30 Years of Great Gear

Recreation Gets Its Due

In July '89, the magazine ran a review of what it called "Fearless Fun Boats," featuring early recreational (rec) boats such as the Aquaterra Keowee (21), $360, and the Kiwi Kayak Q Star (22), $475. We included an innovative sit-on-top, the Ocean Kayak Scupper (23), $699, in the same review. In 1997, Wilderness Systems introduced the Pungo (24), $499, still a leading recreational kayak, renowned for comfort, stability, and tracking.

Accessories

Yakima Industries announced adjustable foot rests (25) for kayaks in the January 1975 issue. Yakima went on to become the noted roof-rack company, but the footbraces are still manufactured today under that name by the folks at Werner Paddles. Today they come standard with many kayaks, but you can buy them separately for $39.

In December 1975, the magazine published its first examination of whitewater helmets - an essential product that is still evolving as we search for better ways to protect our brains. An examination of 12 helmets found only three built for paddlers - others were borrowed from climbers, hockey players, and cyclists. The Seda fiberglass helmet (26), $25, was one the editors liked. There's still a lot of room for helmet development, as there are no recognized U.S. standards for safety.

PFDs have transformed since the magazine was started. An early ad for Stearns shows a happy girl in a cheerful plaid PFD, but in July 1993, Stohlquist introduced the Max vest (27), $129.95. It had add-ons for a quick-release belt harness, a retractable tow tether, and a self-storing throw bag.

The first ad for Gore-Tex (28) waterproof laminates appeared in January 1977 on the inside back cover; it became common, though expensive, in rain gear early on. We find the first ads for Gore-Tex Kokatat dry suits (29) in 1993.

In October 1977, Canoe ran its first ad for the Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mattress (30) by Cascade Designs - now, that's not core paddling gear, but for wilderness travelers it revolutionized the whole sleeping-on-the-ground experience.

Innovation in paddling style has fed innovation in product, and vice versa, since the first canoeist. Who knows what the future holds? What's your idea?