PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
View of the Vaikobi VXP.
The question is raised in social media groups multiple times a month, “What is the difference between the Vaikobi V3 and VXP life jackets?” The initial question is typically followed by, “Which one do you recommend?” The responses which follow provide first hand accounts of individual paddler’s experience with one or the other. At least one respondent will often cite a commonly held misconception (more on that later) and the author of the original post is left with a dizzying array of information from which to sort through.
As a starting point, let’s take a look at the basic specifications of each lifejacket.
Vaikobi V3
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Center zipper
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Two medium sized pockets – zipper closure
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Four adjustable side straps
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Two adjustable shoulder straps
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No side panels
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Hydration pouch on the back – 2L capacity
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Multiple loops to route and secure a hydration tube
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Soft, form-fitting buoyancy foam
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ISO 12402-5 (50N Buoyancy)
Vaikobi VXP
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Side buckle entry
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Large center pocket – velcro closure
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Four adjustable side straps
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No side panels
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Hydration pouch on the back – 2L capacity
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Multiple loops to route and secure a hydration tube
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Soft, form-fitting buoyancy foam
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ISO 12402-5 (50N Buoyancy)
Our Take
I’ve worn both the V3 and the VXP extensively, paddling surfski, OC-1 and SUP. The shape of the two life jackets is the same. The main difference between the two is the VXP has non-adjustable shoulder straps, a single large front pocket secured by velcro, and side entry. The VXP is designed to sit a bit higher on your torso which gives the impression of being wider than the V3. If you lay one on top of the other, however, you will see that they are the same width. Since the VXP sits a bit higher, I found it is optimized for surfski paddling. The fact the shoulder straps are not adjustable on the VXP (they are fabricated from stretchy, neoprene-style elastic) is not an issue for me, but some paddlers may prefer the option to adjust the straps.
By comparison, the V3 is a fantastic all around life jacket that can be adjusted to sit higher or lower on your torso. It is also slightly longer than its VXP counterpart, which gives the impression the V3 is narrower than the VXP. I find the V3 to be very comfortable regardless of the craft I am paddling.The center zipper entry allows you to wear it just like a jacket. The two side pockets are secured by a zipper vs. the single large velcro pocket on the VXP.
My favorite of the two is the VXP, in large part due to its generously sized center pocket. The pocket is large enough to comfortably hold a marine radio and a few smaller items. I don’t have any feelings one way or the other about wearing a side entry life jacket vs. one with a center zipper, but I know some paddlers prefer one over the other.
Regardless of which Vaikobi life jacket you chose, the quality of the overall product is fantastic. Vaikobi’s high vis color range is perfect for keeping you visible and safe on the water. Both the V3 and VXP are visually appealing and functional for paddling multiple crafts in any conditions wherever your adventures take you.
From August 21 – 23, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will host its third-annual Panda Paddle, an event designed to encourage people to get out on their favorite body of water, connect with fellow nature lovers, and fundraise for WWF’s global conservation work.
Panda Paddle is WWF’s premier athletic fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and funds for global conservation all while having fun on the water. Panda Paddle connects people to nature within their own communities, even while social distancing. During these hot summer days, WWF encourages people to get out on the water and paddle in whatever form they like – standup paddling, kayaking, canoeing or however participants most enjoy.
Participants register via WWF’s Panda Paddle website and sign-up as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $35 and there is no minimum fundraising commitment, although there are perks for raising critical fundraising dollars to help support WWF’s global conservation work (like a Panda Paddle race shirt and a Panda Paddle beach towel, among other thank-you gifts). All registrants will receive a Panda Paddle medal. Then between August 21 – 23, participants choose a time and favorite water location and paddle for a purpose. There’s also a competition, for those so inclined. Participants can select a race distance to complete and submit their results to the Panda Paddle team by 11:59PM Pacific Time on August 23 to be included in the tally.
WWF encourages participants to share inspiration with friends and loved ones by posting photos using the hashtag #PandaPaddle.
More details available at WWF’s website, worldwildlife.org/paddle.
