Ditch the dinghy, protect your skin and check the latest charts with this month's gear roundup.
By
Jen Brett
Updated: September 4, 2015
Leave the tender with the mothership and explore the anchorage on a stand-up paddleboard. The AirWeb construction and large EVA-covered fiberglass steps give the Airis HardTop Hollowdeck SUP from Walker Bay the convenience of an inflatable board with the feel of a rigid board. Gear is kept safe and dry when packed in the hollow space in the forward portion of the deck . $1,100 (11-foot), $1,300 (12.5-foot); walkerbay.com/airis
Dont worry about the burn from a long day on the water with Rocket Pure sunscreen. The White Hot sunblock with Zinc provides UVA and UVB protection and is all natural and organic, made in the US with no harmful chemicals or GMOs. $15-20; www.rocketpure.com
Perfect to bring along on excursions in the
dinghy, the Icom M25 handheld VHF radio is
lightweight but feature-rich. The M25 is waterproof
to IPX7 standards, has a large, backlit screen
and simple interface, and emits a bright red flashing
LED when dropped in the water. $245; icomamerica.com
Heading to the Bahamas? NV Charts has announced that it is releasing all chart sets in atlas format, beginning with Region 9.1, Bahamas Northwest, including Bimini and Berry islands, Nassau to Abaco, and Grand Bahama, for 2015-2016. The atlas format reduces the chart size (but not the cartography) for ease of use on modern nav desks, and the bindings lie flat for proper charting. The chart set also includes a CD of electronic charts. $80; nvcharts.com
Though you’ll still want protection from the elements during short island hops, your offshore-duty foulies may prove to be overkill. The Zhik Kiama jacket is designed for sailing in mild to moderate conditions. Available in men’s and women’s styles, the Kiama is made from a lightweight two-layer, waterproof, breathable nylon shell with an additional durable water-repellent outer coating. A superfine brushed-mesh lining provides added warmth and insulation in cooler conditions. $220; zhik.com
