SUMMER SPLASH!
6/3/2008 12:50:12 PM by
BEACH RIDE
Maybe you’ve always liked mini cars but wished they weren’t so…mini. Enter the new Mini Cooper S Clubman, the car company’s answer to those who love the car’s style but crave more space for group beach excursions, diving gear storage space or the kids’ sandcastle-building equipment. Passengers in the backseat get more legroom and easier access in and out of the car through a third door. And this version has an overall cargo capacity of 33 cubic feet, a result of a stretch by 6.3 inches, with two barn-style doors that open for easy access to the trunk. Pretty huge, if you ask us. Test drive it for yourself at MiniUSA.com.
SUN SHIELDS
Zegna’s Park Sunglasses go back to the basics with their simple, sleek design, which makes them so versatile you can wear them during a casual beachside boardwalk stroll or a business meeting at an outdoor waterfront restaurant. See more at Zegna.com.
WET TUNES
Frontgate’s Waterproof Scuba MP3 Player takes your tunes to a whole new level. Designed for scuba diving and snorkeling adventures, this underwater portable music player provides crystal clear sound down to 200 feet. Includes a clear waterproof case and an iRiver iFp-380T mp3 player. Listen to submerged sounds for $199 at Frontgate.com.
SMART SUNSCREEN
We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen. Now there’s a sunscreen that is as easy on the environment as it is on your skin. SmartShield is petroleum free, making this sunscreen not only light, but allowing it to evaporate almost completely. All products are marine-friendly and designed for those who spend their lives — and make their living — on the sea, because it won’t harm live bait or any fish intended to be re-released once caught. See the entire line at SmartShield.com.
FISH SPIN
Already making quite the splash in the fishing world, the WaveSpin Spinning Reel stands out with its 16 smoothly rounded teeth on the spool lip. During casting, the looped line lies harmlessly between the waves on the spool and simply unwinds on the next cast unnoticed and without creating tangles of any kind. See the patented design at WaveSpinReel.com.
SEA CONNECT
Just because you’re out on the water doesn’t mean you have to be completely isolated from the world. The Iridium OpenPort Ship Terminal provides dynamic allocation of three independent telephone lines and a high-speed data port configurable from 9.6 to 128 kbps so you can surf the Net while you catch some waves. Check it out at Iridium.com.
WAVE WATCH
The Timberland HT2 Watch packs a punch of technology with both digital and analog clocks to create four different time zones, an altimeter to keep track of your altitude and a thermometer and barometer to track weather conditions. And, in case you get lost, it has a compass so you don’t have to stop and ask for directions. Get one for $345 at Timberland.com.
TRAVEL HUMIDOR
As great as it is to smoke premium cigars on the course, at the cabin, on the water or anywhere else, sometimes it’s tough to keep them safe from the elements and in prime smoking condition. The CigarCaddy Travel Humidor keeps up with your lifestyle with caddies that hold two, five, 10 and 15 sticks to keep cigars moist for an extended amount of time. To smoke in style, go to CigarCaddy.com.
DOGGY RAMP
Your furry four-legged friend might not love the water as much as you, but make sure he can get out when he needs to with the Skamper-Ramp. It angles down from a pool or boat into the water placing it at eye level to your pet, so it can be seen day or night. It’s white because that’s the one color all living creatures see — most are color-blind to certain colors. Recently, the company released the Super Skamper-Ramp, which is suitable for all size animals and everyday/frequent use. The original Skamper-Ramp for small animals (under 40 lbs./critters in water-escape situations) is also available. Get a regular size for $35.95 and a Super Skamper-Ramp for $98.95 at Skamper-Ramp.com.
COOL FLOAT
This oversized, ergonomic Contour Pool Float will gently cradle you in supreme, supported comfort. Its 2.5-inch thick quilted float features a no-flip design to ensure total relaxation. An ergonomic pillow supports your head and neck. Float in style for $225 at Frontgate.com.
ROW MASTER
Row, row, row your boat…or paddle if you like. The Alpacka Dory by Alpacka Rafts can either be rowed or paddled and features a tough, oar-frame that weighs 2 pounds, 4 oz. and has specially built oars that weigh 16 ounces each. The aluminum frame breaks down to fit easily into a pack. The oars break down for packing and can also be assembled into a feathered, two-bladed kayak-style paddle as well as two trekking poles. Get one for $1,195 at AlpackaRaft.com.
SMOOTH SAILING
Designed by Frauscher, the h26 Sailing Yacht embodies the ideal of a perfect day-sailer yacht: elegant, slim and as swift as an arrow. Almost eight meters long with a sail area of 26 square meters, it guarantees maximum sailing pleasure at a highly sophisticated level. Find out more at FrauscherBoats.com.