Best of Explore: Water Craft
Explore’s monthly “Best List” showcases the best brands, products, places and gear in each outdoor-related category.
This April, we’ve watched as the ice began melting, rivers flowing and lakes defrosting—and we gathered our paddling gear to get ready for an epic season. Kayaking, canoeing, SUPing or motorized boating—however you enjoy the water, this list has something you need.
Explore has carefully curated brands with high standards in functionality, quality, durability and style. We chose brands that suit both the beginner paddler and the expert. We also made a conscious effort to look for brands with strong sustainable values and Canadian companies.
The Best of Paddling and Water Sports:
Nova Craft Canoe
Prospector 16
For over 50 years, Nova Craft Canoe has earned a reputation for building reliable, durable canoes with quality craftsmanship. Nova Craft’s bestselling do-it-all Prospector design is popular for a reason: versatile, stable and able to carry a load, it’s a boat that’s built for the backcountry but feels equally at home on the cottage dock. The symmetrical shallow-arch hull and moderate rocker handles lakes, waves, rivers and rapids with ease. The Prospector is available in five lengths and a range of materials to suit every paddler’s budget and needs.
Price: From $1,799
Buy it here: Find a dealer near you
The Wild Tribe
Sequoia 11
The Sequoia 11 by The Wild Tribe stands out as the premier choice for Canadian paddle board enthusiasts. With its impressive stability and efficient gliding speed, this eleven-foot board (33 inches wide) strikes the perfect balance. Its slim touring shape ensures easy water cutting, while the 4.75” thickness provides a low center of gravity for unparalleled stability compared to thicker inflatables. Tested up to 24 PSI, it boasts a high-pressure capacity and features single-sourced PVC for unmatched stiffness. This board offers amazing value for money, delivering the closest experience to a hardboard with the convenience of an inflatable.
Price: From $950. Save 10 per cent with code EXPLORE10
Buy it here: thewildtribe.ca
TAIGA BOARD
Nano Zip Air 9’8’’ – Compact Inflatable Paddle Board
Introducing the Nano Zip Air 9’8’’ x 34’’ x 4.75’’—a revolution in SUP technology! As industry pioneers since 2014, TAIGA BOARD merges a decade of expertise in both hard and inflatable paddle boards. The Nano Zip Air’s unique technology allows it to fold in half, reducing its size by 50 per cent. This powerful all-round adventure SUP stands as the most compact on the market. Equipped with advanced rigidity technology and crafted from multi-layers of ultra-durable military-grade PVC, it delivers unmatched stability at 20 PSI. Designed in Canada, our boards embody our love for watersports and the quality that ensures a fulfilling SUP experience for years to come.
Price: From $1,347. Save 20 per cent with code EXPLORE20
Buy it here: Learn More About the Nano Zip Air 9’8”
TRAK Kayaks
TRAK 2.0 Kayak
From bag to boat in 10 minutes, the TRAK 2.0 Ultimate Touring Kayak is a seaworthy 16-foot portable sea kayak that you can take with you anywhere. Adaptable to suit any water, TRAK is the only kayak that allows you to alter the waterline and rocker for varying environments and needs. Use the same kayak to play in rough water or to paddle efficiently for long touring. This kayak is built to be paddled along rocky shores, in coastal environments, and on lakes, rivers and oceans. Constructed from a three-ply expedition-grade polyurethane material. Built to unleash your water adventures.
Price: $3,850 USD
Buy it here: trakkayaks.com
Mustang Survival
Essentialist Belt Pack
Don’t want anything getting in the way of your paddle stroke? The Essentialist inflatable belt pack with strategic storage and 18.9 lbs of buoyancy has you covered for inshore explorations. Stay cool and safe on hot days with this 3D mesh-lined belt pack. The pillow-style bladder activates with a manual inflation cord and is simple and easy to repack after use. Two zippered pockets, a mesh pocket and a key loop keep your valuables secure so you can enjoy your paddling experience this summer, worry-free!
Price: $184.99
Buy it here: mustangsurvival.ca
Algonquin Outfitters
Ballastic Canoe Pack
The Algonquin Outfitters line of ballistic canoe packs have a long heritage born and bred in the backcountry of Algonquin Park. Developed exclusively for the demanding outfitting and rental needs of one of the largest outfitters in North America, these packs have been in use for outfitting trips for over 35 years. Canadian made since day one, these packs feature a padded shoulder and hip belt, side compression straps, top and bottom grab handles and a top flap pocket. These packs are available in three sizes.
Price: $179.98-$199.98
Buy it here: algonquinoutfitters.com
This article was sponsored by one or more included brands.
