get up onto foil,鈥� said Kai, whose longest single run was 32 miles in five- to 10-knot winds. 鈥淚ts length also makes it fantastic for paddling when not on foil.鈥�

Calling it the 鈥渂est there is out there at the moment鈥� for the category, he appreciated its foot traction鈥斺€渢he deck grip is nice and comfortable, not slippery, and your feet won鈥檛 fall asleep鈥濃€攁nd its light carbon construction, which he touted as 鈥渆xtremely durable.鈥� While its narrow width can make adjusting from a traditionally wide SUP design somewhat intimidating, he adds it鈥檚 great for flatwater pop-ups, small waves, and downwind swells in light to extreme winds.

Brother Ridge, who took it on a five-mile downwinder in 25- to 30-knot winds on a 鈥渟ide shore with good bumps鈥� (what he calls the board鈥檚 鈥渋deal conditions鈥�) also sung its praises. 鈥淚t makes downwind foiling more accessible,鈥� he said.

Want to test the waters? Try learning on a bigger size first and then tone it down a notch.

How to Choose a Paddleboard

Intended Use

First, think about what you want to do with a board, as this will determine the shape and type of board you buy. Do you want to surf? Look for a shorter length and rocker to keep the nose from diving. Cruise around lakes? You鈥檒l want a longer board for maintaining hull speed, with width equaling stability and narrowness enhancing glide. Interested in running whitewater? (Yes, it鈥檚 a thing.) You might want an inflatable board for added durability, width for stability, and rocker to ride up and over waves. Planning to race in the ocean? You鈥檒l want a long and narrow board for speed.

Hard Board vs. Inflatable SUP

Inflatable boards are excellent for storage, transportation, and general toughness (it is very hard to put a hole in a well-constructed inflatable board). But they do come with some performance tradeoffs, especially in the surf and race departments. They鈥檙e not as fast or rigid as hardboards, compromising speed, and harder to hold an edge on a wave.

Beginner vs. Advanced SUPs

Great beginner dimensions start around eight-foot, six-inches long and at least 30 inches wide, with six inches of thickness (for inflatables) for stability. SUPs for more advanced paddlers are often narrower (depending on intended purpose), meaning better hull speed but compromising stability.

How We Test

• Number of testers:听17
• Number of products tested:听31
• Number of miles paddled:听103-plus (ocean and river)
• Bags of chips eaten:听6
• Flipflops busted: 1
• Board cannonballs: 4

To test SUPs this season, we assembled a team of expert and even not-so-expert stand-up-paddlers from Florida to California, Hood River to Hawaii, and even a few from the Rockies to weigh in on how they handle all forms of water. The group consisted of outdoor reps, shop owners, competitive athletes, and regular Joe paddlers.

Our test crew also included big names like SUP experts Spencer Lacy and Mike Tavares, and Maui-based watermen and foil aficionados Kai and Ridge Lenny. In all, we tested 23 different SUPs from a variety of categories鈥攆rom rec models for easy touring to high-end foil SUPs for Hawaian downwinders鈥攍ooking at everything from material and shape to stability, glide, and rigidity.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Eugene Buchanan is the 14-year publisher and editor-in-chief of听Paddler听magazine and founder of PaddlingLife.com. Writing about the outdoors for more than 30 years, he鈥檚 a former ski patroller and raft and kayak guide whose passion for paddling has taken him to more than 30 countries on six continents. A longboarder when it comes to surf, he鈥檚 been a SUP connoisseur since the first inflatable was invented by C4 Waterman and his stance on them has never changed: they鈥檙e awesome (and regular, not goofy).

Jack Haworth is an avid stand-up paddler who lives in one of the sport鈥檚 meccas: Dana Point, California. With ample opportunities for both flatwater paddling and SUP surfing, Haworth put this year鈥檚 boards through a classic Southern California gauntlet. Haworth is a former editor of SUP Magazine.