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
When it comes to adventure paddling the gear requirements are markedly different from the average outing on the water. For me, the word adventure is synonymous with gear and over the years I’ve come to appreciate having the right items to suit the task. The right gear should accentuate your outdoor experience. It should help you go further and have a more complete adventure. And when the task at hand is paddling down a rocky river or exploring a rugged section of coastline, no single water shoe I’ve tried is more suited to conquer as wide a range of terrain than the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport.
Riding bumps down the Los Angeles River on a Hala Radito.
As the name suggests, the All Out Blaze Aero Sport is built on Merrell’s highly versatile All Out Blaze platform. Unlike the other models in the range, the Aero Sport package is a full coverage shoe weighing in at a mere 1 lb 6 oz. For those of you at home, that is ultra-light for a full coverage adventure water shoe. Merrell achieved this by creating an all mesh upper which has the effect of instantaneously shedding water. The shoes have a bellows tongue to help keep out debris and a grippy Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs. You can easily go anywhere with these on your feet. Perfect for adventure paddling and whitewater trips.
I’ve worn my pair on an exploration of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and can’t imagine doing the trip without them. The All Out Blaze Aero Sport have a secure glove-like fit that doesn’t slip around when wet. Wear them just as you would a pair of sandals, e.g. no socks, and paddle along rugged terrain without worrying about cutting your feet or jamming your toes. I also used them on multiple paddling trips down the Los Angeles River with equal success. Footwear is essential when paddling on a river due to increased likelihood of coming in contact with rocks and other obstacles. The lightweight of the All Out Blaze Aero Sport water shoe does not inhibit your movement on a SUP and worked well in conjunction with the deck pad on my Hala Radito.
Great shoes for an aquatic environment – they’ll go anywhere!
Exploring the Palos Verdes coastline on a Hala Playa.
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
Much ink has been spilled about how SUP surfers should conduct themselves in the presence of other surfers. Avoid crowded lineups. Don’t be a wave hog. Surf the shoulder, not the peak, and so on. Each of these anecdotes may be relevant advice at one time or another. Other pieces of content, including some on this site, focus on paddling tips for SUP surfers. Always wear a leash. Time your paddle out. Use a staggered stance. Learn surfing etiquette and more. These statements are also intelligent and valuable contributions.
The one thing overlooked in the prevailing narrative is to paddle and surf with confidence. Confidence while SUP surfing comes in two parts: Confidence in your equipment and confidence in your abilities. Let’s take a look at each.
Confidence in your equipment
Prior to one year ago I was your basic fumbling, bumbling intermediate SUP surfer. My SUP surfing skills had progressed beyond the 10’6” x 32” tank of a board I learned on, but really had not developed much further. I was in a rut. Despite my 150 lbs and 5’6” build, I needed a comfortable SUP that I could stand on, i.e. not a sub-100 L potato chip. I don’t have a traditional surfing background, so my balance and surfing IQ was, and remains, a work in progress. I also knew I didn’t want a slug of a board. I wanted a performance SUP that I could grow with. Then I discovered the Infinity New Deal.
Designed as a performance longboard SUP, the Infinity New Deal has been the perfect board to give me the long sought after confidence in my equipment. What makes the New Deal so great?
For starters, it is not a ghost shape. Infinity was formally established as a brand in 1970. Their knowledge runs deep and the Boehne family has decades of combined experience designing and shaping every type of board imaginable from traditional longboards to 21st Century SUP foils. Riding an Infinity is the equivalent of driving a Mercedes-Benz. It a timeless piece of California surfing heritage.
Confidence in your abilities
Gaining confidence in my ability SUP surfing became an extension of having good equipment beneath my feet followed by spending time on the water. Gaining experience and taking some wipeouts. Getting creamed by breaking waves paddling out. Learning how to read the conditions. How fast is the wave traveling? Where is it likely to break? How quickly can I paddle? Stepping on the tail to execute a quick turn, and more.
One of the great things about the ocean is it is different each time you go out. This also makes it challenging. The wind and waves are never quite the same. Paddling out on a SUP is always a bit of a mission. You can’t duck dive or turtle roll. But with time you will learn the prevailing rhythm at your local break. You’re proficiency at executing the core components of paddling out, catching a wave, and performing a bottom turn with improve with repetition. You will slowly gain confidence in your abilities to handle different situations.
