Paddleme Kayaking Shorts : You're Only as Good as your Shorts

A few days before the World Surf Ski Champs, the 32-mile open ocean race from the island of Molokai to Oahu, I spotted these nifty paddling shorts in a cool surf shop on Kapahululu Avenue: three millimeter perforated neoprene on the seat and hips and lightweight wicking polypro across the front. A comfortable and quick drying combo.

They were the water shorts of my dreams; however, they didn't have my size and I was forced to cross the volatile Kawai Channel in my thick, old neoprene shorts. Finally, after the US Surf Ski Champs in San Francisco (a surf ski is a sit-on-top), I met the the owner of Paddleme and I secured a pair. The good news is I've been wearing them ever since; the bad news is I've yet to wash them.

Unlike 100% neoprene shorts, they fit more like bike shorts - snug and comparatively comfortable. The neoprene hips protect me from the rubbing along the sides of my boat, the drawstring and elastic waist allow me to adjust the fit, and the elastic leg opening prevent the shorts from riding up if I bury the nose of my boat in a wave.

In October I donned them again for the inaugural Mayor's Cup, a 28-mile circumnavigation of Manhattan. The old record was three hours and 43 minutes; I crossed the line in 3 hours, 27 minutes. Regrettably, four-time Olympic medallist Greg Barton, who wasn't even wearing shorts like mine, was six minutes faster-- but he had an unfair advantage. He's faster than me.

Bottom Line: Light, comfortable, quick-drying paddling shorts. Perfect for anyone who sits in a boat.--J.G. (Nov. '06)

Price: $50

Manufacturer's Site: www.paddleme.com

BUY ONLINE : www.paddleme.com