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Infinity Whiplash ($3,495)

Do you like going fast and far on glassy water? The is your ride. No brand has put more into SUP research and development over the years than this company, and it shows here. This ultralight, hollow-carbon race board is one of the best on the market for getting from points A to B as quickly as possible. The one we tested was 21 inches wide, which helped it track extremely straight in calm conditions, but required some experience to paddle (and is not necessarily suitable for rough-water or downwind paddling). We were struck by its initial instability but quickly came to trust the secondary stability from the cockpit鈥檚 dugout walls, which put our center of gravity lower to the water. It鈥檚 also available in widths up to 25.5 inches.

That subtle stability also comes from a step-tail stern, with a narrow tail outline below and wider outline up top. This design tricks the water into reacting as if the entire tail is narrower, reducing drag and improving mobility as you paddle. But step back to make turns, and the wider outline adds stability as you maneuver.

What鈥檚 more, at just 20 pounds, the Whiplash might be the lightest board on the market. It鈥檚 made in a mold and is hollow, save for frame supports that look like the skeleton of a whale. These lightweight elements came together when we tested it in smooth conditions in a protected harbor, where a single stroke delivered a powerful gliding sensation unlike any other board鈥檚. This is a machine for pushing your personal speed limit. (259 Liters, 14″x鈥�21″)

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Many of this year鈥檚 crop of stand-up paddleboards are specialists for specific thrills rather than the do-everything quiver killers we鈥檝e seen in the past. Infinity, Bote, and Fanatic have established their respective niches and stuck to them, honing their products over decades. From one of the fastest flatwater race boards on the market to a versatile fishing platform, the results are the best stand-up paddleboards on the market in 2022.

Bote HD Aero 11’6″ Bug Slinger Echo ($1,049 and up)

Fish-catching platforms are what Bote does best, and its Bug Slinger is no exception. At 34 inches wide, with thick, six-inch rails, it provides a virtually unsinkable base for fly-fishing, spearfishing, tossing worms from a rod and reel, or just lazily cruising on a lake. Simply put, it鈥檚 extremely versatile. The Bug Slinger is intended for catching big fish, and deep pools and estuaries are where it shines (with its stiff, ten-inch plastic fin and two built-in side bites, testers found out the hard way that it鈥檚 not made for shallow, rocky spots). We loved the nifty paddle holder to stow your blade as you concentrate on landing fish. And it all packs down into an included backpack. If that鈥檚 not enough, you can enhance the fishing experience with add-ons like a multi-rod holder ($220) or a proprietary cooler ($235) that can double as a seat. (250 liters, 11’6″x鈥�34″)

Fanatic Bee 7’8″ ($1,699)

The Bee is for people who like diverse thrills. This high-performance stand-up paddleboard is designed for surfing and no fewer than three foiling disciplines (SUP, windsurf, and wing). At 30.75 inches wide, it鈥檚 quite stable, but a narrow, thin tail makes it extremely maneuverable while traditional SUP surfing. It also comes with mounts for a foil, a mast, and windsurfing footstraps, so you can take advantage of any conditions. Downside: because of all those attachment points, designers had to reinforce the board with bamboo, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, making it heavier than purpose-built stand-up surfboards. Still, it鈥檚 an excellent learning platform for those who are interested in trying wing and windsurf foiling but who don鈥檛 want to spring for a dedicated foiling platform鈥攜et. (120 liters, 7’8″x鈥�30.75″)

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Get a Bike with Some Squish

When it comes to buying your first mountain bike, the long-prevailing wisdom has been to get a hardtail. Proponents of this will tell you that riding a bike without rear suspension forces you to develop better skills.

Don鈥檛 fall for it. Yes, back in the day, people rode the local rock pile on fully rigid bikes with their saddles wedged into their bellies. They picked lines very carefully and developed solid fundamentals鈥攊f they stuck with the sport. The operative word being if. Because when bikes were less squishy, mountain biking was harder. And less fun.

