New for 2008 — the PFD Hydration Pack by NRS. Never put a Nalgene under your bungees again! This excellent design allows you to attach the 1.5-liter hydration system to any PFD. As shown in the far-right image, a pair of straps loops around the PFD's shoulder straps, while another loops around the PFD's back from top to bottom, holding the pack against your back. This design is much better than other manufacturer's PFD hydration systems because it is almost universal.

And let's face it, you'd look pretty funny trail-running with a PFD just for hydration, so the pack comes with optional shoulder straps — just remove them from the convenient zippered pocket, clip them on, and you'll stay hydrated. With a padded mesh back that breathes easily and a durable outer shell that resists abrasion, this system will keep you cool and hydrated for a long time!

New for 2008 — Think Kayaks. Designed to be accessible for the beginning racer yet extremely fast, Think Kayaks are perfect for racing, training, and fitness paddling.

The Evo (shown at right) is a surf ski measuring 20'6" x 19". It is more stable than the Epic V10, but faster than the Sport. Design features include footpegs that micro-adjust for a perfect fit.

The Fit is a stable version of an ICF racing kayak measuring 17' x 20". The cockpit design, seat, and footpegs are taken straight from the Evo, and its unique cockpit design prevents swamping during a capsize so it's possible to hop right back in.

This year we'll be carrying the Aquapac line of waterproof cases. These reliable cases come in a huge variety of sizes and styles, and are guaranteed submersible to at least 15 feet. Each batch is underwater-tested in their lab for quality assurance.

New for 2008 — Necky has introduced the Looksha 14. This stable light-touring kayak is designed to fit a medium-to-larger paddler and is a perfect larger complement to the Manitou 14.

Werner Paddles has introduced a new upgrade to their Premium Touring line of kayak paddles. Now, in addition to the wonderfully lightweight fiberglass blades, these paddles will come with a lighter-weight Carbon Blend shaft. Werner is incorporating more carbon into the fiberglass shaft, resulting in a lighter product.

Why is lighter important? First, you're carrying less weight. The resulting reduction in strain on your body makes you a happier paddler at day's end. Second, the paddle swings more easily, making it feel even lighter. No one ever comes back to us and says "I want a heavier paddle."

The biggest improvement in weight and feel is in their Neutral Bent Shaft models. The bent shaft helps keep your wrists aligned, reducing wrist strain and injuries. Unlike previous models, the 2008 Premium Neutral Bent Shaft feels lightweight. You no longer need to spend a lot more money for a Carbon Neutral Bent Shaft just to feel the benefits of a lightweight bent-shaft paddle!

New for 2008 — the Prowler Trident 15! Ocean Kayak has taken the features of the smash hit Prowler Big Game and applied them to a boat long enough for ocean paddling.

The Trident 15 is long, for better handling in ocean waves, and fast, so you get to your fishing spots sooner. It is designed and outfitted specifically for fishing, with the RodPod access hatch between your legs, the SonarShield hatch between your feet to keep your fishfinder dry when you want and visible when you need it, Transducer-Compatible scupper hole for easy fishfinder installation, paddle holders, cup holders, and a huge amount of storage space in the rear well and front hatch.

Astral Buoyancy is the cutting-edge manufacturer of comfortable and functional personal flotation devices (PFDs). New for 2008 are the V-Eight, the world's first breathable PFD designed to keep you cooler and more comfortable on the water, and the Hybrid, designed as a minimalist vest that inflates when you need it.

The V-Eight features Astral's revolutionary Airescape fabric, which places an open mesh against your skin so warm air and sweat passes away from your body. The next fabric layer contains channels that allow air to move freely through the fabric and out of the PFD. The foam itself contains strategically placed vent ports that allow warm air to pass out and cooler air to move in. Together, these design features keep you cooler.

Like all Astral PFDs, the V-Eight is constructed with PVC-free foam that's contoured to fit your body. The arm openings are huge, offering increased range of motion and comfort. The vest has two pockets, an attachment point for additional gear (like a light), and can accommodate a hydration bladder (sold separately).

The Hybrid is a completely new PFD design, offering 8 pounds of continuous buoyancy and an inflatable portion that can provide up to 15 pounds of additional buoyancy. This design offers the unencumbered comfort of a minimalist design with the comfort of additional backup flotation if needed. The air bladder is inflated by blowing into a mouthpiece, allowing you to inflate and deflate the vest on demand.

The vest includes handwarmer pockets, an extra-large cargo pocket, attachment points for lights or gear, and refklective accents for visibility. Come down and try out this new vest!

New for 2008 — the Peekaboo! If you've ever wondered what's beneath you as you paddle, the Peekaboo is your answer. The Peekaboo includes a large viewing window so you can see underwater while you paddle! Your kids will love seeing starfish, crabs, fish, anemones, lobsters, and underwater plants. It also makes a great fishing platform!

The Cetus and Scorpio are the latest additions to the P&H line. Designed as fast, high-capacity, long-distance touring kayaks, these new boats have a surprising combination of stability and maneuverability. The boats offer the same underlying design in either composite materials (the Cetus, shown at right during our 2007 Staff Trip to Muscongus Bay, Maine) or plastic (the Scorpio).

These boats are swede-form, with the widest part behind the cockpit, providing speed and initial stability. They also offer amazing (some would say ridiculous) secondary stability, meaning you can edge the boat easily and confidently. Once on edge, the boat turns surprisingly well for a boat of this length.

New for 2008 — Thule's famous Hull-a-Port has been redesigned! The J-cradle kayak carrier is now available in two styles: the Pro, which folds down when not in use for improved overhead clearance, and the XTR, which is slightly modified from the original and offered at a lower price.