If chasing auroras lights you up, nature has an even wilder spectacle waiting for you.

Picture dipping your kayak paddle into inky black water, only to watch the waves ignite neon blue. Every stroke sets off an underwater light show, as if you鈥檙e slicing through liquid starlight. Fish dart below, leaving glowing trails like comets. A manatee glides silently by, its entire body haloed in shimmer. Even the splash from your hand glows, a sparkling echo of your own movement. The surreal beauty transports you into a dreamscape where the stars have fallen into the sea, and you鈥檙e swimming through them.

Welcome to bioluminescence鈥攏ature鈥檚 mind-blowing ability to create its own light, which is is taking noctourism from the heavens down to earth.

鈥淵ou interact with it,鈥� says听 Dr. Edith Widder, a marine biologist who has dedicated her career to bioluminescence, and author of Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e splashing, and the animals around you are making contrails as they swim through the luminescence.鈥�

Now, why would a creature need to glow? We normally think of animals wanting to hide at night, the dark a safety cloak.

The answer begins in the deep sea, a world with little to no sunlight. Here, survival demands innovation. Bioluminescence emerged as a vital form of communication in this vast, dark environment鈥攐ne that covers most of the planet.

In the open ocean, where there are no rocks or reefs to hide behind, animals adapted by diving into deeper waters during the day and rising to the surface at night to feed. This daily vertical migration left them in near-total darkness, creating evolutionary pressure to develop new ways to communicate and be seen. Self-sourced light became an incredibly common tool.

鈥淚n the open ocean environment, approximately 75 percent of the animals make light,鈥� says Widder.

And bioluminescence didn鈥檛 just evolve once. It evolved again and again: At least 50 separate times in evolutionary history. That鈥檚 how essential it is. Some animals release glowing clouds to distract or confuse predators. Others emit light from their bellies to blend into the faint light filtering down from above. Certain species flash patterns as a warning signal, while others use light like an alarm system, drawing in larger predators to interrupt an attack. In the deep sea, visibility can mean the difference between life and death鈥攁nd bioluminescence is how many species stay one step ahead.

So what is bioluminescence, exactly, and how does it work? 鈥淚t鈥檚 a type of chemiluminescence,鈥� explains Widder. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a chemical reaction like when you break a light stick鈥� where the chemicals are made by the animals themselves.鈥�

On land, the phenomenon is much less common. While fireflies and glowworms are familiar examples, they鈥檙e rare exceptions. Most terrestrial environments offer plenty of places to hide, so there was little evolutionary need for animals to develop the ability to glow.

Still, many breathtaking displays happen right at the surface, especially in bays and lagoons where plumes of bioluminescent plankton (dinoflagellates) gather by the millions. These tiny organisms flash when disturbed鈥攁nd that鈥檚 when the magic happens. Waves glow. Fish leave glowing trails. Kayakers paddle through sparks.

Want to see it for yourself? Whether you鈥檙e drifting through a glowing bay or hiking through firefly-lit forests, these nine bioluminescent tours offer front-row seats to the most electrifying show on Earth.

As Widder puts it: 鈥淚t鈥檚 life being manifest in light itself. A living fireworks display鈥攁nd you鈥檙e part of it.鈥�

U.S.

1. Indian River Lagoon, Florida

Just outside Cape Canaveral, 贵濒辞谤颈诲补鈥檚 Indian River Lagoon transforms into a glowing playground after dark. From June to October, this biodiverse estuary near Titusville comes alive with bioluminescence. Microscopic dinoflagellates light up the water with every paddle stroke, making it one of the brightest and most magical displays in the world.

鈥淭his is the best I鈥檝e ever seen,鈥� says Widdler. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a reserve, and there鈥檚 so much animal life in the water that鈥檚 lighting up with the luminescence as it swims through it. I鈥檝e seen manatees swim under my boat, all lit up, dolphins cruising along beside me, fish starting every which way. It鈥檚 breathtaking鈥� One of the times I was at Merritt Island, the water around me was just boiling with mullets that were jumping鈥攅ven jumping into my boat鈥攁nd it was just spectacular.鈥�

Get Up and Go Kayaking offers guided night tours in clear kayaks designed to maximize the experience. 听The transparent boats give you a front-row seat to the underwater light show. You’ll glide through waters filled with over 100,000 glowing organisms per liter, lighting up the path as marine life swims beside you. For the lux experience, book the 鈥攐ne-and-a-half hours longer than the public tour, your experience is filmed on a Sony A7Siii with high-end lenses before being cut together in a private video (from $1,000).

Details: ; adults: $99; children: $69

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Each spring, the forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park light up with one of nature鈥檚 rarest displays鈥攕ynchronous fireflies. For just a few weeks from late May to early June, these tiny insects flash in unison, creating waves of light that ripple across the forest floor. It鈥檚 a phenomenon found in only a handful of places worldwide, and Elkmont is one of the best spots to see it.

To fully experience the magic, Blue Ridge Hiking Company offers a . This two-day guided group hike blends hiking, waterfalls, and wildflowers with the chance to witness the fireflies at their peak. The trip is beginner-friendly and open to families, making it a memorable option for all ages. are available for individuals and groups of up to five. While the trip is planned during peak firefly season, sightings cannot be guaranteed鈥攂ut the hike, scenery, and serene atmosphere of a national park after dark offer plenty of rewards of their own.

Details: ; $595/person; private groups from $1,460

3. Port Gamble Bay, Washington State

Just a short drive from Seattle, Port Gamble Bay in Washington state offers a quiet, stunning setting for one of the Pacific Northwest鈥檚 most enchanting night time experiences. Along nearly two miles of untouched shoreline, paddlers can witness the bay waters light up the night.

Olympic Outdoor Center runs a 2-hour bioluminescence kayak tour that鈥檚 perfect for all ages and experience levels. The adventure begins with a naturalist talk and kayak lesson before you head out into the calm waters. As your paddle cuts through the dark, the glowing trails left behind feel otherworldly.

Tours typically meet at 9:30 P.M., though times vary with the season. The launch point and return are both at the Port Gamble beach. Wear shoes that can get wet and pack a jacket for the chilly evening air. While the tour runs rain or shine, trips are canceled in the event of heavy wind, rain, or lightning.

Details: ; adults: $89; youth: $59

4. Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Hidden on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay explodes with light after dark. Known as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, this shallow lagoon comes alive each night as millions of dinoflagellates flash electric blue with every ripple, paddle, or splash. It鈥檚 like kayaking through liquid starlight. The darker the night, the more the water glows鈥攕o check the lunar calendar when booking; peak brilliance is at the new moon.

The ultimate way to experience it? A transparent kayak.

鈥淚t鈥檚 alien, but not in a scary sense. It doesn鈥檛 feel like it belongs on this planet,鈥� says traveler Jacob Berkowitz, who kayaked the bay multiple times between 2022 and 2024 during work trips to Puerto Rico. 鈥淵ou could put your hand in the water and see the effect instantaneously鈥� Even following somebody鈥檚 stream, just the flow of the color, it feels like something out of a James Cameron movie, very Avatar-濒颈办别.鈥�

Taino Aqua 国产吃瓜黑料s offers guided tours that let you float across glowing waters in two-person kayaks while watching the light swirl beneath you. Tours, which last one hour and 45 minutes, launch between 7:15 and 9:30 P.M. Plan on spending the night on Vieques Island after the tour, as there is no transportation off the island by the time the tour wraps.

Details: ; $75

Caribbean

5. Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica

Witness nature鈥檚 dazzling light show right from your hotel room patio at Jamaica鈥檚 Glistening Waters Hotel. Situated along the famous Luminous Lagoon, this magical location glows brilliantly at night thanks to millions of microscopic dinoflagellates. Watch fish dart and boats glide, each movement sparking electric-blue trails across the water鈥檚 surface.

Want a closer look? Join a nightly boat tour at 7 P.M. from the hotel鈥檚 restaurant dock. On this 35 to 45 minute adventure, you鈥檒l cruise into glowing waters while your captain shares captivating insights about the lagoon鈥檚 bioluminescence and its mineral-rich health benefits. Jump in for a nighttime swim and watch yourself glow with every splash鈥攁 truly unforgettable experience.

Details: ; adults: $25; children 10 and younger: $12.50

6. Bioluminescent Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Tucked away on the north side of Grand Cayman, a hidden lagoon bursts to life after sunset. With a high concentration of bioluminescent organisms, the bay glows electric blue when disturbed鈥攅ach wave, splash, or paddle lighting up the dark water in a surreal display.

鈥淲e kayaked through these dark waters until we got to a secluded part of the bay, and the water began to light up with the most diaphanous neon fireworks,鈥� says Melissa Hobson, owner of the Ocean Writer, who visited the bay while in Grand Cayman for her brother鈥檚 wedding. 鈥淚t was absolutely incandescent. It would sparkle as you hit it so we had a fantastic time reenacting Elsa from Frozen or Star Wars.鈥�

Sweet Spot Watersports offers one of the island鈥檚 most popular ways to experience this phenomenon. Their 2-hour bioluminescence tour includes two stops: a visit to Starfish Point and an extended stay in the glowing Bio Bay. Guides explain the science behind the spectacle, including a briefing on upside-down jellyfish that thrive in the area. Guests can swim in the bioluminescent water for a fully immersive experience. Departures vary based on conditions and are confirmed at booking, leaving from either Capt. Marvin鈥檚 Dock or Kaibo.

Details: ; ages 12+: $89; ages 3-11: $69

Oceana

7. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

If you鈥檙e looking to add a shot of adrenaline to your bioluminescent bucket list, the Black Water Rafting tour in New Zealand鈥檚 Waitomo Caves delivers. This three-hour underground adventure takes you floating, climbing, and leaping through the glowworm-filled Ruakuri Cave. It鈥檚 equal parts thrill ride and light show.

After check-in, you鈥檒l gear up and test your black-water tubing skills before slipping into an underground river. Expect to jump off small waterfalls, navigate through rocky caverns, and drift beneath thousands of brilliant glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling like a night sky. After the tour, warm up with a hot shower and recharge at the on-site caf茅 at The Base.