For most riders鈥攅specially new ones鈥攕uspension improves the experience. It soaks up bumps, giving you more confidence on descents. It makes the ride more forgiving, so you can go longer before you start to fatigue. It even improves traction, helping you conquer tricky climbs. The price premium for those wonderful feelings has fallen in recent years, with great full-suspension bikes now available for less than $2,000. We like the ($1,679). A RockShox Recon 130-millimeter air fork, 29er wheels, 125 millimeters of rear travel, and a SRAM 1x drivetrain combine for a trail bike you鈥檒l shred happily for seasons to come.

Life can be hard. Learning to mountain bike can be, too. But unlike in life, your ratio of fun-having to character-building is up to you when you ride. Maximize it. 鈥擥loria Liu

Expert tips:

• Look for a bike with tubeless-ready wheels. Even if you don鈥檛 set them up that way immediately, you鈥檒l want to go tubeless at some point, to run lower tire pressure for better traction and to minimize flats.
• A must-have on a first mountain bike is an air fork. It provides smoother, suppler suspension than the coil-sprung forks typically found on entry-level bikes, which means better handling and less upper-body fatigue.

The Best Snowshoes Are Not Snowshoes

Snowshoes are handy when the powder is deep. But if you鈥檙e hiking on packed trails, they鈥檙e clunky and unnecessary. That鈥檚 when you want a set of spikes, like the ($50). They鈥檙e the toughest out there, give you plenty of traction, and stash easily in your pack. 鈥擬aren Larsen

Your First SUP Should Be Inflatable

Paddleboarding offers more adventure opportunities than you might imagine. Perhaps you鈥檝e tried it cruising in a harbor or splashing around a lake, but you can also paddle in the surf, on whitewater rivers, in alpine lakes, and on the open ocean.

If you鈥檙e curious about any of these options, you can鈥檛 go wrong with an inflatable SUP. They鈥檙e easy to transport, store, and lift, since they鈥檙e lightweight and usually include their own bag, which is about the size of a large suitcase. They鈥檙e also very difficult to puncture. The only downside is that you have to inflate them before paddling. But thanks to efficient pumps, you鈥檒l be on the water in ten minutes or so鈥攁nd the process is a good warm-up.

We recommend something at least 9’6″ long and 32 inches wide. Those dimensions will make the board stable enough for most adults even on choppy water, and easy enough to carry for smaller folks. ($499) from Boardworks is durable and reliable compared with other offerings at that price.

An inflatable is a useful quiver element for veteran paddlers, too. It鈥檚 great for bringing to tropical locations and on overnight camping trips, and for teaching others to paddle. 鈥擶ill Taylor

Expert tips:

• Most 颅SUPers have the blade of the paddle turned the wrong way when they鈥檙e starting out. Think about it like this: the angle of the blade should point in the direction you want to go.
• A standard leash can be a drowning hazard if it snags on something in a fast-moving river. In those conditions, use a quick-release design like the Badfish Coiled Re鈥檒eash ($69), so you can untether safely in an emergency.

The Way to Perfect BBQ Is a Pellet Grill

Smoking transfers the flavor of wood into your food and keeps moisture in your meat. Pellet grills, which offer digital control of temperature and other variables, turn the art of cooking with smoke into a science, practically guaranteeing mouthwatering results regardless of experience level. High-end models are expensive, starting around $800, which tends to rule them out as a beginner purchase. The new ($500) is an affordable pellet grill that offers all the features you need鈥�570 square inches of grilling space, smoke adjustment, a meat probe, and an internal temperature readout. Dial in the heat from 160 to 500 degrees and quickly nail everything from slow-cooked smoked salmon to a quick weeknight burger. It will meet all your grilling needs and is easy to clean. In short, it will convince your friends that you鈥檙e an excellent chef, without the years of experience necessary to master other barbecues. 鈥擶es Siler

Expert tip: Proper seasoning can take your grilling from so-so to stellar. Rub steaks liberally with salt and freshly ground pepper up to 24 hours before grilling so the salt can penetrate the entire cut of meat.

