It’s hot. Time to take to the water. But before you hit the beach, the river, or the bar, make sure you’re ready for the sun and the sand. These 10 products will help:
Battenwear Overhang Shorts ($207)
Battenwear’s 100 percent cotton look like casual sixties surf trunks, but they’re cut to move: an extra diamond-shaped panel in the inseam allows for deep knee bends. Add a nylon belt and zippered pocket in the front, and you’ve got the only layer you need for that beach-volleyball-bouldering-BBQ triathlon.
Helinox Chair One ($100)
Camp chairs are typically uncomfortable or heavy or clunky—or all of the above. Not the . With minimal effort, it transforms from a hoagie-size bag into a sturdy mesh lounger. The aluminum poles are strong enough to hold a 320-pounder, while the chair itself weighs only two pounds. Most important, it’s damned comfortable. Taut shock cord makes the bomber seat feel spring loaded, and the backrest has just the right amount of give.
Carlisle Taboo Paddle ($85)
You’ll be hard pressed to find a paddle that’s more versatile than the aluminum . Others may weigh less, but the 13-ounce Taboo’s detachable parts let you reconfigure it from a kayak paddle into a 75- or 82-inch SUP stick. Even better: it won’t break the bank.
La Maquina Longboard ($995)
These days, many surfboards are mass-produced by machines. But most beach communities still have a few dedicated local shapers—guys like Kyle “Juicebox” Johnson, who has been handcrafting longboards in Santa Cruz, California, for the past four years. His has the look and feel of a traditional log, but the way it accelerates after takeoff is decidedly modern. Credit the flat nose and wide front half, which increases the planing area as you move up the board. It trims great down the line and still turns like butter.
Jackson Karma RG Kayak ($1,249)
The initials in Jackson’s stand for “rock gardening”—where paddlers use whitewater skills to play in coastal surf zones. But this boat’s utility goes way beyond dodging submerged boulders and charging sea caves. The flat hull is great for beginners, while deck rigging and a nine-inch rear hatch make it perfect for multi-day river trips.
Alite Meadow Mat ($39)
Sure, a cotton blanket is a decent picnic ground cover—until it gets wet. That’s why we like the for any outing that involves boats or swim trunks. It’s mostly waterproof, looks and feels nicer than a tarp, and features tie-down loops to keep the wind from blowing lunch into the river.
Watershed Goforth Drybag ($100)
Watershed makes some of the burliest bags around, so it’s no surprise that the U.S. Navy had it design one for soldiers. The beefed-up is lined with 420-denier ripstop Cordura and can be strapped to your waist or the rigging of a SUP.
Dafin Fins ($65)
Using rubbers of varying stiffness, designer Andy Cochran formed these exceptionally powerful and lightweight to be rigid and flexible in exactly the right spots. No surprise they’re the official swim fin of the U.S. Lifesaving Association.
Hydro Flask Growler ($50)
Sunshine and fresh air create a natural thirst for craft beer. They’re also beer’s worst enemies. Thankfully, we discovered the , made from double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel. We were able to fill the 64-ounce vessel the night before a rafting trip and still enjoy pints of cold, hoppy beer at the end of a hot day.
Surf Grass Mat ($40)
Peeling off your wetsuit while standing on asphalt or gravel is one of the worst things you can do for its longevity. We’ve been known to strip down inside plastic tubs, but the purpose-made offers a tidier experience. The inch-thick synthetic turf is also good for getting sand off your feet.