Tours depart daily (except Christmas) and must be booked in advance. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a sense of adventure. The base is cashless, so bring a contactless payment method for the caf茅 and gift shop. No caving experience is needed, but you鈥檒l need moderate fitness and a minimum weight of 100 pounds.

Details: ; adults:$188 NZD; youth 12-15: $145 NZD; families: $557 NZD

Asia

8. Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam

Discover the magical bioluminescence of Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam year-round with Cat Ba Duky’s night kayaking tour. The light-up plankton are most visible at sunset, so this unique 5.5-hour adventure starts with a sunset cruise (setting sail at 5 P.M.) during which you can enjoy stunning views of limestone karsts. A traditional Vietnamese dinner is served onboard or at a floating fish farm, followed by the opportunity to swim or kayak through the glowing water. 听Private tours can be requested via email.

Details: ; $43 to $90 depending on the location of your hotel pickup.

9. Toyama Bay, Japan

Experience the ethereal magic of bioluminescence with an unforgettable early morning boat tour at Toyama Bay, Japan. Here, the dark waters of the Sea of Japan transform into an enchanting blue universe, thanks to the firefly squids. These tiny creatures generate light from three different body parts: their ventral surfaces, lower margins of each eye, and tips of each of the fourth pair of arms. The innumerable cephalopods illuminate the ocean, creating a spectacle of sparkling light that captivates and delights.

The Hotaruika Museum runs a unique early morning boat tour in Toyama Bay鈥攜ou depart at 2:30 A.M. and watch as local fishermen harvest the squids. Wind conditions can cause the tours to be cancelled or cut short鈥攂ut when conditions pan out, you鈥檒l witness these radiant creatures light up the dark ocean with bursts of blue, a rare spectacle available only from April to early May.

Details: ; adults: $53 USD; elementary and middle schoolers:$26.50 USD; younger children not permitted

Life was never the same after getting dive certified in the 54掳F waters of a flooded Ohio quarry. Local diving led Alexandra Gillespie to a globetrotting stint taking dozens of dives in cool places and writing about them afterward. Now a freelancer for 国产吃瓜黑料, she covers water and travel. Her writing has also appeared in NPR, National Geographic, Scuba Diving, and other national outlets.

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Ben Schuck spends most of his day in pain.

The aches in his hips, feet, and knees are caused by chronic arthritis, and Schuck, who will turn 80 next month, must avoid painkillers due to his history of kidney disease.

Instead, Schuck seeks treatment in a certain kind of homeopathy. Every day, Schuck drives from his home in Ventura, California, to the local beach, where he dons a wetsuit and steps into the Pacific Ocean with his kiteboarding gear. For an hour or two, he zips through the breaking waves, pulled along by the offshore breeze.

“I never think about the pain out there,” Schuck told听翱耻迟蝉颈诲别.听“I feel the presence of God Almighty when I’m in the water. I always have.”

Schuck speeds along the coastline, over whitecaps and sand bars. He then returns toward the shore and rides breakers as they tumble toward the beach. From the shoreline, you’d never guess that he was born during the final months of World War II.

“It’s exhilarating and it’s a bit scary,” he says. “So you get that pleasure that comes from doing things that are fast and also are a little bit dangerous.”

Schuck has no idea if he’s the oldest kiteboarder in California, but he’s pretty sure he’s the most senior rider in Ventura. Last year he retired from his longtime career as a real estate lawyer, and since then he’s been able to kiteboard four or five days a week, depending on conditions. Some of his kiteboarder buddies are in their mid-sixties, he says. Yep, they’re just whippersnappers.

He found the sport later in life, at the tender age of 68. Schuck grew up surfing, and spent 56 years riding waves along the California coast. But hip surgery and a shoulder replacement left him unable to paddle his board through the choppy water. After his shoulder operation, he spent several months feeling discouraged and depressed.

From the back window of his house, Schuck can gaze down at Ventura’s famed Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park. And on breezy days after his operation, he’d see kites flitting in the sky. He was intrigued by the scene, and spent a few afternoons at the beach, chatting up local kiteboarders. They told him that it was never too late to learn.

“Some were very encouraging to me,” Schuck says. “So in my late sixties I decided to take a lesson.”

It took Schuck a few months to get the hang of flying a kite, and a few years to feel confident riding a board. Over time, kiteboarding became his passion. He traveled to Maui, Mexico, Florida, and all across California to hunt for the best breeze.

The sport filled the void in Schuck’s life that was once taken up by surfing. kiteboarding, he says, has several advantages over surfing. You never have to wait for a ride, or deal with bad vibes in the lineup.

“When you go surfing, you’re competing with the other surfers for a wave. That sucks,” he says. “When you get old and there are young guys out there, the chances of you being able to compete with them for the waves gets a lot harder.”

“With kiteboarding you go fast the whole time,” he added.

He also learned that his new sport alleviated the aches in his hips and legs. When the flying kite tugs his body upward, it lessens the force of his body on his joints. The upward force鈥攚hen combined with the thrill of the ride鈥攎akes the daily discomfort melt into the background.

But flitting across the water on a kiteboard also brings dangers that are not present in surfing. Over the years, Schuck has crashed into sunken rocks and sandbars, and been dragged like a rag doll across the ocean. He’s yet to break a bone riding his kiteboard, but he also knows that a wrong move could lead to a hospital visit. Since his shoulder operation, he’s also had his back fused and had a knee replaced.

“I know that if I fall and tear up my knee, that’s the end of kiteboarding for me,” he says. “I have to be extremely careful.”

So Schuck lives by a rigid set of guidelines that govern his kiteboarding. He goes out around midday, before the after-work crowds hit the ocean. If the surf is pounding, he stays home. He rarely attempts to jump when riding his board.

He lifts weights every day to strengthen his core muscles and legs. He maintains a strict diet, and tries to keep his body weight around 150 pounds. When wind speed surpass 25 miles per hour, he watches other riders from the safety of the beach.

“Other guys love it when the wind is that strong,” he says. “It might be great for them.”

And Schuck never takes a single ride for granted. Toward the end of each kiteboarding session, the aches and paints听return to his feet and legs. That’s when he knows it’s time to get out of the water, peel off of his wetsuit, and head home. Sometimes, Schuck says, he’s so sore at the end of a ride that he can barely walk out of the ocean.

“I don’t care,” he says. “I know it was worth it.”

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Matthew Bryce went surfing alone. Would he die alone, too? As he was riding waves, Bryce got blown out to sea. He had a wetsuit and a surfboard, and nothing else. No way to call for help, or signal to the rescuers that he could see searching for him in a helicopter. Alone and freezing in the ocean, how do you keep from giving up?

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In July, when I reviewed the new version of Patagonia鈥檚 R1 wetsuits, I talked about how there is often a compromise between a product鈥檚 eco-friendliness and its performance, but Patagonia鈥檚 suit finally managed to score high marks in both. A month later, Billabong said, 鈥淗old my beer.鈥� The company鈥檚 new wetsuit performs even better on both fronts. Not only is it the most sustainable wetsuit currently available, but it鈥檚 also the most comfortable one I鈥檝e ever worn. Plus, it cost less, too.

Billabong 惭别苍鈥檚 3/2mm Furnace Natural Upcycler Chest Zip Wetsuit

Sizing: S-XXL (men鈥檚), XS-XXL (women鈥檚)
Materials: 85% Natural Rubber and 15% synthetic ingredients, including Bolder Black, Oyster shell powder and Soybean oil
Models: 2/2, 3/2, 4/3, 5/4, and 6/5 millimeter thicknesses, some with optional hoods, some sleeveless

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent flexibility
鈯� Comfortable
鈯� Easy entry/exit
鈯� Extremely eco-friendly
鈯� Materials dry quickly
鈯� Lack of silicone inside wrist and ankle cuffs allows some water to get in
鈯� Not quite as warm as the slightly thicker Patagonia R1

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Unparalleled Sustainability

The most notable change that Billabong makes from traditional wetsuit construction is switching from neoprene to natural rubber for the foam material that makes up the bulk of the wetsuit. Unlike traditional neoprene, which uses rubber derived from fossil fuels or limestone, this rubber comes from sustainable, FSC-certified, organic hevea rubber trees in Guatemala, grown in a plantation that has existed since the 1940s. The rubber it produces is of exceptionally high quality, and it meets , , and compliance for environmental standards.

The rubber foam (think 鈥渘eoprene,鈥� but a natural version) contains 85 percent natural rubber, with the other 15 percent stabilizers typically called carbon black. While most companies still use petroleum-based carbon-black stabilizers, Billabong has partnered with Colorado-based Bolder Industries to incorporate its flagship product . Bolder Black is a very high-quality carbon black, but it鈥檚 made entirely of post-consumer recycled wetsuits (supplied by Billabong) and other used rubber products like tires. These stabilizers give the rubber its strength, increase elasticity, add pigment for UV resistance, and allow it to be blown into the stretchy foam that we know and love.

To make the other major components of wetsuits, the jerseys, and liners that cover the outside, Billabong has now switched to 100 percent post-consumer recycled textiles, keeping a lot of unwanted clothes out of landfills. Graphene panels, which are made of a combination of recycled textiles infused with Graphene, are added to keep you warmer, and Billabong claims that all of this feel-good eco-friendly stuff doesn鈥檛 sacrifice performance. Much to my surprise, I agree.

How It Tested

I spent the last couple of months testing the Furnace Natural Upcycler ($380), and can attest that the suit is sublimely comfortable. Thanks to the incredibly soft and flexible rubber, it鈥檚 easier to get on and off than any other suit I鈥檝e worn. It鈥檚 so stretchy that I feel effectively no resistance when paddling, and I move about as freely as I do in boardshorts. The kneepads (made from natural rubber laminated with an abrasion-resistant recycled nylon jersey called Supratex) are resilient, providing ample protection when duck diving, and the inner seams haven鈥檛 chafed me at all. The liner has a nice cozy loft to it also. The zipper is high-quality: I haven鈥檛 had any issues with snagging like I did in the Patagonia wetsuit.

