Who Do You Actually Surf Like?
Channel Islands (CI) unveiled a new surfboard testing campaign featuring a wildly diverse roster of rider avatars, from a 4‑foot‑5‑inch, 73‑lb grom to a 6‑foot‑3‑inch, 185‑lb surfer. The initiative, tied to the "Mikey’s Shorty" line, deliberately mixes genders, foot‑preferences and body types to reflect the full spectrum of surfers. By showcasing this range, CI hopes to make its products feel more relatable and inclusive. The move signals a broader shift toward personalized marketing in the surf industry.
The West Just Got Dumped On—And One Resort Is Reopening Because of It
A late‑season snowstorm has revived the western ski market, delivering fresh powder to the few resorts still open in April. California’s Palisades Tahoe logged two feet of snow, while Mammoth, Heavenly and Colorado’s Front Range hills report significant base gains....
Watch: Mosquitos, Empty Reefs and Brotherhood
Pro surfer John John Florence shares a new episode of his Vela catamaran series, "Mosquito Bay | Vela | Presented by Yeti," featuring family time with his wife, son, and brothers. The footage captures the challenges of remote sailing—mosquito‑filled cabins,...
Soft-Top Surfboard Splits for Travel and Stowage
Newave, a French surf‑tech startup, has launched the WRocket – the world’s first splittable soft‑top surfboard – via Kickstarter. The board breaks into three sections that pack into an 85 × 55 × 25 cm bag and weighs 6.4 kg, yet assembles in under a minute...
The Best Islands in Thailand to Visit for Family Holidays, Yoga Retreats and Parties on the Beach
Independent Travel highlights Thailand’s 1,400‑plus islands, grouping them by holiday vibe—from Koh Phangan’s legendary Full Moon Party to Koh Yao Noi’s yoga‑focused retreats and family‑friendly resorts on Koh Lipe. Prices range from budget bungalows at about $17 on Koh Mook...
Sara Svensk’s Strikingly Svelte Trek Speed Concept for Ironman Texas 2026
Swedish triathlete Sara Svensk, a former Ironman Barcelona winner and top‑10 finisher at last year’s Kona, is targeting a podium at Ironman Texas 2026 with a revamped bike. She will ride a Trek Speed Concept SLR 9 Project One equipped with a...
Florida’s New ‘Mind-Blowing’ Wave Pool Set to Pump Year-Round (Video)
Endless Surf is constructing The Point, a next‑generation wave pool in Sebastian Inlet, Florida, slated to open in 2026. The facility uses air‑pressure technology to generate precise, customizable waves across multiple zones, allowing surfers of all skill levels to ride...
Fewer Americans, But Many Chinese, in the Himalaya This Year
The Nepal Department of Tourism reports that U.S. climbers with permits for peaks above 6,000 m dropped from 115 last year to 71 this season, a near‑40% decline. In contrast, Chinese expeditions surged to 89 permits, the highest national tally for...
Review: 1UP RakAttach XL Vs. Rigd RambleSwing Pro
The Escape Collective has posted a pay‑walled review comparing the 1UP RakAttach XL to the Rigd RambleSwing Pro, two popular bike rack attachment systems. The article emphasizes that membership funds independent cycling journalism, keeping content free from manufacturer influence. Readers...
First Look: Salewa Pedroc 2
Salewa, the Italian alpine gear maker founded in 1935, has unveiled the Pedroc 2, a lightweight hybrid hiking shoe designed for the Dolomites’ demanding terrain. Weighing just 12.37 oz per shoe, the model combines a 10 mm heel‑to‑toe drop, a flexible forefoot and...
For Jacob Willcox, the Remedy for Missing Out on the Championship Tour Was a Trip to Fiji
Jacob Willcox entered 2026 with a strong Challenger Series win, positioning himself for a return to the World Surf League Championship Tour. Inconsistent results and an ankle injury saw his ranking slip from 10th to 12th after a 49th‑place finish...
El Porto Will Teach You Nothing, Until It Does
The piece paints a vivid portrait of El Porto, a Southern California surf break where wind‑driven waves are notoriously fickle. Despite the chaotic surf, a core group of regulars returns daily, forming a tight‑knit community that values consistency over perfect...
