Gear Review

As Rangers for The Dyrt, we often receive gear to review. My husband is passionate about being out on the water in any way possible, and this wetsuit is helping him enjoy being there even when it’s cold, or in this case, in Maine’s frigid gulf waters. While on the coast of Maine this summer, he's been learning how to surf a stand-up paddle board on the wave created during the tide change at Blue Hill Falls. Let's just say, this wetsuit has kept him trying to master it! Enjoy the video below…

What he likes about this product:

• Very comfortable, and very warm, the 4 /3 mil neoprene is soft and thick enough for most days during the summer in the Gulf of Maine.
• Simple design and easy zip-in closure. The zipper is short and easy to access, you don’t need a friend or zipper pull tether to close yourself in.
• Flexible enough to move around and swim in without feeling constrained.
• Reinforced knee pads and chest area which take a beating when surfing.

What could be improved:

• All wetsuits are difficult to get into, and the Siroko is no different. It manages to maximize performance and comfort when wearing it while sacrificing the ease of getting it on your body.
• The cinch helps keep the zippered flap tight against the body, I wish there was an adjustment for the neck gasket, as sometimes a little cold water comes into the front of the suit while swimming.

Product Link: https://www.bodyglove.com/collections/mens-wetsuits/products/16111-blu-siroko-4-3mm-slant-zip-fullsuit

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnvqTGLchw8

Campground Review

What an unbelievably beautiful, comprehensive campground and activity center! The campground is small and quaint and sits right on Webb Cove near Stonington Harbor. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and some lawn chairs…a nice bonus! The bathrooms are clean and showers are nice and hot. There is also a quality dishwashing sink behind the bathrooms. There are also bunkhouses, suites, and bunk rooms for those who want to enjoy the activities without sleeping in a tent.

The grounds are spectacular and well kept, with gorgeous flowering bushes as well as spruce, pine, and hardwoods. Most sites are very private, with just a few that experience walk-by traffic. Three sites are dedicated to RV’s which need water and electrical hook-ups and there are a handful of waterfront sites. Picnicking areas are scattered throughout the campground and down by the waterfront next to the boat ramp. It’s also a great campground to start/end from if you are camping along the Maine Island Trail. Check out our article on Sea Kayak Camping.

In addition to an adorable campground, Captain Bill offers everything from kayak rentals and guided trips to ferry service to Isle au Haut (part of Acadia National Park) to puffin and eco-boat tours to sailing lessons. If it can be done on water or land, this place rents it, guides it, and/or teaches you how to do it.

This campground is located near the quaint village of Stonington which has most things you might need for your camping trip. It also has relatively comprehensive camp store and a small kitchen which will make you everything from lobster to an egg sandwich.

While you can walk-in without a reservation in the off season, this place books up in the summer (July 1 through Labor Day), so reserve early and be sure to get on a guided trip or charter boat tour if you plan to come during the silly season.