I鈥檝e experienced no paddle fatigue in the suit, even during long sessions. It dries at least as quickly as any of my other suits, and it鈥檚 held up well, surviving the odd encounter with a rock or a fin without showing a scratch.

How It Compares to the Patagonia R1

The Furnace Natural is noticeably more comfortable than the fall 2023 (the next version of the R1 will likely be out in 2025). It feels lighter, it has more stretch, and it doesn鈥檛 have any zipper issues. It isn鈥檛 quite as warm as the R1, but that makes sense, considering the R1 is a 3/2.5-millimeter suit, not a 3/2-millimeter (Patagonia is one of the rare manufacturers that uses half-millimeter sizes).

The Furnace is also significantly cheaper, coming in at $380 versus $479 for the R1. You can even get a 3/2 Absolute Natural Upcycler (Billabong鈥檚 mid-range version) for as little as $269. This cheaper version has all the same eco updates, though it loses some of the higher-end bells and whistles (like the Airlite 4D jersey, the graphene lining, and the improved seam sealing). Patagonia doesn鈥檛 have a cheaper version, unfortunately.

While the Patagonia suit is very sustainable, Billabong has edged it out here by being the first company to produce a fully-functioning wetsuit available to the public with Bolder Black stabilizers, making the Natural Upcycler wetsuits derived by a vast majority from natural rubber or post-consumer recycled products. Patagonia won鈥檛 disclose where the stabilizers in its current suits come from, which, like in the Billabong, make up 15 percent of the foam rubber. Patagonia has announced, however, that it will also be using Bolder Black in its next iteration of wetsuits.

Downsides

The only ding on the Furnace Natural Upcycler is that I wish it had a silicone seal on the inside of the wrist and ankle cuffs. Because the rubber is so soft and malleable, I鈥檝e had the sleeves or legs roll up on me a bit when wiping out (and once when paddling hard to get over a large approaching set). It鈥檚 a minor gripe, but it would be nice if that could be prevented.

Final Thoughts

The 3/2 Furnace Natural is fantastic for Southern California in the late spring, summer, and fall, but having spent time in it, I might opt for a 4/3 instead. This suit breathes well, and I鈥檇 like to be able to wear it during the colder months. Also, I prefer to be a little too warm than a little too cold. That said, I know plenty of people that feel the opposite.

At the end of the day, this is my new favorite wetsuit. All of the eco-forward features give me peace of mind, and I like that I鈥檓 not covering my entire epidermis in potentially cancer-causing materials. Apart from that, I wouldn鈥檛 know that it was an eco-forward suit if you didn鈥檛 tell me: this is a full-on performance wetsuit without sacrifice.

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler suits are now available in and and in a variety of thicknesses and styles.

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The main reason to buy a custom surfboard is because you can鈥檛 find the board you want on a shelf. A custom surfboard is a big step in a surfer鈥檚 journey, and it can bring noticeable, tangible benefits to the way you surf and how much fun you have. Ideally, you鈥檒l end up with a board that is a sublime match for your body, style, goals, and the waves you frequent. But it can also be an overwhelming experience (and a not-insignificant investment in time and money), so you want to get it right.

Luckily for you, we鈥檝e got it covered. I worked with two legendary shapers鈥擝ritt Merrick and Guy Okazaki鈥攁nd went through the custom shaping process (twice), in order to bring you this comprehensive guide to ordering a custom surfboard鈥攃omplete with what to expect, the questions to ask, the information you鈥檒l need, and the pitfalls to avoid.

Step One: Do Your Research

The first step is to try as many different boards as you can. Your local surf shop, OfferUp, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are all great resources for this. I spent $350 on a used surfboard from Craigslist, rode it for a little while, then sold it to someone else for $350, and bought something else to play with. Used boards can hold their value well if you don鈥檛 damage them. Also, look for demo days at your local surf shop.

鈥淚 have a friend who’s a really good surfer, and for the last few years, he’s just been buying the most random boards off Craigslist,鈥� up-and-coming Venice pro surfer told me. 鈥淏ut now he’s in this phase where he knows exactly what he wants because he’s tried so many boards. So now when he goes to a shaper, he has all this knowledge to pull from.”

The next phase of your research should be to talk to other surfers. Look for surfers right around your size and ability level at your local breaks and ask them what they鈥檙e on and how they like it. If you can afford it, hire an experienced coach for a session or two, and see what suggestions they might have for your next surfboard. The web is also a great resource. Both the Pyzel and Channel Islands websites have live chats with actual humans on the other end, and they are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They can help you get a better handle on what might, and what might not work for you (just be respectful of their time).

Step Two: Pick Your Surfboard Shaper

Find a shaper who will take the time to understand where you鈥檙e at and where you want to go and ensure they have the skills to make the right board for the job. A good shaper carries a wealth of knowledge about surfboard design and surfing in general. It may also give you an opportunity to work with a local who has deep insights about the waves you鈥檒l be surfing the most, and you get to support the local surf economy.

I went into this quest knowing that I wanted two boards: A point-break specialist for some of my favorite spots in Malibu and Ventura, and a hyper-local board for the beach break I surf in Venice 80 percent of the time. After months of research, I found my two dream shapers.

Britt Merrick,

Britt was literally raised in a surfboard factory, as the son of world renown shaper and founder of Channel Islands Surfboards, Al Merrick. He would grow up to become an iconic shaper in his own right, making award-winning surfboards (including several winners) for WSL Championship Tour event winners and average joes alike. Channel Islands is based in Santa Barbara, home to legendary point breaks like Rincon, and considering how many boards he鈥檚 made for people who compete at places Jeffreys Bay and Snapper Rocks, I figured he鈥檇 be the perfect person to make my point break killer. Note: anyone can request a board from Britt, but it will most likely take months longer than usual because he has a massive queue.

Surfboard shaper Guy Okazaki at work (Photo: Courtesy Guy Okazaki)

Guy Okazaki,

When it came to finding a shaper for my Venice beach break board, I knew exactly who I hoped would make it. It seemed like 20 percent of the boards I would see at my favorite spot had a big 鈥淕OS鈥� stamped on the deck. Plus, Okazaki has been surfing here since the 1950s, so not many people know the wave better. Okazaki was born in Hawaii, where he first learned to shape surfboards from his dad and legends of the sport, including Rabbit Kekai. He would go on to travel and surf with world champions, and he’s been shaping boards in his garage in Venice for more than 30 years. For my usual spot, Guy is as local as it gets, and every surfer I talked to raved about his boards.

This brings up an important point: You want to pick your shaper based on their strengths and based on what you鈥檙e looking for. I determined that Merrick and Okazaki were likely the best fit for my specific criteria, but if I wanted a surfboard for Hawaii, then maybe Wade Tokoro or John Pyzel would be the move.

Step 3: Talk with Your Shaper

Set up a phone call (or an in-person meeting if you can) with the shaper to discuss the board. You should familiarize yourself with the boards they make because chances are high that they will be using one of those models as a starting point.

Typically, shapers will first ask about your height and weight. Then they鈥檒l likely ask your age and how often you surf to determine how much board you need. Next, all that time you spent trying different boards will come in handy when they ask you what you have been riding and how they worked (or didn鈥檛 work) for you.

When I asked Merrick and Okazaki what the most important factor is for determining the right board, they had the same answer: it depends on where and how you surf now, and where and how you鈥檙e hoping to in the near future.

The 鈥渨here鈥� questions to ask yourself: Are you mostly going to be surfing beach breaks, point breaks, or reef breaks? This is where a shaper with knowledge of your preferred breaks can come in handy. And what size waves will you be on, realistically?

The 鈥渉ow鈥� is a bit harder to quantify. What do you want to do on the wave? What do you enjoy now, and where would you like to get in in the next few years? For example, I told the shapers that I really want to improve my carving, work on speed generation, and build confidence in steeper barreling waves. For me, these are modest but realistic goals for where I am in my evolution as a surfer.

Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Don鈥檛 let your ego get in the way. I get it鈥攏obody wants to seem like a kook, but you have to avoid over-inflating your skills. “That’s the most common mistake people make,鈥� Merrick told me. 鈥淚f they don’t have realistic expectations and goals, then they tend to get the wrong board altogether. Usually, that means not getting enough surfboard. Especially with beginners, they get small boards like the pros, and they don’t have the paddling power, so they miss a ton of waves. You’ve also got to start making adjustments for your physicality, and age.”
2. Don’t forget to be specific. Terms like Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert, are extremely nebulous. Tell your shaper the things you feel like you鈥檙e doing well, and tell them the things you鈥檙e struggling with. Video clips can tell a shaper a lot about where you鈥檙e at, and their experienced eyes will likely spot things in your surfing that you don鈥檛 even know to look for. Get a friend to film you from shore, and show them a mix of your best and worst waves to give them the most accurate picture.
3. Don’t fall into the current obsession with surfboard volume. It鈥檚 not that volume isn鈥檛 important, but it鈥檚 not that helpful on its own. Okazaki broke it down: 鈥淥ver the last few years, the first metric out of someone’s mouth has been volume, and I always chuckle, ‘Well, where do you want that volume? Do you want it in the middle, in the nose, in the tail, distributed uniformly? Do you want it on the rails or more in the center?’ And they realize that they hadn’t given that a thought. Where that volume is is really more important than what the volume is.”

Step 4: Finishing Touches

While you and your shaper talk, they鈥檒l be taking down your decisions in an order form. This is also where you鈥檒l make choices about which type of fin-boxes you want, and how many. You鈥檒l decide whether you want a traditional foam or EPS, what type of fiberglass (or carbon fiber), how heavy, and whether you鈥檇 like to use polyurethane resin or epoxy. Each of these things will affect the way your board performs to different degrees, and while whole articles have been written about each of those categories, again, talk to your shaper about what they think would work best for the design you鈥檝e agreed on.