Lose the Rope

The simple crash pad offers the easiest and most accessible way to climb outside. Primarily used for bouldering (climbing low to the ground without ropes or harnesses), the pads cushion your fall and quickly build stoke for exploring other climbing disciplines. We like the stout ($150). 鈥擩eremy Rellosa

Expert tip:听A crash pad can also serve as your pack. Stuff your climbing shoes, water bottle, and snacks between the two halves for the approach.

Trail Runners Are Better than Hiking Boots

For most people on most paths, trail-running shoes are a better alternative to traditional hiking boots. They鈥檙e lighter, so your legs won鈥檛 get fatigued as quickly, especially on multi-day trips. Max-cushion models like the ($145) are popular with through-hikers. They also offer better ground sensitivity and comparable traction, so you can navigate technical terrain more nimbly. 鈥擜riella Gintzler

Expert tip: When it comes to tread, bigger isn鈥檛 always better. Knobby lugs (5鈥�7 millimeters) are good for scrabbly conditions, but on dry, packed dirt, minimal outsoles (with lugs of 2鈥�4 milli颅meters) yield a smoother stride.

Go Big on Sleep

For the cost of upgrading from a fleabag motel to five-star accommodations, you can buy a decade of amazing outdoor sleep wherever you roam. A plush pad for car camping ensures you鈥檒l stay out more鈥攁nd, if you get a double, that your partner will want to also. We love the (from $250). It鈥檚 as comfortable as the memory foam in your bedroom. 鈥擩oe Jackson

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There鈥檚 nothing like a summer day spent floating on the lake with your best buds in tow. Over the past couple of years, my paddleboard adventures have gone from solo trips, to adding a toddler, and now a dog, too. It鈥檚 a bit tricky to make it comfortable and fun for everyone, but I鈥檝e come up with a system that works for me and my family. Here鈥檚 what you need to get a kid, a pup, and all your daily essentials out on the water while still staying safe.

Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat ($90)

听has been an essential safety item in my family鈥檚 SUP kit since we introduced our nine-month-old Catahoula to paddling a few months ago. So far, training her to be a great water dog has been mostly a success, and this life jacket has certainly played a role. Because it鈥檚 comfortable and easy to use鈥攊t鈥檚 no problem to slip over her head, buckle up, and adjust, and it doesn鈥檛 rub against her uncomfortably or have any pinch points鈥攚earing it has been a positive experience for her. She can jump off the paddleboard, swim freely, and scramble up banks without the life jacket getting in her way. When I need to lift her back up on the board or help her ashore, the handle is strong and a cinch听to grab. She鈥檚 starting to equate the life jacket with fun, and that鈥檚 the whole goal on trips like these.

Thurso Surf SUP Kayak Seat ($70)

As a parent, Thurso鈥檚 lightweight and comfortable clip-on seat has been the ultimate add-on for paddling with my toddler. It鈥檚 probably the one thing that gets the most attention when we鈥檙e out using it, and after seeing it in action, a few of my friends with small kids have incorporated it into their setup, too. My inflatable paddleboard has D听rings running听down both sides, so I can clip this seat to the first third of my board, where my toddler sits.

What I like most about this seat is that it gives my child his own spot on the paddleboard, and as anyone who鈥檚 ever wrangled a toddler outdoors knows, there鈥檚 something to be said for setting a few ground rules before doing an activity. One rule听for us is where everyone goes on the board; my son knows where he sits, my dog knows where she sits, and there鈥檚 no fighting over perceived prime real estate. In addition to keeping my child听contained to one spot, he鈥檚 also able to hold on to the side straps if he needs extra stability when the board鈥檚 rocking or when he鈥檚 dangling his feet in the water. But mostly, he just leans back in it, eats snacks, gives directions, and sometimes naps.

Kokotat Hustle PFD ($139)

Anyone who participates听in water sports should听know how to buy and wear a PFD. Some paddleboarders might prefer听a belt-style inflatable or a hybrid device, but I opt for an old-fashioned vest like the Kokotat Hustle. Since I鈥檓 paddling with a kid and听a dog, and I鈥檓 not a strong swimmer, I like听to wear a vest as听it鈥檚 one less thing to think about if shit hits the fan (because it鈥檚听inherently buoyant and doesn鈥檛 require听deploying). The Hustle is low profile, comfortable, easy to paddle in, and has the one feature that makes all parents rejoice鈥攑ockets.