You should always error on the side of caution, particularly when your safety or that of others is concerned. Even so, before long you’ll see that large wave approaching and think to yourself, yeah, I got this.
Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and in the crazy times in which we are currently living it’s especially important to recognize and appreciate our loved ones. Although celebrations may look a little different this year, be sure and go out of your way to show mom that you love her. Although presents are never essential, they are a nice way to show someone that you are thinking about them and prepare for sunnier days to come. The following is a roundup of eco-friendly, sustainably made gear, perfect for mothers of all ages (all available online).
Carve Designs Stinson Swimsuit
For all the active mammas out there, there’s no better gift than a sporty swimsuit. In her mid-fifties, my mom is fit and active and still prefers to wear flattering two-pieces but has a difficult time finding suits that offer enough coverage. She was thrilled to discover Carve Designs and in particular, the Stinson Top and Stinson Bottom—both pieces offer a secure fit without showing too much skin. On a recent trip to Fiji, she put the Stinson suit to the test and couldn’t have been happier with the overall feel and look of the suit. In addition to the Stinson suit, Carve Designs offers a number of different suits and styles, perfect for mothers of all ages. Additionally, Carve Designs is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and works to incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible.
Boyish Jeans Cody Easy Rider Shorts
For those times when you’re not in the water, it’s nice to have a comfy piece of denim in your wardrobe to throw on. Boyish Jeans is a sustainable women’s denim line that produces their jeans and shorts through an eco-friendly and cruelty-free process. They’re all about quality, fit, and authentic washes and the Cody Easy Rider shorts are no exception. The Cody shorts feature a light eco wash with a raw hem, destruction, and bleach stains and are made from recycled cotton. The shorts offer a flattering, high-waisted fit while still offering some length, making them perfect for walking the shoreline or playing in the sand with the kiddos.
Coural Care Skincare Essentials Set
While the sun and saltwater are certainly good for the soul, they do a number on the skin. Coural Care is an all-natural skincare line that makes its products with both your health and the ocean in mind. All products are made from fresh, plant-based ingredients in a solar powered manufacturing facility. The Skincare Essentials Set includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and face sunscreen. All of the products have a lightweight feel and are delivered in plastic free packaging, are TSA size approved, and are reef safe/ocean friendly. This year, treat your mom to some soothing plant-based skincare that she can feel good about.
Kelsen Products Shampoo/Conditioner
Kelsen Products was founded by a group of surf/skaters with a heart for making a hair care line that is good for the planet: Curren Caples, Sean Malto, Jack Freestone, and Mikey February. With a focus on making an eco-friendly line, all products are microplastic free and contain no synthetics or fillers. Instead, products are made from a Marine Performance Blend that utilizes sustainably harvested organic kelp, sea holly, and sea rock fennel to nourish hair naturally. This year, treat mom to hair care products where the only thing she’ll have to worry about is dad sneaking some for himself. Additionally, Kelsen is a 1% For the Planet company, so you can rest easy knowing your money is going to a good cause.
SETT Surf Sunscreen
Every water woman needs a good sunscreen in her arsenal and there’s no better time than Mother’s Day to make sure your mom is covered. SETT makes natural, high-performance sunscreens that are coral reef and ocean friendly. While many mineral sunscreens go on thick and pasty, SETT rubs in, while still providing the protection you need. In addition to traditional sunscreen, SETT offers a face stick, lip balm, and surf rash cream, so you can keep your mom fully protected and safe. SETT also donates 5% of profits to SurfAid, so there’s plenty to feel good about with this gift.
Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler
There’s no better way to celebrate someone you love than sharing a cold one out on the water. But there’s nothing worse than a spilt drink—the Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler strives to put an end to that. The cooler features an innovative suction cup technology that allows it to stick to any smooth surface whether that’s a table, boat, or even your board. The Toadfish cooler features double wall vacuum insulation, stainless steel, rubber locking gasket, and includes a slim can adapter. Whether your mom is busy shooing away young, accident-prone hands or simply would like to enjoy a beverage mid-paddle, the Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler is the perfect gift. To top it off, for every product sold, Toadfish will replant 10 square feet of oyster beds to help keep coastal waters clean.