This is also where you鈥檒l make a decision about art. Do you want to leave the board white, or add a tint to the resin? Or a swirl? Do you have some art you would like laminated onto the deck? These things are a personal touch that make the board feel more uniquely yours, but each one of them will add to the overall cost.

Once everything is agreed on, you will plunk down a deposit (typically $100-200, though some want full payment upfront), and they will get to work making your board. Your shaper will give you a rough timeline when you finalize the details. It could be just a few weeks if they鈥檙e not too busy, or it could be three months. Resist the urge to bug them until after the due date has passed. There is no question a shaper hates more than, 鈥淚s it ready yet?鈥�

My Custom Boards

For my Channel Islands point-break board, Merrick steered me toward his 听a board that was designed to paddle and catch waves like a much longer board, but surf more like a shortboard. My only reservation was that I wanted something that could handle bigger, steeper, barreling waves (dare to dream). He said no problem and borrowed the thinner rails from his , which are a bit more refined and would also help with my turns.

Merrick recommended a 6-foot, 8-inch board, which would be my biggest board in years, but promised it wouldn鈥檛 surf that way. I had him add five fin-boxes instead of the standard three, so I could ride it as a thruster, a quad, or a twin (i.e. a three-fin, a four-fin, or a two-fin configuration), depending on the day. I also had the board made with (Varial just recently, tragically, went out of business due to a supply-chain interruption, when they were priced out of their foam by the aerospace industry), glassed with epoxy resin tinted Creamsicle orange, and I had a rose emblazoned on the deck.

For my Venice board, I came to Okazaki with a laundry list of what I wanted the board to do. After hearing my thoughts and watching my flailing surf videos, he thought would be a good place to start, or the as he would come to call this latest iteration of a board he鈥檚 been evolving for 22 years.

Okazaki planned to throw in a fairly moderate double concave through the tail, and a single concave around where my front foot would be. That should enhance rail-to-rail transitions, give it a little more pop, and hopefully increase speed out of turns. Guy advocated for a swallow-tail with a prominent double-wing just ahead of it, which would allow for very straight rails for speed, but then give it a nice break to pivot off of for turns. He suggested we go with a 6-foot, 2-inch, with standard polyurethane (PU) foam blank and lightweight four-ounce PU glassing. I had him throw on the same rose I put on my CI board, plus a five-fin-box setup, and picked a Pantone color that looked like bubblegum.

The Results

A few months later, both boards have exceeded my wildest expectations.

I鈥檝e taken my Merrick CI board to point breaks up and down the California coast, in everything from waist-high waves to well overhead. The board has allowed me to get into waves early, then pump down the line, and really sink into my carves like I鈥檇 hoped. In the few months that I鈥檝e had it, I鈥檝e probably caught four of the top five longest and most memorable waves of my life.

For my Okazaki board, I gave Guy such a long list of things I wanted it to do鈥攕ome of which seemed at odds with each other鈥攁nd somehow he did it. It has great paddle power, but I can still duck-dive it. The board can make steep, late drops, but it also has great speed down the line. Trimming around flat sections is easy, but then it turns on a dime with very little effort and takes off again. I鈥檓 riding this board at the local spot I鈥檝e been walking to several times a week for the last three years, and I鈥檓 having more fun out there than I ever have. What鈥檚 more important than that?

Last Advice from the Shapers

“I recommend trying to stay as local as you can,” Okazaki told me. 鈥淎nd that’s more than just for the shaper.鈥� One of Okazaki鈥檚 greatest concerns is the increasing acidification of our oceans. That鈥檚 one of the reasons he uses U.S. Blanks for his foam, because they operate in Los Angeles, and because of that they’re subject to the most stringent environmental standards in the nation. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Okazaki鈥檚 shop to their factory, so the carbon footprint to get a blank from them is as minimal as it gets, and they’re fully solar-powered, too. Okazaki also works with local glassers (which most shapers usually do), which again requires minimal transport, and feeds money directly into the local surf economy.

鈥淚t’s rare these days that you get a product that’s all hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women,鈥� Merrick mused. 鈥淚t’s not your tennis racket, golf club, snowboard, or basketball that just gets pumped out by machines. People should approach it with an appreciation for the art and the craftsmanship. Once people start to appreciate that they’ll appreciate surfing as a whole even more.”

The post Can鈥檛 Find the Right Surfboard? Here鈥檚 How to Order a Custom One. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

What does a professional kayaker do when he realizes he鈥檚 in the twilight of his career? He releases a rap album, of course. Producer Paddy O鈥機onnel sits down with pro kayaker and musician Rush Sturges to find out how the many paths in his life have led to the most eclectic rap album you鈥檝e ever heard.

The post A Pro Kayaker Walks into Some Hip-Hop Bars appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If a surfboard is a paintbrush and a wave is a canvas, then surfers today have thousands of different tools to make art. Are you a traditionalist, like the Old Masters? Take out a classic longboard. Are you more keen on surrealist style, channeling your inner Salvador Dali? Go for an asymmetrical shape. What about contemporary, akin to Yayoi Kusama? You can鈥檛 go wrong with a high-performance shortboard.

But with endless options on the market, all perfectly catered to different surfing styles, abilities, and conditions, deciding which surfboard to ride takes work. Luckily for you, we grabbed seven seasoned surfers last season, set them loose with a variety of currently available boards, and narrowed down the field for a comprehensive report on today鈥檚 best of the best.

Be sure to check out our favorite board shorts and women鈥檚 swimsuits as well.

At a Glance

• Best Quiver Killer Small-Wave Board:
• Best Classic Long Board:
• Best in Good Surf:
• Best Softboard:
• Best Reliable Shortboard:
• Best Board to Push Your Limits:
• How to Choose a Surfboard
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Small-Wave Boards

Best Quiver-Killer

Album Surf Twinsman

Stock Dimensions: 5’0″ x 18.75″ x 2″ – 6’4″ x 21.5″ x 2.75″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Paddles well for its size
鈯� Needs a good-sized wave to get going

Twin-fin surfboards aren鈥檛 what they used to be. What was once a go-to design for cruise-y, mellow surfing, this shape doesn鈥檛 sacrifice when it comes to high-performance. It can turn a small-wave session into something much more. Just look at Josh Kerr 鈥� he鈥檚 pulling massive airs on these boards. And the Twinsman is the pinnacle of that balance between user-friendly and high-performance.

Speaking to that blend of high-performance and classic fish style, tester Charlie Hough noted: 鈥淚t feels like a responsive fish. Once you get going, it has the performance of a thruster and the speed of a retro fish.鈥� What鈥檚 more, Hough added, 鈥淚f you are looking for a board with X-factor, this is the one. You ride it 4-5 inches shorter than your normal board which gives you more control under your feet. It will bring an extra spark to your day-to-day sessions and will allow you to do surfing you have never done before.鈥�

Best Classic Longboard

Channel Islands CI Log

Dimensions: 9’0鈥� x 22 5/8鈥� x 3鈥� (70.4L) to 10’0″ x 23 1/4鈥� x 3 3/16鈥� (85.5L)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Maneuverability with a classic style
鈯� Not the best board for anything too high-performance

This is the modern longboarder鈥檚 longboard. It has all the staples of a classic style, while allowing for contemporary surfing, too. Wanna walk the nose? Go for it. Wanna put it on rail and do some turns? Be our guest. This board was a longtime passion-project from the best minds at Channel Islands, resulting in a longboard that can do it all.

鈥淭he funny thing about a good traditional log is that is can work for a beginner to intermediate really well,鈥� said Malibu-based tester Devon Howard. 鈥淏ut if a high-level pro gets on this board, they will be able to unlock features of the design that allow them to tap in and do their best surfing in and around to pocket.鈥� Howard said that that wasn鈥檛 a common feature for most of the other boards he tested.

Overall, this board has all the modern perks, but comes in a timeless package. This is the longboard for everyone, from beginners to pros.

Best Alternative Boards

Best in Good Surf

JS Industries Big Baron

Dimensions: 5’10” x 19″ x 2 7/16″ (29L) to 6’4″ x 20 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ (38.7L)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Good for pointbreaks and open-face
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 do well in smaller surf

Amongst hardcore rippers, the mid-length gets a bad rap. But the Big Baron is different. It鈥檚 not just for beginners. This board is inspired by mid-lengths of generations鈥� past, and the ones that were ripped to bits on the Gold Coast of Australia鈥檚 infamous pointbreaks. The flat rocker holds speed through weaker sections, while a double concave through the fins allows for maximum maneuverability. Plus, it can hold in a variety of wave size.

Laguna Beach-based tester Eli Viszolay said, 鈥淚 took the board out at Cloudbreak on a stormy day when nobody was around. It was low tide and the waves were head high鈥攂arreling down the point. I had finally started to get used to the board and the thing worked like magic. It鈥檚 a lot different than a shortboard but when you adapt to it, your speed and flow increases a lot.鈥�

With a flatter rocker, and drawn-out rails, it might just even improve your style. 鈥淧robably in between cruise-y and high performance,鈥� Viszolay continued. 鈥淭he board reminds you to smooth out your turns using the rail.鈥�

Best Softboard

Catch Surf 54 Special

Dimensions: 4鈥�6鈥�

Pros and Cons
鈯� Durability; don鈥檛 worry about dinging it
鈯� A bit chunky

Although you might not see John John Florence or Carissa Moore riding them on the Championship Tour, softboards have come a long way in the last decade or so. No longer are they just for beginners at Waikiki or Doheny. Just ask Blair Conklin. The stylish skimboarder and softie surfer enthusiast is doing more progressive surfing on foam boards than many pros on traditional foam and fiberglass. And these days, they work in pretty much all conditions鈥攅specially the 54 Special.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the Swiss Army knife of surfboards,鈥� Conklin said. 鈥淕roms love 鈥榚m, experts love 鈥榚m, and they even work great finless. I think I have had the best surf sessions of my life on this board.鈥�

Conklin said that he especially loved the 54 Special鈥檚 durability: he didn鈥檛 have to worry about dings, and found the board could take a look of abuse. 鈥淚 have never been able to snap one of these things and I have been in plenty of conditions that probably should have. It has three stringers which makes it rigid, fast, and impossible to break.”