Why REI, Decathlon, and Backcountry Are Winning the Gear War This Season
Outdoor retailers REI, Decathlon, and Backcountry are gaining market share by expanding their private‑label gear lines, which deliver 25‑35% price cuts versus comparable name‑brand items. Their advantage stems from vertically integrated, direct‑to‑consumer supply chains that bypass wholesale markups and keep...
My Hunt for Approach Shoes to Replace My Tired Salomons
Michael Zhao evaluated six approach shoes as potential replacements for his aging Salomon XT Wings. He compared retro‑style Scarpa Mojito, breathable La Sportiva TX4 Evo ST, affordable Keen Jasper Zionic, rugged Keen Jasper III, and minimalist Vivobarefoot Tracker Leather. Each model...
Joy Rides: One Bike, Any Position
Wove founder Nick built a custom road‑gravel bike that pushes geometry limits, featuring a 1,143 mm wheelbase, 75° seat‑tube angle, and on‑the‑fly saddle‑angle adjustability. The bike pairs a suspension‑corrected fork with HED Vanquish Pro V62 wheels for road and HED Stillwater...
Friday Debrief: Paul Top Caps, Featherlight 32″ Wheels, a Dual-Burner Camp Stove, and More…
The weekly Debrief spotlights a wave of new bike‑packing gear, from Albion’s UV‑protective Zoa Sun Shield mid‑layer to Berd’s 32‑inch HAWK30 Gold wheels, which at 1,196 g claim the lightest production status. It also introduces the Optimus Gemini II dual‑burner stove, Paul...
The Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
The 2026 roundup of three‑season backpacking tents highlights a surge in ultralight construction, sustainable fabrics, and weather‑proof engineering. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 earns Best Overall with a 3.8‑lb weight and 41 sq ft interior, while SlingFin Portal 2 tops Weather Protection by...
Herman and Candelaria Zapp on 22 Years of Worldwide Travel in a 1928 Graham-Paige
Herman and Candelaria Zapp, an Argentinian family of six, completed a 22‑year overland odyssey across five continents and 102 countries in a 1928 Graham‑Paige. They raised four children on the road, funding the adventure by selling their memoir, Spark Your Dream,...
Despite Tough Winter, Colorado's Copper Mountain Is Extending Its Season
Copper Mountain in Colorado announced it will keep its slopes open until May 3, 2026, extending the season by a week beyond the originally scheduled April 26 closure. The resort is offering $49 lift tickets for the final week despite recording only 157...
Four Years After Full Circle Everest, Philip Henderson Continues to Tell His Story
Four years after leading Full Circle Everest—the first all‑Black team to summit the mountain—guide Philip Henderson has turned his experience into a nationwide outreach campaign. He visits schools, clubs and outdoor groups, sharing the historic 2022 climb to inspire Black...
First Ride: Marin Tam - Fast, Flashy, and Aluminum
Marin’s new Tam is an aluminum cross‑country bike that blends lightweight performance with trail‑oriented geometry. It features 120 mm rear travel, a 130 mm fork, 29‑inch wheels and a real‑world weight of 29.8 lb, rivaling many carbon XC frames. Priced between $2,399 and...
Comparing Stock Backpacking Quilts to Custom Quilts
Backpacking quilts have become a lightweight alternative to traditional sleeping bags, prompting hikers to choose between off‑the‑shelf models and fully custom builds. Stock quilts are mass‑produced, readily available, and priced lower, while custom quilts let users specify size, insulation weight,...
La Réserve Golf Links at Heritage Resorts & Golf in Mauritius Surges Into Top 30 Intl Courses
La Réserve Golf Links, Heritage Resorts & Golf’s flagship course in Mauritius, has been placed 28th in Golfweek’s 2026 Best Top 100 International Courses, the highest ranking for an African venue. The course, co‑designed by Peter Matkovich and Open Champion Louis Ousthuizen, offers...
Experience Victoria Falls at Its Peak with Avani’s Newly Refreshed Resort
Avani Victoria Falls Resort has reopened after a comprehensive refresh, unveiling redesigned rooms, new dining concepts, and expanded adventure offerings. The property sits on 46 hectares within Zambia’s Mosi‑oa‑Tunya National Park, providing direct, year‑round access to the iconic falls and...
The Frozen ‘Ice City’ Home to the Most Likeable People on Earth
Harbin, China’s self‑styled "Ice City," is hosting the world’s largest ice‑and‑snow festival, drawing 3.56 million visitors to its 1.2 million m² Ice and Snow World over a 68‑day run. Adults pay roughly $67 for entry, while the city sees an estimated 90 million winter...