Toad & Co. Taj Hemp Pants
Everyone needs a cozy pair of pants in their wardrobe—the Taj Hemps Pants are the perfect lightweight option to throw on after paddling. Made from 54% Hemp, 44% Tencel, and 2% Elastane, the Taj Hemp Pants are eco-friendly and ultra comfy. Like any good pair of pants, these ones are quick drying, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and offer UPF 25+ protection. Whether your mom is all about sunset walks on the beach or travelling to exotic destinations, the Taj Hemp Pants are the perfect companion for her to do so in. To up their efforts in sustainability, Toad & Co. offers re-usable shipping options and gives back to a number of conservation organizations.
Ruffwear Float Coat
Mothers come in many shapes and sizes and dog moms are no exception. For the dog mamma in your life, nothing says “I love you” like an outfit to equip her furry friend for water time adventures. Ruffwear’s Float Coat is a high quality life jacket that is secure and adjustable and includes a strong handle and reflective trim. Like all of Ruffwear’s products the Float Coat is made with the environment in mind: materials are sustainably sourced and waste is reduced wherever possible. This Mother’s Day give Mom the gift of more time on the water with her pup in the form of a Float Coat.
This spring PaddleXaminer ventured to Steamboat to visit the river that served as the proving ground for Hala SUPs. It was a beautiful spring day in May, the temperature was in the low 60s with the sun out. The water on the other hand was a bit chiller and I opted to wear my drysuit. I met up with a friend in Steamboat to run a shuttle so I could get two town runs in (around four miles). There were plenty of people out enjoying the day and practicing social distancing which was encouraging to see.
I pumped up my Hala Rado for the second time this year; got a couple runs in on the Upper Colorado the week prior. I was really looking forward to taking the Rado on the Yampa. The last time I was on the Yampa was almost a year ago and I was using my Hala Straight Up back then. The Rado is a definite upgrade from the Straight Up with several specific features:
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River Rocker
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Swallow Tail
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Dynamic board shape
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Two side handles – ideal for pulling yourself back on your board after falling in
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Stompbox (retractable fin) – no supermanning off your board with a fin strike
I got my Hala Rado in July 2019 so I missed the higher flows for last season (river flows in Colorado generally peak in June depending on snowpack levels);I was excited to test my skills on the Rado with the higher flows. The Yampa was flowing around 1800 cfs which is a solid flow; there was one bridge I had to get on my knees to clear. We wanted to spend as much time on the river as possible so we put-in near the Walton Creek Road. There’s plenty of parking, a well maintained park which connects to a system of trails in town, and has easy river access.
One of the best ways to get comfortable with your board is to play around on your board on flat water or in the slower moving sections of the river. This gives the paddler a better feel for their equipment. My personal favorite is to get on the back of the board and spin around as fast as I can while trying not to fall. This helps me work on my balance on the board, and it’s a crowd pleaser.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to fall off your board. This is the best way to learn so don’t worry about what you look like; go out, have fun, and experiment on the board, while being safe of course.
We moseyed down the Yampa, catching as many waves as we could before stopping at the Ambulance hole or A-hole so my friend could surf a while. After he was done surfing we proceeded downriver to C & D-hole. Last year I didn’t even come close to successfully navigating either of these holes. Today was different, I nailed both standing up! I was super pumped, kind of like hitting a sweet powder run while skiing!
Taking a break near the A-hole to watch the river surfers.
It was a gorgeous day in Steamboat. The ski mountain, with the runs still covered in snow, stands like a sentinel over the town. The Zerkel mountain range lies to the north and the Gore Range to the south – both are depicted on Hala’s River and Carbon Series boards.These two mountain ranges are the primary contributors to the Yampa River that runs through Steamboat Springs and allows us to paddle every single day in the spring. It is also the river that inspired the start of Hala.
Thanks Hala for introducing me to the sport I didn’t know existed a few years ago, I’m hooked! We took out shortly before the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge among a crowd of people in love with the sport, I soaked it all in. What a great way to spend a Sunday during these trying times!
#YampaRiver #HalaGear #SteamboatSprings #Whitewater #Colorado