Inventory: Take it outside with sporting goods designed in B.C.

Equipment to get even the most stubborn couch potato out the door

SPOKES PEOPLE 
Landyachtz, launched in 1997 on Vancouver Island by UVic students Mike Perreten and Tom Edstrand, gained its fame for high-quality skateboards and longboards. In 2016, with the goal of improving customers’ lives in the cyclist heaven that is Vancouver, the company began crafting bikes in East Vancouver. The Spitfire, available with one or three speeds, uses chromoly 4130 steel to provide a durable and enjoyable ride. For 2019, the bike maker introduced a limited edition Track single-speed and a cyclocross bicycle. Online and at their flagship East Van store; $800-$2,590

IRON MAN
Avid golfer Joshua Haywood was tired of seeing high-quality golf equipment pricing new players out of the sport, so he started his own gear maker. Launched last year, Vancouver-headquartered Haywood Golf released a line of forged wedges for under $100. In February, the business introduced a slope rangefinder along with a set of forged irons and an apparel line dropping this summer. Haywood hopes his efforts to provide excellent products at affordable prices will make the game of golf more accessible for novices. Online; $75-$20

ROCKING THE BOAT
With plenty of water at hand, B.C. is Delta Kayaks‘ playground. Launched in 2006, the company crafts its products in Maple Ridge and tests them locally. From beginner to expert models, its thermoformed kayaks, which are more durable than the standard rotomoulded ones, are designed with the user’s skill level in mind. Recent models include the roomy Delta 12 AR and the lightweight touring 12.10 in four bright colours, with a fifth on the way. Online and in stores worldwide; $1,450-$1,540

GET REEL
After operating as a machine shop for 40 years, J.S. Foster Corp. saw an opportunity to fill a niche in the fishing reel market. The Saanichton-based company’s extensive machining experience allows it to create precise products made in Canada. Having begun with the Pacific Steelheader float reel, the Islander Precision Reels line has since expanded to mooching and fly-fishing models, such as its award-winning TR3, as well as a mooching rod and branded apparel. At tackle shops in Canada and online; reels $429-$899

ACROSS THE BOARD
Founded on Vancouver Island by Jeff Zamluk, sold to Jaime Perez in 2018 and now based in Maple Ridge, Cascadia Board Co.  continues to design boards for water sports. The self-described water dwellers shape their skim-, surf- and paddleboards for comfort and style, with surprises in stock for the company’s 20th anniversary this year. The Beacon paddleboard, one of Cascadia’s favourites, displays the board maker’s West Coast roots with a wooden inlay and a snow-capped mountain in its logo. Online and at retailers across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico; skimboards $89-$209, surfboards $595-$969, paddleboards $1,120-$2,700

Home surf

Keen to take on water sports? If hanging 10 is your game, there’s no need to leave B.C. Just ask the Canadian Olympic Team, which named Tofino a must-visit for surfers, thanks to its “many beaches and high-quality waves.”