When the flow through Colorado’s Clear Creek Canyon is at its peak, Beth McVay, a 33-year-old message therapist, puts in three or four times a week. “Clear Creek, Saint Vrain, and Boulder Creek are so accessible,” she says of the waterways near her Boulder, Colorado home base. A few pieces in Beth’s five-seasons-old setup needed updating, so Allison Lasure, sales and product expert at REI, suggested gear that will serve double duty for recreational touring. With her new finds, Beth can still playboat but she’ll have the option of all-day trips, too. According to Allison, splurging on quality comfort for touring is worth it. “If you’re in the right kit, you’ll want to spend all day on the water,” she says.
- A short paddle handles well in rocky rapids but high-angle paddling requires quick cadence.
- Unisex PFDs sit low, and riding up is almost always a problem. Notice the fraying? Don’t skimp on safety; some PFD foams lose buoyancy with age.
- Whitewater-specific pogies and helmets are necessities for advanced kayakers, but don’t bother with them if you are a fair-weather boater or won’t be hitting rapids.
- Rubber gussets on this dry top keep water out, but the tight seal is uncomfortable for an all-day outing.
- Clammy booties with soft soles are better in boat than for shoreline exploring.
- Stubby, squat playboats maneuver well in waves and eddies, but the short hull is designed for equally short paddling distances.
- A mesh gear bag is a recipe for a soggy lunch.