The one downside? Conklin says after riding the 54 Special, you might never want to ride a high-performance shortboard again.

High-Performance Boards

Best Reliable Shortboard

Chili Surfboards Shortie

Dimensions: 5鈥�10鈥� x 18 5/8鈥� x 2 5/16鈥� (26.5L) to 6鈥�2鈥� x 19 3/8鈥� x 2 3/4鈥� (33.9L)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Reliable, responsive, forgiving
鈯� Needs solid surf to really show its strengths

During his final year on the Championship Tour, World Champion Adriano de Souza helped James 鈥淐hilli鈥� Cheal develop the Shortie. So, yeah, you could say this board was built for high-performance. But it鈥檚 also got a forgiving nature, too; meaning you don鈥檛 need to be a World Champ to shred on it. With extra foam in the stringer line, it鈥檚 got paddle power and holds speed through flat sections, making it ideal for anyone from pros to average joes.

鈥淚t鈥檚 high performance,鈥� remarked tester Dane Zaun, a Los Angeles local, 鈥渂ut forgiving enough for anyone looking to ride a shortboard to have fun and improve. That big sweet spot makes it so fun and forgiving.鈥� According to Zaun, some high-performance boards are good when you鈥檙e surfing well, but really bad if you mess up. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always nice to click in with a board and feel like it鈥檚 an extension of you鈥攖hat鈥檚 what the Shortie does,鈥� said Zaun. 鈥淚t clicks in good surf, while accentuating your own strengths as a surfer.鈥�

The bottom line? If you want to rip, this board is for you; if you want to learn how to rip, this board is forgiving enough and a good place to start.

Best Board to Push Your Limits

Pyzel Red Tiger

Dimensions: 5鈥�4鈥� x 18 3/8鈥� x 2 1/16鈥� (22.2L) to 6鈥�4鈥� x 20鈥� x 2 3/4鈥� (36.9L)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fast, extra hold, good turning radius
鈯� Requires a wave with push

Described as their 鈥渇astest board yet鈥� with a 鈥渇un-formance鈥� philosophy, and a favorite of John John Florence, the Pyzel Red Tiger is a board that moves. Need a little pep in your surfing? Give this board a try. Testers found that the flattened-out rocker allows for extra speed in those slow sections, without compromising for high-performance in steeper waves either. This board works well in gutless waves to pumping, overhead surf alike.

Tester Kevin Meza, a surfer known as the 鈥淏aja Koala,鈥� said he loved how well this board did when he was going fast. 鈥淚 think one of the standout differences I felt on this board, when compared to other popular models on the market today is how well the board responds with so much speed, without losing control due to all that double concave it has in the back-foot area.鈥� According to Meza, the pulled-in tail gives the Red Tiger release and more of a skateboard-like feel. That said, Meza said that his favorite part was that the board didn鈥檛 skid out while hitting a powerful section with speed.

All in all, the Pyzel Red Tiger is a high-performance shortboard that doesn鈥檛 give out when it鈥檚 pushed to its limits.

How to Choose a Surfboard

Go to Your Local Surf Shop

Support your local watering hole by purchasing a board鈥攚hether off the rack in standard stock sizes or by submitting a custom order. The shop owner or manager can help you dial in the best dimensions for your height, weight, and experience, and also talk you through the best fin options for your new sled.

And speaking of experience, be honest鈥攚ith the shop employees and yourself. What level of surfer are you? What kind of waves will you truly be riding on this board? Being humble and speaking truthfully will go a long way toward getting the right equipment so you can catch more waves and have more fun.

Go Straight to the Shaper

If you鈥檙e having trouble ordering a specific board through your local surf shop, most of the shapers mentioned above accept direct orders through their websites. You can tinker around with their volume calculators online and decide which board shapes and specs are right for you. If you鈥檙e still having trouble, give them a call.

Buy Used

Buying a new surfboard can be a big investment. If you鈥檙e not ready to drop a chunk of change on a freshie, or want to try a new shape but aren鈥檛 sure if you鈥檒l like it, take some time to peruse Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp. Reputable resellers like also have a great inventory of used boards.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 7
• Number of Products Tested: 21
• Number of Waves Ridden: Countless
• Number of Wipeouts: At least a couple dozen
• Number of Dings Acquired: More than a few

Surfers, for better or worse, have long been associated with exaggerated youth. And give a surfer a bunch of the best surfboards in the world to test ride, well, you might鈥檝e guessed it鈥攖hey鈥檙e like a kid in a candy store. But for this test, the sugar-high of surfboard testing was suppressed and testers thought carefully while documenting data, one wave, one board at a time.

The testers employed in this surfboard survey included a wide array of surfers鈥攆rom current professionals in the free surf realm, to former professionals on the competitive circuit, to seasoned surf travelers, to average surfers with an above-average knowledge of surfboards. And so, each tester rode a variety of boards, and documented their findings with quantitative results on which ones worked best in specific conditions and for specific surfing styles. We tested waves all over the country鈥攆rom Laguna Beach in California to Pipeline at Hawaii.

Meet Our Testers

Category Manager: Dashel Pierson

• Age: 32
• Stance: Goofy
• Height: 5鈥�11鈥�
• Weight: 160 lbs

Dashel Pierson is the Associate Editor of Surfer Magazine. When he鈥檚 not writing about surfing, he鈥檚 in the water, either locally in southern California, or traveling in search of waves in far-flung locations.

Dane Zaun

• Age: 32
• Stance: Goofy
• Height: 5鈥�11鈥�
• Weight: 185 lbs

Hailing from the South Bay of Los Angeles, Dane Zaun is a staple in the City of Angels surf scene. Once a competitor, now a free-surfer and father, Dane can be found in and around LA whenever the waves are good and putting on a clinic for the countless crowds the area is known for.

Elijah Viszolay

• Age: 32
• Stance: Goofy
• Height: 6鈥�0鈥�
• Weight: 185 lbs

A surf nomad, Eli Viszolay is a tough guy to nail down. When he鈥檚 not hunting waves in Indonesia, Chile, Hawaii, New Zealand, or any other surf hotspot, he鈥檚 at home in Laguna Beach, California. But don鈥檛 expect him to stick around long.

Nate Zoller

• Age: 35
• Stance: Regular
• Height: 5鈥�8鈥�
• Weight: 164 lbs

One of the most well-traveled free-surfers in the game, Nate Zoller has scored waves in India, Alaska, Fiji, and more. Not a lot of folks can boast that鈥r add those stamps to their passports.

Blair Conklin

• Age: 28
• Stance: Regular
• Height: 6鈥�0鈥�
• Weight: 160 lbs

More known as a skimboarder than a surfer, per se, Blair Conklin鈥檚 finless finesse has made him one of the best in the world. However, he鈥檚 no slouch on a regular surfboard either. And many consider him one of the most stylish in the biz 鈥� especially in the air.

Charlie Hough

• Age: 33
• Stance: Regular
• Height: 5鈥�10鈥�
• Weight: 180 lbs

A precious metals salesman by trade, Charlie Hough owns more surfboards than the average wave-riding fanatic. (Perhaps to the dismay of his wife.) So, when a new board comes onto the market, you can guarantee Hough will get his mitts on it. Or, at the very least, know all about it.

Devon Howard

• Age: 49
• Stance: Regular
• Height: 6鈥�1鈥�
• Weight: 195 lbs

One of the most stylish longboarders to ever cross-step, Devon Howard can often be found at Malibu 鈥� weaving through the crowd, and blending both classic style with modern progression.

Kevin Meza

• Age: 30
• Stance: Regular
• Height: 5鈥�11鈥�
• Weight: 183.5 lbs

Known by some as the 鈥淏aja Koala,鈥� Kevin Meza is a force of nature when it comes to shortboard innovation. From pop shuv-its, to fingerflips, Meza鈥檚 creative bag of tricks is deeper than a spitting tube at Pipeline.

The post Our Favorite Small-Wave, Alternative, and High-Performance Surfboards appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

From lightweight packrafts that weigh less than some tents to whitewater rigs that can take on the gnarliest rapids, there are hundreds of different types of boats on the market these days. Last year, we tested canoes, kayaks, rafts, and everything in between from Colorado鈥檚 rivers to 贵濒辞谤颈诲补鈥檚 estuaries. Below you鈥檒l find a sampling of some of the best paddle craft for hitting the water in 2024.

Be sure to check out our favorite boardshorts and women鈥檚 swimsuits as well.

At a Glance

• Best Raft:
• Best Canoe:
• Best Packraft:
• Best Whitewater Kayak:
• Best Recreational Kayak:
• Best Fishing Kayak:
• How to Choose a Boat
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Raft

Sotar Rogue Argo

Length: 12 ft
Exterior Width: 68 in
Tube Diameter: 21 to 17 in
Air Chambers: 4 (including thwarts)
Capacity: 675 lbs
Weight: 60 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Nimble enough to get through creeks while also big enough for the biggest rapids
鈯� Diminishing tubes makes it extremely responsive
鈯� The guide position is hard to get used to if you have three people paddling

Taking advantage of the growing small inflatable market, Sotar set out to make the ultimate R2/R3 raft (which means it can carry two or three paddlers) and came up with its new Rogue Argo, a 12-footer that paddles like a paddle cat but has a floor like a raft. The result is a craft that鈥檚 small and nimble enough to charge creeks while beefy enough to run meaty Class IV-V rapids, like on the Gauley River in West Virginia. Diminishing tubes in the front (but not the stern), two thwarts, and a weight of only 60 pounds鈥攍ighter than some of the 10-footers on the market鈥攁re just a few of the features that had our testers sold. It’s so light that it turns your strokes into speed when you need it most and lets you cartop or shoulder-carry it single-handedly. All these features make for a craft that dishes up the same fun as a paddle cat but with a raft鈥檚 space and buoyancy.