Breakthrough Kia Pop-Up Tiny Camper Van Is Even Slicker than Expected
Sussex Campervans has unveiled the Kingfisher, a pop‑up tiny camper built on Kia’s PV5 electric van. The conversion features bamboo‑style interiors, a spacious kitchen powered directly from the 71‑kWh traction battery, and a rapid‑folding Rock ’n’ Roll bed that transforms...
55 Best Things to Do in San Juan, PR (By a Local)
The article offers a comprehensive guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico, highlighting historic districts like Old San Juan, iconic forts such as El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, and a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities. It details free‑entrance days, a $10 combined ticket...
Look and 3T Launch New Gravel Bikes at Sea Otter
At the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Look and 3T unveiled new carbon gravel bikes aimed at versatile riders. Look’s entry marks the road brand’s push into gravel with a do‑it‑all design, while 3T refreshed its long‑standing long‑distance platform. Both bikes...
Ocean Rowing Roundup for April
Dave “Dinger” Bell continues his unprecedented solo, unsupported row from Peru toward Mauritius, having covered 11,200 km—almost half of the 24,000 km journey—in 155 days despite weather‑forced pace cuts and sweltering cabin conditions. In April he ramped up from one to 11...
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7 Countries Where You Can Travel Comfortably for Less Than $30 a Day
The piece highlights seven countries where travelers can comfortably spend under $30 a day, covering lodging, meals and activities. It cites Laos guesthouses at under $20 a night, Nepal street food for less than $1, and Vietnam hotels as low...
Teravail and Salsa Go Big with 32" Wheels, Tyres and Bikes
At the Sea Otter Classic in California, Teravail announced a new carbon 32‑inch rim and two gravel‑focused tyres, marking its entry into the emerging 32‑inch wheel segment. The products were showcased on Salsa’s newly released Fargo 32‑inch steel and titanium...
Flash Review: RAAW Yalla!! V2
RAAW’s Yalla V2 downhill bike arrives with major updates, most notably mixed‑wheel compatibility through an interchangeable lower shock mount and a Boost 148 mm rear hub spacing. The frame‑only option lets riders pair the chassis with their choice of suspension, drivetrain...
AETHER Releases Next-Gen Mojave 2.0 Heavy-Duty Canvas ADV Suit
AETHER Apparel has launched the Mojave 2.0 heavy‑duty canvas adventure suit, updating its 2018 flagship with enhanced ventilation, lighter D3O Ghost L2 armor and reflective zipper tape. The jacket retails for $595 and the pants for $475, both offered in Bone White...
Texas' Newest Nature Preserve Is A Unique Canyon Destination Near Jacob's Well
Karst Canyon Preserve, a 175‑acre nature reserve in Hays County, opened its gates in late March 2026 after a multi‑year effort halted a proposed housing development. The park safeguards a network of sinkholes, caves, and karst‑drained waterways that feed the nearby...
The Best Jackery Portable Power Stations for Your Needs
Popular Mechanics evaluated Jackery’s latest portable power stations, naming the Explorer 1000 V2 as the best overall after it powered a 25‑cubic‑foot refrigerator for more than 18 hours. The review also highlighted the Explorer 300 V2 as the top budget pick, the Explorer 2000 V2 for camping,...
Foiling This French Tidal Bore Looks Like the Most Fun a Person Can Possibly Have on a Board
Adam Bennetts, a world‑renowned foil surfer, tackled France’s Le Mascaret tidal bore on the Garonne River. By riding a hydrofoil board, he captured the bore’s under‑surface energy and rode the wave for an extended, almost endless session. The feat showcases how...
Allied's New Echo Has Clearance for up to 45 Mm Tires
Allied Cycle Works unveiled the Echo all‑road bike, engineered to accommodate tires up to 45 mm—clearance once reserved for gravel machines. The frame supports 32‑45 mm tires, a UDH rear derailleur hanger, and wireless 1× or 2× electronic drivetrains, with a removable...
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This Southern City Is a Gateway to the Southeast With Lively Markets, Award-Winning Dining, and Family-Friendly Attractions
Atlanta positions itself as the Southeast’s gateway, offering a blend of lively markets, award‑winning dining, and family‑friendly attractions. Key highlights include the world‑renowned Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and expansive green spaces like Piedmont Park...
