Wild-Water Competition Helmet
about $65
I was handed this helmet at a time when I knew little about helmets and even less about whitewater. The only thing I picked was the color. Years later, it still does the job—light, simple, indestructible—and I still love the color. Wild-Waters are widely available in Europe, but have fallen out of fashion this side of the Atlantic. Sure mine’s dinged and dated, but scratches are stories, and until I’m handed a replacement, Old Purple is my go-to lid.
—Virginia Marshall, Senior Editor
Home-Made Fleece Top
about $4
Since my mom had a sewing machine and I had no money, I decided to make my own fleece top. I’ve used it for winter camping and paddling for almost 10 years and it’s still going strong. Features include circle stitching on the collar to tell which is the front, and a generous cut (it’s not fitted at all). It’s the kind of gear my wife will have to throw out because I never will.
—Dan Caldwell, Social Media Guru and Rapid Media TV Videographer
Snapdragon Whitewater Armortex Exp
www.snapdragondesign.com | $180
This skirt is the latest in a long line of Snapdragons and has kept me dry down some memorable runs. I love it because it’s never imploded and it’s been super durable through extended punishment.
—Russ Schroeder, Ad Guy
Vintage Smiley’s Nose Plugs
about $10
I started paddling before freestyle, before getting worked in holes was fun and before nose plugs dangled from every helmet. Fifteen years ago, Billy Harris handed me this pair of Smiley’s nose plugs—I think he may have just been sponsored. I’ve had them with me on the river every day since. The same pair! Smiley’s have changed styles slightly since then, but they’re still the best at preventing midnight sinus drain.
—Scott MacGregor, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
This article originally appeared in Rapid magazine, Summer/Fall 2011. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it here.