That said, don鈥檛 assume the Rogue Argo is just a shrunken-down expedition raft. The durable RF-welded urethane construction and new design features are built specifically for the category. Perhaps the raft鈥檚 most noticeable feature is its diminishing tubes, whose diameters are smaller up front and larger in the stern (17 inches to 21 inches). 鈥淚t creates additional rocker which lets you go up and over oncoming features while keeping the back buoyant,鈥� said tester Aaron Ball, a Swiftwater Rescue instructor for Colorado鈥檚 Southwest Rescue. 鈥淚t was super responsive for two people, tracked well, and took hits with ease. The Reverse Mullet might have been a better name for it.鈥�

A mesh floor keeps the weight down while draining water quickly, maintaining buoyancy. While water can enter it in wave trains, it sits up high and out of the water most of the time thanks to cam straps securing the mash to the thwarts. It also drains fast鈥攐ur testers on Colorado鈥檚 Animas River found it dryer than expected. 鈥淚ts mesh was great鈥攊t didn鈥檛 let much water through and made the boat lighter for an already small craft,鈥� Ball said. His only concern: 鈥淲ith frigid water temps, it could lead to cold feet.鈥�

The two thwarts and grab handles were ideal for holding on when the going got rough. The thwart spacing is adjustable, which made it easier for testers to lock their feet in. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice that two thwarts are included,鈥� said tester and former international guide Miles DeFeyter. 鈥淎 lot of rafts don鈥檛 have that. And the grab handles are awesome鈥擨 held onto them several times鈥攖his thing was made to run the gnar.鈥�

The only knock? Paddling it as an R3. 鈥淭he guide position takes a little getting used to,鈥� added Ball. 鈥淪itting on top of the 21-inch tube feels a bit different than the standard 19-inch of a classic raft. It takes a while to figure out what position feels most comfortable to guide from.鈥�

Best Canoe

Esquif Huron 15

Length: 15 ft.
Width: 35 in.
Weight: 55 lbs.

Pros and Cons
鈯� Durable material so it doesn’t get dings easily
鈯� Can’t be loaded with too much gear, or it becomes sluggish

It鈥檚 rare for a new canoe to hit the shelves, but Esquif鈥檚 new Huron 15 impressed testers enough last fall to make this year鈥檚 cut. It can be paddled solo or in tandem and has a hull based on its popular Prospector design, but trimmed slightly lower from 14.5 inches to 12.5 inches鈥攎aking it more sporty and less susceptible to wind. It鈥檚 designed for cottagers and recreational paddlers who want a solid canoe for calm water and small rivers but don鈥檛 need the depth and capacity of the Prospector.

Tester Nick Hinds took it out with his son, Finn, on Washington鈥檚 Cottage Lake, putting it through its paces on a quiet morning with glassy water and moody skis. 鈥淚 could load it by myself鈥攚hich is hard with most canoes鈥攁nd I could paddle it solo or with my son,鈥� he said, calling it agile and forgiving. 鈥淚t seemed like the hull knew where I wanted it to go.鈥� Hinds also prized its efficiency. 鈥淓ach stroke was felt instantly,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t carved turns right when needed and tracked when we needed to go straight. And while limiting its use on whitewater, its low sidewall prevents it from being blown off course.鈥�

The only drawback Hind noted was its carrying capacity. 鈥淧erfect for mild moving water鈥攁s long as it鈥檚 not loaded too heavily,鈥� he said, explaining that it was best for two lighter people or one heavy person, and not too much gear. As for outfitting, the webbing seats 鈥渨ere comfortable鈥� and the ash yoke 鈥渇ormed well for one-person carrying.鈥�

Tester Alan Schmidt, who owns eight canoes and has been paddling for 40 years, put it through its paces on Washington鈥檚 low-water Class I-II Skykomish with not a child, but his 80-pound Labrador, who had no trouble centering his weight. Schmidt said that despite the Esquif 15鈥檚 rock and log dodging, the canoe tracked well, requiring 鈥渕inimal correction strokes,鈥� and was responsive to sharp turns. He also appreciated the seat height and tumblehome (the inward curve of the hull above the waterline), which 鈥渁llows for easy and efficient solo paddling.鈥�

Best of all, testers don鈥檛 need to worry about dings. It鈥檚 made from T-Formex a layered plastic with flotation and abrasion resistance, which has supplanted Royalex. Schmidt loved the material, especially on the unavoidable submerged rocks. 鈥淚t slid over them easily instead of sticking, as some composite materials do.鈥�

Still, Schmift did manage to flip the Esquif 15 in the tight confines of the canyon, putting him and his dog into the drink. Luckily, they had no trouble getting back in. 鈥淭he recovery was simple and easy due to the positive buoyancy and the handles on each end,鈥� he said.

Best Pack Raft

Alpacka Refuge

Length: 87 in. (medium)
Width: 34.5 in. (medium)
Weight: 6.7 lbs (medium)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super lightweight but very river-worthy as well
鈯� Re-rigging time takes just five minutes
鈯� Might replace all your other rafts

Devotees of uber-lightweight backcountry craft with whitewater chops, rejoice: Alpacka鈥檚 new 2024 Refuge will have you re-thinking where you can paddle, whether you鈥檙e shouldering it to a high-alpine fishing lake, accessing remote rivers, or even bikepacking with it as part of your shuttle.

This packraft combines features of its earlier Refuge and whitewater version into one model, checking all the boxes for exploring wilderness waterways. Already known for its material鈥檚 bombproofness, Alpacka upgraded the new version to a beefier 840-denier nylon, along with a 210-denier high-count nylon hull. Now available in medium (7 feet 3 inches long) and large models (7 and a half feet and 5 inches long), it also comes standard with a backband, inflatable whitewater foot brace, and two-point thigh straps to hold you in when the going gets rough.

We tested it on the rivers and lakes of Northwest Colorado, assessing its whitewater mettle and its packability. First off, the weight comes to just 6.7 pounds for the medium (barely more than a three-person tent), making it easy to carry. It鈥檚 also fit onto the outside of our daypack easily, with plenty of weight to spare for beer, bread, and Brie. After carrying it into Jonah, Whale, and Martha lakes, we were also impressed with its game-changing cargo fly and airtight zipper that lets you stash gear inside the tubes, keeping it out of the way and your center of gravity low for added stability. 鈥淵ou just have to make sure you load it evenly so it鈥檚 not lopsided,鈥� said one tester. Deflating it between lakes, we had the re-rigging time down to just five minutes. Simply roll it out, insert the nozzle of the micro-weight bellows bag, fill 鈥榚r up with a pump, and top it off by blowing.

Another tester took it on the nearby Class II+ Colorado River, sussing out its whitewater cred by assessing the thigh straps, backband, footbrace, and sprayskirt, which attaches to a PVC rim. In the Eye of the Needle rapid, it slipped into the scouting eddy effortlessly and easily punched through the wave train. 鈥淚t rode up and over the waves like a raft,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd the skirt kept all the splashes out.鈥� The beefier floor shrugged off all abrasions, including a bottom-dragging landing.

Tester Dan Ransom, a 6鈥�1鈥� packrafter who paddles 60 days a year, took it out on Oregon鈥檚 Class II-III Rogue River and appreciated its river worthiness and roominess. 鈥淭he whitewater rigging makes it a super capable boat for the size and weight,鈥� he said, adding it packs down smaller than comparable whitewater models. 鈥淚 was impressed by how stable, fast, and nimble it is. A fun little playboat for go-karting around on rivers with easier features. And it’s the easiest-rolling boat Alpacka makes.鈥� Its biggest strength: 鈥淎 capable boat that鈥檚 very light when it’s on your back. Ideal for trips that require a lengthy approach or exit, moderate whitewater, and where weight is at a premium.鈥�

Best Whitewater Kayak

Pyranha Firecracker

Length: 7鈥�11鈥�
Width: 26 in
Weight: 41 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great for every skill level
鈯� Higher knee placement provides comfortable paddling position
鈯� None

Pyranha鈥檚 new Firecracker is plain, well鈥xplosive. With its volume loaded up front for river running and a slicey stern for more playful paddles, the new half-slice lets you whip into micro eddies, snap onto waves, and get vertical wherever you want, all while retaining river runnability, Our testers put it to the task on various sections of Washington鈥檚 Skykomish River and the East Coast鈥檚 Nolichucky River, and found it extremely capable in both settings.

Whether you鈥檙e a pro or an average Joe, you鈥檒l be comfortable running rapids on the Firecracker. The boat鈥檚 planing hull keeps it stable, spinnable, and surfable, while its rockered but short bow keeps you dry and relaxed. 鈥淎 nice balance of playfulness and forgiveness,鈥� said 145-pound tester Judah Harms, who put the medium through its paces on Washington鈥檚 Skykomish. 鈥淎nd the volume up front keeps the bow dry when surfing.鈥� He added that playboaters will like how it sprays water away when its surfing.

Wider than many of Pyranha鈥檚 other kayaks, the Firecracker鈥檚 planing hull also eases into a gentle edge for carving. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just enough to work with but novices won鈥檛 find it too aggressive,鈥� said Harms. And the stern, he said, 鈥渋s super fun鈥攚hat little volume it has is distributed nicely, which helps it engage.鈥� He found it did really well when he got vertical on rapids, too.

Tester Nick Hinds took it on Washington鈥檚 Class III Teton River at low water, ripping up three surf waves and stern squirting eddylines (stern squirting is the kayak-equivalent of doing a wheelie on a bike). 鈥淚t carves great on a wave, without kicking out from too much rocker,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t sits in the wave鈥檚 sweet spot. I was able to surf until I was sore.鈥� Calling it an 鈥渁gile little kayak鈥攆ast on a wave for its length,鈥� he added that it鈥檚 great for catching waves on the fly, making hard cutbacks, and splatting rocks and stern squirting. One demerit: 鈥淭here鈥檚 no drain plug, so don’t forget your sponge.鈥�

Our testers also liked its higher knee placement, providing a comfortable paddling position while freeing up foot room. In particular, Harms calls out the boat鈥檚 forgiveness, which lets it accommodate a wide variety of paddlers. 鈥淚鈥檇 put a beginner in it and recommend it to intermediates wanting to get more playful on their hometown runs, while experts will love it to up their freestyle game.鈥�

Best Recreational Kayak

Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL

Length: 13 ft
Width: 35 in
Weight: 90 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� High weight capacity
鈯� Not for windy conditions

You鈥檒l look at lakes, bays, and easy-flowing rivers in a new light while paddling the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL recreational kayak. Perfect for heading out with your kid, spouse, pooch, or friend, it鈥檚 the ultimate family machine that can be paddled solo or tandem, with 491 pounds of weight capacity.