All You Need to Know About Dermizax, Waterproofing Made for High-Output Adventures
Dermizax, a Japanese waterproof membrane, is marketed as a 2.75‑layer fabric that blends the lightness of 2.5‑layer shells with the comfort of true 3‑layer constructions. The material delivers industry‑leading 20k/20k waterproof and breathability ratings, thanks to its non‑porous, hydrophilic polymer...
Today’s Trail Running Sneakers Are Perfectly Fine for a Hike
Modern trail sneakers have closed the performance gap with traditional hiking boots, offering waterproof Gore‑Tex membranes, aggressive lugs, and rock‑plate midsoles that keep feet dry and stable on varied terrain. Brands such as Salomon, Brooks and La Sportiva now provide...
Between Boston And Providence Is Massachusetts' Lovely State Park With Scenic Trails And Pond Recreation
Borderland State Park, a 1,800‑acre preserve in North Easton, Massachusetts, sits midway between Boston and Providence. The park features more than 20 miles of hiking trails, six ponds stocked with trout, and a historic 1910 Ames Mansion that draws both...
A Shark Island Slab Session Featuring the Legendary Kipp Caddy
Kipp Caddy has launched the first episode of his new "Slab Sessions" series, filming an hour‑long heavy‑wave session at Sydney’s infamous Shark Island. A narrow tidal window on a Monday morning delivered the perfect slab conditions before the tide fell,...
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The Best Fanny Packs of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Travel + Leisure tested 26 fanny packs and highlighted ten stand‑outs for 2026, ranging from rugged outdoor options to sleek leather designs. The Osprey Transporter Waist Pack leads with 3 L capacity, water‑resistant nylon and dual‑wear styles, while the budget‑friendly Jansport...
Salsa Fargo 32 Review: Old Dog, New Tricks
Salsa revives its cult‑classic Fargo by adding a purpose‑built 32‑inch version for 2026, offered in triple‑butted chromoly steel and seamless titanium frames. The titanium model weighs 23.8 lb and retails for $3,499, while the steel option costs $1,799. Designed around 32×2.4″...
First Look: Norco Sight VLT Bosch A
Norco has unveiled the Sight VLT Bosch A, a full‑powered all‑mountain e‑bike priced between CAD 6,000 and 8,000 (approximately $4,400‑$5,800 USD). The bike pairs Bosch’s Performance Line PX motor—offering 90 Nm of torque, 700 W peak power, and a 600 Wh battery—with a mixed “mullet” wheel...
13 Maui Airbnbs That’ll Leave You Daydreaming
Condé Nast Traveler highlights 13 curated Maui Airbnb listings ranging from beachfront condos in Kaanapali to secluded jungle bungalows on the Road to Hana. Each property is vetted for Superhost status, guest ratings, amenities and unique local experiences such as farm tours,...
Maine's Paddling Paradise Is A Scenic Lake Escape
Range Pond State Park, a 290‑acre lake just 40 minutes north of Portland and 20 minutes from Lewiston‑Auburn, has become a go‑to paddling destination for kayakers, paddleboarders and windsurfers. The park offers a wheelchair‑accessible launch, sandy beach, and easy‑grade trails,...
2026 Sea Otter Classic: John and Mira’s Xtracycle OmniTierra
Xtracycle has launched the OmniTierra, a titanium mid‑tail cargo bike co‑designed with dog‑packing duo John Freeman and his border collie Mira. Pre‑orders begin today with a $1,000 discount through May 31, 2026, pricing the complete build at $5,699 (regular $6,699). The...
How to Use Foward-Facing Sonar During the Bass Spawn
Modern forward‑facing sonar, often called Live Sonar, lets anglers see a real‑time vertical slice of water beneath the boat, effectively turning the trolling motor into a moving flashlight. During the pre‑spawn, the technology highlights deep cover and structure where bass...
Hawaii’s 137 ‘Secret’ Islands Reveal a Hidden Underwater Archipelago (Video)
Recent video coverage highlights that the Hawaiian archipelago comprises about 137 volcanic islands and atolls, extending nearly 1,600 miles across the Pacific. While only eight islands are above water and widely known, the majority lie submerged, forming a hidden underwater...