Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash
PaddleXaminer has assembled a concise list of our top five favorite items to guide you through your holiday shopping this year. Whether you are looking for tasty snacks to round out your stocking stuffer inventory or something large to wrap a bow around, the PaddleXaminer 2021 Holiday Gift Guide has a little something for you.
LivBar
LivBar – available in a range of flavors.
Here at PaddleXaminer we are not afraid to admit that we are a bit food motivated. We’re always looking to try new snacks and meal replacement options to enjoy after a good session paddling. This year LivBar caught our attention as an interesting new addition to work into our rotating line up. Available throughout the Great State of California at Sprouts, LivBar is a vegan, USDA certified organic nutrition bar packaged in a compostable wrapper. Additional attributes include:
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Organic, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, corn free, and GMO free.
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They don’t melt or freeze which makes them perfect to carry with you while paddling or stash in your car for a quick post-paddling snack.
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Provide balanced, sustainable energy with healthy fats, carbs, fiber and protein in whole food form.
All in all, LivBar is a perfect stocking stuffer for the favorite paddler on your holiday shopping list.
The Shelta Amphibian L/S Shirt
The Shelta Amphibian L/S shirt is among the best shirts for paddling available on the market today. The list of technical features packed into the Shelta Amphibian shirts is as long as your paddle and wearing one while paddling will enhance your experience on the water. The Amphibian is engineered & built with sun protection, function, and durability in mind. Truly amphibious, these technical tops work as well in the water as they do on land.
Features include:
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UPF 50+ UV protection, the highest rating given. Blocks 98% of UVA/UVB radiation.
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Loose comfort fit
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Moisture wicking
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Sleeves with thumb hole & finger loop for multiple hand protection options
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Sleeves with thumb hole & finger loop to keep sleeve in place
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Silicone Gel palm print for non-slip grip
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Zippered back hip stash pocket
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Drop tail for more lower back sun protection
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Reflective chevron back logo for visibility
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Board short attachment loop
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Back locker loop to attach Shelta Hat chin cord system.
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Side comfort panels with armpit mesh fabric for ventilation
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Ragland sleeves with flat-lock seams for arm movement and to prevent chafing
Watch Holder from NeloUSA
Fitness and performance paddlers are diligent about tracking a range of metrics from their sessions both during and after paddling. I’ve seen a variety of watch attachment solutions over the years and none is better than a watch holder from NeloUSA. Designed to sit in your natural field of vision, the NeloUSA watch holder is made from PETG, is feather light, and floats! The watch holder attaches to your paddle craft via two suction cups and has a loop where you can attach a tether. These little guys come in a range of colors to suit your individual style and are sure to be a hit. We think they are so cool, there is a good change you’ll want to grab one for yourself!
Vaikobi VXP and V3 Life Jackets
Vaikobi VXP life jacket
No matter if you favor a front and center zipper or dig the side entry action, the Vaikobi VXP and V3 life jackets have taken California by storm and for good reason. Both products lead the industry as two of the most comfortable and functional performance driven life jackets on the market. The options from Vaikobi are lightweight and engineered without side panels to reduce bulk. Additional attributes of both include: a large hydration pocket on the back that will hold a bladder up to 1.5L, hi-vis color ways for maximum visibility on the water, reflective detailing, and they are certified to meet ISO 12402-5 standards. Read PaddleXaminer’s reviews of the VXP and V3 for more detailed information. You can also take a look at our side by side comparison here!
Nelo Surfski
If you are in a go big or go home kind of mood – and why not given the current state of global affairs – PaddleXaminer recommends reaching out to NeloUSA and putting your name down for a new surfski this holiday season. I picked up surfski paddling last winter and proudly took possession of a shiny red 520L in March and have never looked back. More fun than you can shake a stick at or so the saying goes! NeloUSA typically has limited stock on hand so check out their website for current availability. If you don’t see something you like, put down a deposit and place an order for their next shipment and take advantage of the option to design your own color scheme!
Happy Holidays to you and yours! See you on the water!