Our testers took it throughout the bays and inland waterways of Florida and found it perfect for the Sunshine State and beyond. 鈥淰ery dry with a well-planned out deck,鈥� said tester Tony Lai of St. Petersburg, who paddled it in wind with a little chop and touted its built-in seats with backrests, storage hatches, cup holders, molded footwells and cooler spot, and front and rear tank wells. 鈥淧lenty of space for whatever you want to bring.鈥� He also relished its higher sitting frame seat (an upgrade) and center deck space for fishing. 鈥淪uper easy to stand up on and get back down,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 great poling platform for sight fishing.鈥�

Sarasota鈥檚 Ryan Nowakowski took it out with his 70-pound son Jackson,10, on a calm bay with an outgoing tide and winds around seven knots. 鈥淩oomy, comfortable, stable and versatile,鈥� he said, acknowledging its tracking ability and AirComfort seats, which have an adjustable backrest and position your knees at a natural bend. 鈥淐an handle family beach days, lazy bay paddling, and wind, waves and chop. Not for super long distances, but great for shorter jaunts with stability and comfort.鈥�

Testament came when they were drifting in about three feet of water, and out of nowhere the bow beneath Jackson was hit and launched up in the air by a very startled manatee. 鈥淛ackson was scared but the kayak didn鈥檛 capsize,鈥� he said.

Nowakowski also applauded the waterproof hatches in front of each seat, which are deeper than those on other models and able to carry phones, wallets, keys, and more, as well as improved scupper locations so any water that gets in drains back out quickly. 鈥淵ou can stuff your accessories right in front of you for easy access, which frees up the tank well for coolers or other items,鈥� he says. 鈥淯nfortunately, we couldn鈥檛 grab our phone quick enough for the manatee.鈥�

Noting it didn鈥檛 want to track as well in windy or up current conditions, we wouldn鈥檛 recommend the Malibu Two XL for more serious expeditions.

Best Fishing Kayak

Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132

Length: 13鈥�2鈥�
Width: 36 in
Weight: 143 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� E-bike technology makes it easy to go against ocean tides while fishing
鈯� Lifetime hull warranty
鈯� Have to cut off the power to go into reverse, which can waste precious seconds with a fish on the line

The BigWater ePDL+ is Old Town鈥檚 most innovative pedal kayak, essentially using what is best described as e-bike technology. In short, its battery-powered pedal-drive lets anglers switch between manual paddle, pedal, power-assist pedal, or fully motorized cruise control, upping the versatility for kayak fishing. The LED screen shows you the mode, speed/assist level, and battery consumption level.

鈥淰ery intuitive, not much of a learning curve,鈥� said tester Christi Holmes, who paddled it on lakes and tidal bays in Maine and Florida. 鈥淓xcelled going against ocean surf and tides when trying to get to my fishing grounds.鈥� She loved that she could take breaks for snacks, photos, and changing lures while the kayak kept cruising. 鈥淟iked knowing that if my battery died, I could just pedal back,鈥� she said, adding it was great for trolling and heading against Maine鈥檚 powerful tidal rivers. 鈥淚t works best in tidal areas or areas with strong currents and you need to get somewhere. Less work meant I could go farther and fish longer.鈥�

Tester Bill Sikora used it on the fresh and saltwater of the South Florida canal. 鈥淪table hull and lower speed great for trolling for gamefish and against the tide,鈥� he said, adding that while trolling a small blade bait he hooked into a peacock bass. 鈥淚 locked the rudder in place and just enjoyed the ride. The drive never felt glitchy and maintained speed even during extended use鈥攁nd never felt it would die thanks to the power indicator.鈥� The only weakness he noted was that you had to cut the power off to go into reverse. If a hooked fish turns toward a structure on a bank, he said, pedaling backward lets you pull it back out into open water. 鈥淲ith the power-assist engaged, you have to pedal a few times before it kicks off and the drive goes back into manual mode,鈥� he said, which takes up precious seconds when you have a fish on the line.

Other features include a lifetime hull warranty (two years for the ePDL+ drive), a 36-volt lithium-ion battery, EVA foam floor pads for standing, rod and cup holders, a tackle box, full-length accessory tracks for customization, a wide stern tank well, and an offset shallow water anchor mount.

How to Choose a Boat

Generally, there are canoes and sea kayaks for touring lakes and bays, hardshell recreational and inflatable kayaks for user-friendly flatwater paddling (and also inflatable kayaks for Class I-III whitewater), and whitewater rafts and kayaks designed for running rivers. It鈥檚 important to decide what kind of paddling you鈥檙e most interested in before making any decisions about which boat to buy. Factors should include your proximity to water (and what type of water that is), skill level, and storage access. Below is a quick rundown on the types of crafts you can choose from.

Sit-Inside Kayaks

These are good for folks paddling in cooler climates or taking longer trips, since sitting inside a closed cockpit keeps you drier and more out of the wind. They also offer better in-hull storage for gear, making them better for extended jaunts. Touring models such as sea kayaks are generally longer and narrower, making them faster and better suited for bigger crossings and multi-day trips (most come with a nylon spray skirt to keep splashes at bay). Recreational kayaks cater more to entry-level paddlers and are shorter, wider, and more stable, plus they usually have larger cockpits. The tradeoff is they鈥檙e a bit slower and require more effort to paddle long distances.

Sit-on-Top Kayaks

These are touring and recreational kayaks that let you sit outside in a self-draining depression in the hull rather than inside a cockpit. They鈥檙e great for entry-level paddlers since you can climb back on if you tip over, and are well-suited for warmer climates. In general, wider means more stable, and longer means faster, even though they鈥檙e generally slower than their sit-inside brethren.

Inflatable Kayaks

Let鈥檚 call them IKs instead of duckies; it sounds better and is more in line with their performance. As with rafts, abrasion-resistant rubber makes inflatable kayaks well-suited for rivers and other rocky environments. What inflatable kayaks lack in hull speed they make up for in stability, durability, and portability鈥攚hen you鈥檙e through paddling, simply roll them up for transport and storage back at home. Available in both single and double models, most also have inflatable self-bailing floors.

Fishing Kayaks

Fishing kayaks are the same as sit-on-tops, but with options to add accessories such as rod holders, bait platforms, anchors, tackle compartments, electronics, and more. They鈥檙e generally wider, heavier, and more stable (some let you cast while standing), with large maximum capacities for gear鈥攁nd fish. Pedal kayaks are propelled via a removable system that drops through the hull in front of your seat (note: you can also use a paddle). They can reach speeds of five miles per hour (faster than you can paddle) and are steered with a hand-operated rudder. While their origins stem from fishing (i.e. they keep your hands free for casting), they鈥檙e becoming popular for general recreational use as well, and are good options for birding, sightseeing, exploring, and other uses. Most also come with a forward and reverse mode, which can be handy for retrieving a snagged lure.

Whitewater Kayaks

Whitewater kayaks run the gamut from tiny playboats built specifically for surfing waves to more bulbous creek boats for charging through hydraulics, to well-rounded river runners, built for easy paddling downstream. Determine what kind of water you鈥檒l be paddling before making your decision. 鈥淗alf-slice鈥� boats are becoming increasingly popular, with a forgiving bow for river running and a flat stern for playing, squirting, and surfing.

Pack Rafts

This burgeoning category consists of uber-lightweight, bathtub-shaped inflatable rafts that are easy to carry into hard-to-reach lakes and other waterways. They come in a variety of shapes, weights, and sizes, from super light (under four pounds) for easy portaging, to more robust models complete with sprayskirts and thigh straps for whitewater.

Whitewater Rafts

These durable boats are generally made for carrying gear and passengers down whitewater rivers. They range from heavy-duty haulers for multi-day trips to light and fast fishing vessels complete with raised seats and casting platforms.

Other Considerations to Ask Yourself

There are a lot of choices when it comes to design and materials. Ask yourself a few questions to narrow your search to the best craft for your needs, such as:

What kind of paddling do I want to do?

The water conditions will greatly affect the type of boat that is right for you. Will you be sticking to flatwater lakes and rivers or tackling whitewater?

How much space do I need?

For longer day trips and overnights, you鈥檒l need room for extra gear, so consider slightly larger, or even tandem models.

What鈥檚 my budget?

There鈥檚 a wide range of prices depending on size, design, and material, for everything from rec to whitewater kayaks. Decide how high-performance you want to go and what your budget constraints are before narrowing it down.

Do I want a tandem or single?

Many rec and touring kayaks are made in single- and two-person versions. While it is possible to paddle a tandem kayak solo, it鈥檚 more difficult, so only get a tandem kayak if you鈥檒l be using it mostly with someone else.

What type of material should I choose?

As with most things, you get what you pay for. Weight and durability are the big variables to watch for. Some higher-end boats are made of fiberglass and composite, making them lighter but more expensive and less durable. The majority of recreational and whitewater kayaks are made from plastic, which is affordable and durable.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 14
• Number of products tested: 19
• Miles paddled: 136
• Cumulative put-ins reached: 24
• Post-paddle PBRs: 36 (minus the one that exploded)
• Cups of coffee: 25
• Hull bumps by manatees: 1

To test boats this season, we assembled a team of expert paddlers from around the country who took some of the newest paddle craft on the market everywhere from the manatee-filled estuaries of Florida to the Rockies and rivers of Washington. The group consisted of guides, retailers, whitewater junkies, fishing aficionados, and more, all sharing a love for being on the water as often as possible. Overall, we got our feet wet on 19 different tester boats, whittling the list down to the above five based on performance, weight, and durability.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Testing manager Eugene Buchanan is the 14-year publisher and editor-in-chief of Paddler magazine and founder of PaddlingLife.com. He鈥檚 written about the outdoors for more than 30 years. He鈥檚 a former ski patroller, raft, and kayak guide whose passion for paddling has taken him to more than 30 countries on six continents. A Fellow member of the , he was also the recipient of W.L. Gore & Associates鈥檚 prestigious Shipton-Tillman grant for a 27-day, white-knuckle whitewater trip down Siberia鈥檚 Bashkaus River, a trip he chronicled in one of his five books, .

