Issues → May/June 2007 → Feature Stories →

New England's Finest

Gear up for fishing, paddling, surfing, cycling.

by Katrina A. Yeager

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Tags: cycling, fishing, paddling, surfing

For fly-fishing enthusiasts, the coveted tool is a bamboo fly rod.

The wooden boards are inspired by those from the '60s and '70s and are made of native northern white cedar.

Tee off in your own pair of Footjoy golf shoes.

Mountain or road bicycles are made to order using titanium, carbon fiber, and steel.

A paddle is a canoeist's best friend; a good one delivers a powerful stroke with ease.

This summer's adventures will be more fun when you pack these items for fishing, surfing, golfing, cycling, and paddling. Get moving!

Magical Wand

For fly-fishing enthusiasts, the coveted tool is a bamboo fly rod. David Kenney, of Middlesex, Vermont, originally started building bamboo fly rods as a side business to his full-time furniture making. Now he exclusively makes these beautiful split-canes, "building a bit of a story into each rod." Note his attention to details, such as gold-plated edging, curly maple wood accents, cork grips shaped by hand, and scroll engraving. Three series of rods are available, with two-piece and three-piece models; prices from $1,150. 802-371-7563; dkenneyflyrods.com

Retro Ride

Mike LaVecchia and a few friends love to hang out at Long Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine. Sometimes they're out there to surf for fun; sometimes they're there to "work," testing the boards they design and build. The wooden boards are inspired by those from the '60s and '70s and are made of native northern white cedar. For New England waves, Mike recommends the 10-foot Waterlog (at left), which can be custom built for you with or without fins ($1,900-$2,050); or, you can make it yourself with a kit ($720). Made by Grain Surfboards, York, Maine. 802-598-7194; grainsurfboards.com

Tee Off

Did you know that most pro golfers wear shoes made in Brockton, Massachusetts? FootJoy-brand golf shoes are the number one choice on the PGA and LPGA tours. Tee off in your own pair, complete with flourishes such as full calfskin leather uppers, leather linings and outsole, waterproofing, and a membrane that helps regulate your foot temperature. Pictured here is the Classics Tour ($320); other styles are priced from $59 and up. Made by the Acushnet Company of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. For retail locations, call 800-225-8500 or visit footjoy.com.

A Bicycle Built for You

A bike is a bike, right? Not so for Seven Cycles. Each bicycle -- mountain or road -- is made to order using titanium, carbon fiber, and steel in Watertown, Massachusetts. Take one out for a spin and you'll understand why over the past 10 years Seven Cycles has become the largest custom builder in the world. If you can't win the Tour de France, at least you'll feel like you can. Models start at $3,200. Locate a dealer by calling 617-923-7774 or visiting sevencycles.com.

A Beautiful Blade

A paddle is a canoeist's best friend; a good one delivers a powerful stroke with ease. This native white ash paddle ($48.50) is remarkable not only for its innate lightness, strength, and flexibility (all qualities essential in a good paddle), but also because paddle smith Ricky Kiem makes it from a single piece of wood rather than by laminating several strips together. Several styles and sizes, including children's, are offered in natural or dark finish. Available from Porter's Woodworking, East Millinocket, Maine. 207-746-3400; porterswoodworking.com