Your Next Beach Read: ‘Northwest Know-How’
Prepare yourself for summertime with this entertaining guide to more than 30 celebrated beaches in Washington and Oregon. Written by the state’s poet laureate Rena Priest, Northwest Know-How: Beaches describes the fun facts, quirks, natural history, and local lore of each location, along with up-to-date tips about how to make your next visit a success. The evocative illustrations by Seattle artist Jake Stoumbos help bring the guide’s prose to life and reminds us of the unique beauty of our rugged Pacific Northwest coastline. Whether you’re traveling with kids on summer vacation or taking a romantic stroll on the sand, this guide from Sasquatch Books is the perfect way to follow the call of the surf’s eternal roar. $16.95 // sasquatchbooks.com.
Fish in a Blanket
Boating season officially begins this month, but every Northwesterner knows that the chill will be with us for many weeks to come. Stay cozy no matter the weather with this charming, lightweight Trout Blanket from the folks at Filson. Made from 100% brushed Portuguese cotton, the limited-edition blanket features a jacquard weave and custom-designed graphics of two trout circling each other, with a reverse color pattern on the other side. The permanent juniper dyes used on this 80” x 64” machine washable throw will never fade, making it perfect for everyday use and to warm you up on deck. $175 // filson.com
Find You Bearings with New Atlas 2 Compass
Whether racing or charting a course through rough seas, a captain must always maintain situational awareness with pinpoint accuracy right down to the centimeter. To secure this edge, locally based Vakaros has improved upon its original Atlas compass with the Atlas 2. The second generation of this much beloved digital instrument, optimized for L1 and L5 signals, can correct for ionosphere error and reduce multi-path interference. With a magnetic sensor four times more sensitive than its predecessor, it’s capable of resolving heading changes as small as 0.1°. The gyro-stabilized unit includes a motion-fusion algorithm to keep the compass steady in rough seas, and wirelessly links with sensors for wind, depth, and speed, plus provides customized displays to give you maximum control from start to finish. $1,099 // vakaros.com
Give Yourself Some Space with Fendertex
Protect your gunwales and save space at the dock with these durable, inflatable fenders from Fendertex. The cylindrical fenders, equipped with two stainless-steel D rings, are made of a one-piece, knitted textile that is 95% lighter than PVC, yet can withstand a lifetime of punishment and adapt to a wide range of temperature swings. Using up to 50% less space than competing products, they can also be deflated when not in use and rolled up for stowage. The fenders fit any vessel from 23′ to 328′, and can be positioned vertically or horizontally as needed. Accessories include fender covers, sheathed D-rings, braidlines, flatlines, ropes, pumps, and custom embroidery. Available in a variety of sizes in gray, navy, or black from Fisheries Supply in Seattle. $313 // fisheriessupply.com
Nothing’s Cooler Than This Kula
Drinks come in round bottles, so why are they always forced into the square holes in typical cooler chests? Paddleboard maker Bote has solved this conundrum with the Kula 5 “Bug Slinger,” a five-gallon, thermally insulated cooler made of heavy duty plastic. In addition to keeping brews ice cold, the bucket can be used as a bait well, a rod or cast-net holder, a toolbox—even a comfy, padded seat. Side clamps maintain a tight seal over the contents, keeping gear locked in and warm air locked out. The lightweight Kula is also built to attach to any of Bote’s board products, so you can bring your valuables along wherever you want. Available in a rainbow of eye-catching colors and patterns. $235 // boteboard.com
Ready-to-Drink Summer Cocktails – Just Add Booze!
Sometimes, when you’re are in the mood for a cocktail after a long summer day of boating, the last thing anyone wants to do is a lot of prep work. With these pre-made mixes, you can have custom-made refreshments chilled and waiting for when you’re ready to lounge. This Spring & Summer Bundle collection from Camp includes three delicious, citrus-infused flavors—lavender lemonade, the beet and lemon-infused “Beekeeper,”
and “Boathouse Punch” kissed with lemon, lime and apricot—all made of dried, non-GMO, vegan ingredients. All you need to add is 12 ounces of your chosen alcohol; each bundle serves eight people and comes with its own reusable jars and screw-top lids. $75 for three-jar bundle // campcraftcocktails.com
