These Boots Are Made for Sockin’
The latest summer offering from Alaska’s Salmon Sisters line of footwear is made for tough-as-nails women with a stylish touch. Made of 100% waterproof materials, this Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot provides support for your toughest chores, but has a low, 6-inch profile for easy maneuverability. Loops at the heel and a slip-resistant chevron outsole allow for a quick pull-on and sure footing on slick decks. The XpressCool liner provides added comfort and warmth on cool mornings, and the bright-red, custom-made sockeye salmon print is stylish enough for strolling back on land. $115 // aksalmonsisters.com
An ‘Old Wood Boat’ to Please All Ages
Children’s books are usually made for first-time readers, but the true classics can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and the newly released Old Wood Boat by Olympia-based by author and illustrator Nikki McClure is sure to be a welcome addition to any nautical family reading nook. The poetic story of a weathered boat’s memories of its days on the ocean while being restored on land features McClure’s lovingly crafted cut-paper artwork, showing the boat’s many adventures on the open water. Using the colors of sand and sea as a palette, the hardcover book from Penguin Random House is perfect for sharing the magic of boating life with kids 4 to 8, and sure to become a cherished heirloom for generations. $19 // penguinrandomhouse.com
A Fleece Pullover for the Layered Summer Look
The calendar may say summer is on its way, but we Northwesterners know that layering of outerwear is a nautical necessity at all times of the year. For those chilly “June-uary” mornings and evenings on deck, this cozy fleece pullover hoodie from Flaherty provides luxurious warmth when the sun goes away. The raglan-sleeved, cotton-poly blend is also made with 20% sustainably recycled viscose fiber, giving it super-soft, relaxed fit. The machine washable, powder blue pullover features a vintage themed, distressed wave print graphic and a flecked novelty draw cord on the hood to keep out the damp breezes. Don’t leave port without it. $168 // flahertybrand.com
Water Fun for Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde
Pac-Man may be more than 40 years old, but its appeal is universal to kids of all ages (not to mention their Gen-Xer parents). This 10’ x 10’ inflatable mat from Snoqualmie-based HO Sports, includes sturdy, neoprene-padded D-rings that attach easily to a boat or dock for hours of pellet-chomping Pac-Man fun. A five-foot diameter center hole can also be used to showcase your epic diving and cannonball skills. The four-inch-thick mat becomes rigid in minutes with the use of the dual-action hand pump, and can be deflated, folded, and stowed in a jiffy for future use. An automatic iPump inflation unit is sold separately. $1,100 // hosports.com
Protect Your Paddle Boards with Vamo Covers
Paddle boards provide hours of fun, but they can take a serious beating in the elements. This Vamo cover from REI helps protect boards from the bumps, scratches, and sun damage that can add up quickly over time. Made of thick, stretchable nylon/lycra spandex, the Vamo can be slipped around the entire board to keep out harmful UV exposure and reduce surface temperatures by up to 30˚F. A double-stitched enclosure contains a bungee cord to ensure a snug fit for boards up to 36” wide. Reinforced nose and tail panels also give extra cushioning during transport. There’s even a slot in the Vamo, allowing you to keep your fins in place when your board is stored. Available in Caribbean blue or gray in two sizes. $110 (10’6”-12’ size); $120 (12’6”-14’ size) // rei.com
Be Ready for Summertime Bummers
The sunny summers in the Northwest are what we all live for during the other nine soggy months, but this is also when bruises, cuts, breaks, and other injuries occur most often. This is the perfect time for all boat owners to review their safety equipment, including first-aid kits. The Marine Series 600 kit from Adventure Medical packs treatments for up to 200 common boat-related injuries into a 12” x 10.6” impact-resistant, waterproof box—enough to provide first-aid to up to six boaters per vessel. A safe boater is always prepared, so be sure your kit is up to date before the fun begins. $175.69 // Available at Fisheries Supply, fisheriessupply.com