The side entry makes it slightly more of a hassle to get on than a front-zip vest, but the large front pocket more than makes up for it, providing听access to small essentials that I need to keep handy, like my phone, dog treats, kid snacks, and sunscreen. There鈥檚 even an internal mesh organizer and an additional small zippered pocket to stash even more important items, like IDs and car keys.

The Hustle has padded shoulder straps, it听contours nicely around the arms, and it鈥檚 constructed听with听soft fabric in key areas to prevent chafing. More notably,听the minimal design doesn鈥檛 restrict movement. As a the Hustle is versatile and can be used听for a variety of other near-shore听water sports, like听kayaking听and canoeing. Its听unisex fit is wider than other comparable vests (sizes accommodate 32-to-55-inch听chests), but bustier women might find a more comfortable fit with the 国产吃瓜黑料-tested Astral Layla.

Marjaqe Waterproof 22L听Drybag ($36)

There are two main things I like about this inexpensive : it keeps my stuff dry, and it has backpack straps. For under forty bucks, this piece of gear听has proved its worth under heavy use for over five years without fail. I鈥檝e taken it camping, hiking, paddling, and commuting, and not so much as a drop of water has leaked in. The听pack straps are key for me because, from the car,听I鈥檓 usually hauling a paddleboard, a toddler, a dog, and our daily essentials down to the water. I just don鈥檛 have enough hands to hold on to a drysack sans straps. I also like that it has mesh pockets on the sides to stash a water bottle or something else you need to access fast that doesn鈥檛 have听to be kept dry.

Twenty-two liters is a nice size for carrying all the requirements for a day of fun, like a couple听microfiber towels, a picnic lunch, a water bottle, a dog bowl, sandals, and maybe even a hammock. Another bonus is that it floats, unlike a classic backpack, which could see all your stuff sinking to the bottom of the lake if it falls in. For a cheap Amazon find, this bag has been a pleasant surprise.

NRS Paddle Wet Shoes ($60)

In the Pacific Northwest, where I paddle, I need to wear water shoes most of the year, because my feet are notoriously cold, and outdoor adventuring in this part of the country听requires embracing the gloom sometimes. Available in both and versions, the NRS Paddle wet shoes offer听warmth and protection without being bulky, making them a good choice for stand-up paddling.

With a side-zipper entry,听putting these on is effortless, and the high-top design paired with three-millimeter-thick听neoprene (not to mention five-millimeter听neoprene insoles) keeps ankles and feet toasty and comfortable pretty much year-round. These NRS booties are grippy enough to confidently step on algae-covered rocks, but not so bulky that you feel like you鈥檙e wearing big boots on the board. That said, if you鈥檙e going to be surfing or spending more time with your body in the water, take a look at the in this roundup of the best cold-weather gear for surfing.

Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick ($10)

Sun protection is essential for a day on the water. is great to pack听for paddling听because it takes up almost no space in your drybag, and since it鈥檚 a mineral roll-on, it won鈥檛 leak all over the place if it accidentally opens up, like other lotion sunscreens tend to do. Additionally, it鈥檚 fragrance-free, nongreasy, and doesn鈥檛 sting if it comes in contact with your little one鈥檚 eyes. I always keep this on hand for reapplying as needed, usually听every couple hours or after a dip in the water.