The post The Best Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts on the Market appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Like most YouTube videos posted by , a 29-year-old surfer known for riding the world鈥檚 scariest waves, the clip posted on April 12, 2019, leads with cuteness.

Titled 鈥淔ull Day of Surfing with My Brothers and John Gives Me a Board to Try!!! || Nate鈥檚 Big 国产吃瓜黑料,鈥� it opens mid-frame like a raw home movie. You see Florence barefoot and giggling in surf trunks on green grass, shaggy brown hair cut in a DIY-looking mullet. Then he鈥檚 snuggling a fluffy cat and whispering, 鈥淭ell the viewers hello. Show them your pretty blue eyes.鈥�

Unlike most of Florence鈥檚 videos, this one hints at the elephant in the room of Florence鈥檚 life, and also at the brilliant solution that has made him the unlikely breakout star of surfing鈥檚 most surprising new generation: the high-performance YouTubers creating an entirely new category of pro surfer.

The first clue comes in the video鈥檚 title. 鈥淛ohn鈥� is Nathan鈥檚 eldest brother, John John Florence, the two-time World Champion, the reigning king of American surfing. The second clue comes in a small-wave action montage that skips from Nathan surfing with enviable power and flow to John John surfing so much faster and better than Nathan鈥攁nd pretty much everyone else on earth鈥攖hat it鈥檚 almost embarrassing.

Back at his house on Oahu鈥檚 North Shore, Nathan turns to the camera and recalls the session in that montage, how he sat on his board and innocently told his brother that he was seeing air sections here and there. Nathan then slips into a different voice, channeling somebody harder and tougher鈥攍ike maybe (and this is just a guess) John John. 鈥溾�夆�榊eah. There is. Maybe I鈥檓 going to, like 鈥� go for one.鈥欌�夆�� Two waves later, Nathan says with the eternal outrage of an upstaged younger brother, John John launched a huge 360 air, stuck the landing, carved a turn, and then boosted another鈥攖ruly elite, competition-winning stuff, tossed off in a casual surf.

Florence, now performing his own disgusted rage at the very sight of this, says, 鈥淚鈥檓 just like, You know what?鈥�鈥� Then he bursts out laughing and says, 鈥�You know what? I鈥檓 outta here!鈥�

Outta the whole game, that is鈥攐utta the entire lose-lose proposition of competing head-on with his gifted brother, and instead into a game of his own invention, one he鈥檚 already winning.

Florence鈥檚 mother eventually found them a home on the sand at Pipeline, surfing鈥檚 ultimate proving ground. With superstars like Kelly Slater competing out front, the Florence boys dreamed of going pro.

鈥淛ohn was ultracompetitive, and he was winning contests from early on,鈥� Florence says. 鈥淎nd I was not. I just sucked in events.鈥�

Back then the only other path to pro sponsorship was that of the so-called free surfer. To succeed with this whimsical-sounding career, surfers had to show up at high-profile breaks whenever the cameras were rolling, surf well enough to get photos in magazines, and release occasional feature-length videos. Guys鈥攁nd they were always male, like Dave Rastovich, Donavon Frankenreiter, and later Rob Machado鈥攎ade a decent living this way in the 1990s and early 2000s.

鈥淏y the time Nathan came into his own, that world had already changed,鈥� says Kai Lenny, a big-wave surfer from Maui. The free-surfer model had fallen apart鈥攎ainly because Facebook and Google devoured the global ad business, killing off most of the surf mags in the process, and because free YouTube content destroyed the market for surf videos.

John John survived鈥攁nd thrived鈥攂y going the conventional route, winning the Championship Tour of the World Surf League in 2016 and 2017. Nathan needed a different strategy. He鈥檇 always been good in giant surf, so he tried competing on the WSL鈥檚 less lucrative Big Wave Tour鈥攔acking up good contest results at Mexico鈥檚 Puerto Escondido, in Portugal, and back in Hawaii. In 2019, the WSL canceled the tour outright, in favor of what the league called a 鈥渂ig wave platform鈥� that no longer crowned a world champion.

That left the Billabong XXL Awards, an annual competition with prize money based on footage from the prior year. Florence dutifully flew around the world, charging watery mountains and sending in clips that made him a solid contender in 2020 and 2021鈥攋ust in time for Billabong, in 2022, to shelve the XXL Awards.

Cue Jamie O鈥橞rien, former contest pro and North Shore local, a childhood friend of the Florences who is 11 years older than Nathan. As surfing鈥檚 first successful YouTuber, O鈥橞rien was鈥攁nd still is鈥攑umping out two videos a week, blending famous-surfer cameos and zany high jinks like riding Pipeline in an inflatable dinosaur costume.

鈥淗e actually came to me,鈥� Florence says of O鈥橞rien, 鈥渁nd was like, 鈥楬ey, what are you doing? You鈥檙e blowing it. You鈥檙e killing it on Instagram, but you need to get on YouTube.鈥� I was like, 鈥極h, my God, 100 percent.鈥欌�夆��

Which is how Florence broke his back earlier this year at a spot on Maui called Jaws. He had just popped to his feet at the top of a wave, he says, when the entire wall went concave. 鈥淚 just see 30 feet drop out below me, and I鈥檓 like, 鈥極h, my God,鈥欌�夆�� he says.

Florence plummeted through space, skipped like a stone down the lower portion of the face, then got sucked back into the curl. When he landed a second time, he says, his body went from bent forward in a safety position to flexed backward like a bow. 鈥淚 felt the snap and was like, I think I broke my back.鈥�

Scans later revealed a compressed vertebra, but Florence expects to make a full recovery. In the meantime, he鈥檚 still cranking out videos鈥攚atching the Eddie Aikau Invitational big-wave contest from shore, answering viewer questions with his wife, even doing standard influencer fare such as unboxing packages from sponsors like C4 Energy, GoPro, and Vans. Holding a bottle of CBD body oil, for example, Florence says into the camera, 鈥淪peaking of body oil, guess who started an OnlyFans? It鈥檚 a lot of XX-clusive content.鈥� Florence launched his channel on the subscription service widely known for pornography in July 2021. But, he adds, 鈥淚t鈥檚 not what you think. We鈥檙e doing tips and tricks 鈥� how to stay fit on land for the water.鈥�

Florence isn鈥檛 the only pro making content, of course. Ben Graeff, a scraggly-haired New Jersey surfer who goes by Ben Gravy, does pretty well with videos of himself riding novelty waves like tidal bores, boat wakes, and Great Lakes dribblers. More to the point, a whole clutch of Florence鈥檚 Hawaiian peers are helping pioneer this new business model with content of their own. Koa Rothman, for example, another North Shore standout and childhood friend of the Florences, has a successful YouTube series called This Is Livin鈥�. (Florence and Rothman also do the Nate and Koa Podcast together.) Kai Lenny, with production support from his sponsor Red Bull, puts out an infrequent but slickly produced video series called Life of Kai. Then of course there鈥檚 O鈥橞rien鈥攕till at it, with more YouTube subscribers than any other surfer, 897,000 at last count.

Yet with more than 139 million total views and nearly a billion impressions in 2022 alone, there鈥檚 a case to be made that Florence now leads the pack. (He also has nearly double the subscriber count of his more talented brother.) Florence is cagey about exactly how much money he earns but calls it 鈥渃ompound growth.鈥� As he explains: 鈥淵ouTube starts to pay you from the ad revenue, you go on more surf trips because you鈥檙e getting money to travel, and you put out more content and bring more value to your brands. It鈥檚 a snowball effect.鈥�

Florence adds that he鈥檚 already doing better than contest pros ranked in the top 20 on the World Tour. 鈥淪ome of those guys don鈥檛 have a main sponsor,鈥� he says. 鈥淗ow gnarly is that? You鈥檙e one of the 20 best surfers in the world. But a brand looks at you and goes, 鈥榊ou don鈥檛 have eyes on you. How can we get you to sell our product?鈥欌�夆��

Meanwhile, Florence doesn鈥檛 have to worry about contest results or injuries suddenly derailing his entire career; he just has to be himself.

鈥淪o many people are a different person on social media,鈥� he says, 鈥渢hey change their personality. I鈥檓 never going to do that. I鈥檓 going to be myself. I鈥檓 a weird dude. I鈥檓 a dork. I don鈥檛 mind putting it out there.鈥�

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Rain or shine, snow or sleet, a daring group of swimmers, ranging in age from 35 to 79, spend weekends at their favorite river in Northern California. They won鈥檛 tell you where exactly. But they will readily extol the benefits of cold-water swimming. Their secret spot hardly ever gets warmer than 55 degrees; the risk of hypothermia is real. But so is the boost in mood and well-being. 鈥淕etting into the river and realizing that I can do hard things has given me a lot of confidence and joy,鈥� says Pamela Duncan, 57. The informal club came together in the spring of 2020, when the pools where they live were shuttered because of COVID-19. Within months, a collective of more than 30 women (and a few men) had formed, mostly by word of mouth. Clad in wetsuits, they cover distances of anywhere from a few hundred yards to four miles, encountering the occasional harbor seal or great blue heron along the way. sought them out in May, to witness their camaraderie and take a dip herself. 鈥淚 was lucky to spend a week with them and capture those in-between moments鈥攖he anticipation before jumping in, exiting the river, pouring warm water on themselves after a swim,鈥� Tompkins says. 鈥淚 grew up swimming competitively, and after high school I pretty much stopped. But with this trip, I definitely caught the bug again.鈥�

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