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Badfish 10'6″ Flyweight ($1,199)听

Inflatable SUPs have become increasingly popular over the past few years because they鈥檙e good for so many different kinds of paddling鈥攍ake, ocean, surf, whitewater鈥攁nd are easy to transport, store, and use. But they鈥檝e often lacked rigidity and thus sacrificed performance. Brands are finally addressing that issue. From more advanced materials to smarter fin placement, companies are making changes that translate to better inflatables. This year, none have done it better than Badfish. The Salida, Colorado, brand has strong river DNA, via its roots along the Arkansas River, and has long manufactured solid surf-inspired performance paddling boards. The brand hit paydirt with the Flyweight, which can truly do it all. The star is a new technology that reduces excess PVC along the drop stitching, which creates a lighter, more streamlined craft. Grandmas can easily get this svelte 30-inch board in the lake, while the younger set can use it for easy river running, racing, flatwater paddling, and more. We鈥檇 love a single fin box for a longer touring skeg (like Badfish鈥檚 new race-inspired 12'6″ iShape), but the thruster setup works for shallows and mellow surfing with the smaller fins, giving it a versatile feel. It鈥檚 a sleek, all-around ride worthy of your hard-earned coin.听

SIC Maui Tao Tour Air Glide 12'6″ ($750)

SIC Maui has long been a stalwart of open-ocean SUP design, thanks to the brand鈥檚 background in downwind paddling (surfing wind swell with long boards). The Tao Tour Air Glide stays true to that origin while adding versatility. It offers top-notch downwind performance with rocker in the nose, so you can take advantage of wind bump on the lake. Meanwhile, a durable drop stitch and a system of PVC-reinforced rails and stringers lend a stiffness almost similar to a solid epoxy or polyurethane board. Still, that pronounced rocker, combined with a stable feel, 30-inch width, and plenty of tie-downs, means recreational paddlers can use it for touring, overnighting, fitness paddling, or surfing the occasional small swell. If you鈥檙e looking for a performance-oriented inflatable the whole family can still use, the Tao Tour Air Glide is it.

Red Paddle Co. 12'6″ Voyager Twin Fin ($1,649)

When it comes to stable boards for touring, fishing, and flatwater paddling, the Voyager is one of the best. Like all of Red Paddle鈥檚 inflatables, it comes with two rail-stiffening rods that you insert before blowing it up, which increase rigidity. This year it gets even better. Designers swapped in a new V-shaped hull that displaces water and helps the board track much better than its predecessors, lending a sleek, speedy, canoe-like feel. A new twin-fin setup, which includes two large fins, improves glide and adds another layer of stability for the uninitiated. At 32 inches, the Voyager was the widest board in our test. This translates to plenty of cargo space, with bungee tie-downs to lock in your gear. It鈥檚 a perfect rig for overnighting, lake-island hopping, or even the occasional booze cruise.

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Surftech x Prana Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech 11'2″ ($1,399)

The Catalyst may not be the flashiest board, but its versatile shape, simple features, and low weight add up to a SUP that glides well on flatwater and is capable and responsive on small waves and in variable ocean conditions. The board absolutely cruised in the calm of California鈥檚 Monterey Bay. In four-foot waves, the length and moderately rockered nose made the drops easy鈥攊t felt like a shorter, nimbler longboard. The long single fin, meant for tracking straight, won鈥檛 allow you to carve hard, but it鈥檚 great for trimming in small surf. The Catalyst has the same environmentally friendly bamboo, carbon, and plant-based epoxy construction as Surftech鈥檚 Aleka, which won Gear of the Year in 2018. What鈥檚 new? A wider tail and midsection, and about 20 percent more volume, all of which helps accommodate larger paddlers. The 32.5-inch-wide, 4.8-inch-thick deck was stable enough in calm conditions to allow testers to bring their cameras and phones aboard without fear. Bonus: the foam deck pad was the most comfortable we tested.

Bote Flood Aero 11' ($799)

The rugged, inflatable Flood Aero is a floating base camp. Blowing it up took six minutes, and the single touring fin required only seconds to install. On flatwater it paddled smoothly and didn鈥檛 feel wobbly despite the six-inch thickness, which puts the paddler relatively high off the water but adds rigidity. The extras really make this 32-inch-wide board shine. Bote鈥檚 line of pur颅pose-built accessories颅 (coolers, racks, rod holders) transform it into a full-featured touring or fishing rig, while hooks for a shoulder strap ($40) and three handles make for easy carrying. An on-deck Velcro strap allows you to rest your paddle without worry when you reach for a snack or pause for a photo.听

NSP DC Surf Wide 8'7″ ($1,399)

For the DC Surf Wide, NSP set a strong, lightweight coconut-husk mat atop a 32-inch-wide board that鈥檚 stable, responsive, and zippy. This 18-pound steed caught three-foot waves at a central California point break with ease. It maneuvered fast-moving sections like a much shorter SUP, thanks to its shortboard-inspired shape, square tail, and five-fin setup. The single-to-double-concave bot颅tom yields good acceleration even on soft waves. The rockered nose 颅handles steep drops, and the dia颅mond-patterned deck pad is 颅grippy through hard carves. NSP sells narrower surf SUPs, but the DC Surf Wide is a solid choice for big riders or folks looking to step down from a longer board.

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As much as it hurts to admit, summer is over.听The aspens are nearly bare, frost has ravaged the tomato plants, and it鈥檚 time to put away your fair-weather gear. But if you don鈥檛 do it right, you might find things听covered in mold or damaged by creasing when you听take them听out in a few months. Here鈥檚 what you need to know to prevent听surprises before next spring鈥檚听first camping trip.

Vent Your Tent听

It may seem counterintuitive, but听you need to set up your tent before putting it away. Check for rips or broken zippers, and hand-wash any caked-on dirt with diluted soap (not detergent). Then听let it air out somewhere shady. Unfold tent poles as much as possible to preserve the shock cords鈥� elasticity. Once it鈥檚 clean and dry, store it flat and away from animals in a temperature-controlled area, like the back of a closet. You can also loosely roll the tent,听just don鈥檛 store it in a stuffsack. Justin Bradshaw, a rental-gear associate at , says that packing a tent tightly can cause creasing and weak spots.听

Unpack Your Pad

As you did with the tent, wipe down your sleeping pad with a soapy cloth, then rinse it with water. You鈥檙e aiming听to get dirt and your own stink off it, as well as any bug repellent, because deet听can break down the exterior. If it鈥檚听inflatable, use a hair dryer听or a pump to inflate and deflate your pad听a few times, which will flush moisture from the interior. Let the pad dry in a shady spot. Once dry, store it unfolded or loosely rolled听and partially inflated with the valve open, if applicable.

Stash (Not听Stuff) Your Sleeping Bag

If your sleeping bag is smelly, you can wash it听in cold water in a front-loading washer (top loaders may rip the fabric) with gear-friendly soap. Use Nikwax ($11) for down and a gentle, unscented detergent for synthetics.听Then听run it in an unheated dryer with a tennis ball to restore loft. If it smells OK, just unzip your sleeping bag all the way and put it in a shady spot to make sure it鈥檚 entirely dry: hang it over a rack or chairs to make sure that both sides get air. Like the tent, store it loose鈥攊n a mesh storage bag like REI鈥檚 ($18) or a king-size pillowcase鈥攊n a cool, dry place.

Hang Your Hydration Bladder

Even if you empty your hydration bladder, there鈥檚 often moisture left inside, which is why Bradshaw uses a modified coat hanger to store his. Cut a plastic hanger in half听to get a hanging storage device that will encourage airflow听(be careful of sharp points), or purchase the CamelBak鈥檚听 ($12). If the bladder does mildew, he recommends cleaning it with a gallon of hot water mixed with a teaspoon of bleach. You can also freeze it to slow the growth of mold.

Blow Up Your SUP

Like tents, inflatable watercraft, like SUPs, kayaks, and canoes, should be set up completely and left to dry. Their PVC walls can break down in sunlight, however, so find a spot that鈥檚 shady or indoors. Then听let its air out听until it鈥檚 about a quarter inflated, and store it out of the elements. Bradshaw says that people like to fully deflate and roll their boats up听during the winter to save space, but this puts pressure on the seams, leading听to tears. Inflatable watercraft听stored in a roll听might only last a season or two, he says, while one that鈥檚 stored partially inflated can last decades.

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