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Chris Riley

Lifestyle Editor Expertise: Boating | Water Sports | Outdoor Lifestyle Highlights:
  • Lifestyle Editor and Content Curator
  • Specialist in Boating and Outdoor Hobby Industry
  • Advanced Open Water PADI Certification
  • Entrepreneur
Experience: Chris Riley is a Lifestyle Editor and founder of Boatsafe.com, specializing in boating, outdoor sports, and hobbies. Chris heads up a team of industry research experts, curating a comprehensive platform and industry anchor. Boatsafe.com caters to professionals and passion hobbyists alike. Chris’ experience on the water spans his life and career, with sailing, fishing, surfing, and diving as his prime passions. He’s combined digital-research with his sailing and water-sports expertise, to curate the best in gear, boats, gadgets, and nautical knowhow for his international readership. Based in Rogers, Arkansas, Chris lives in the Ozarks and is surrounded by the Buffalo and Mulberry River, not far from Beaver Lake. When he’s not putting outdoor enthusiasts at the helm of their passions, you can find him on, under, or alongside the water. Education: Chris’ entrepreneur-ship sailed at age 12. Since then, he’s captained innovative projects, navigating his prime passions: sailing, water sports, and outdoor living. He received a first-hand education in boating and water sports, sailing to over 50 islands and travelling to 70 countries. He has his Advanced Open Water PADI Certification.

Articles by Chris Riley

Turtle Town

Best Snorkeling in Maui: Can’t Miss Snorkeling Spots

You’ve never known snorkeling until you’ve been to Maui. From the world-famous lava rock at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach to Molokini’s little islet, there are no words to describe how breathtaking these snorkeling sites are. Being able to experience these beautiful, crystal-clear, blue waters is reason enough to hop on the next flight…

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10 Best Drop Shot Baits: Pro Anglers Guide

Contrary to what you might believe, there’s a technique for fishing. You can’t just go out to the water, cast your fishing line, and expect to reel in some big catches. There’s a method to the madness, more so when it comes to bass fishing. If you’re looking to catch smallmouth or largemouth bass, one…

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Best Shoes for Kayaking: 2023 Buying Guide for Men and Women

Imagine exploring places you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to access by land. Imagine enjoying the sights and sounds of the tranquil waters in secluded lakes and streams. Imagine reveling in the quiet companionship of paddling alongside family, friends, or new acquaintances. Kayaking makes it all possible. If you’re not on that bandwagon, let’s just say…

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Best Carp Bait: Store Bought and Natural Options

Lots of anglers love the fun that can come with trying to catch a carp. These fish can be a great challenge for any angler, putting up a strong fight as you try your best to reel them in. To increase your chances of catching this fish, it’s good to know that you’re using the…

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Nitro Z21

Nitro Z21 Bass Boat Review – Tournament Ready

To a bass tournament angler, the boat is considered sacred ground. In the quest to come up with the perfect boat, Nitro compiled input from seasoned anglers and used the information to manufacture the bass fisherman’s dream boat, the Nitro Z21. It is 21’2” long with an average package weight of 4,050lbs. Its person carrying…

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The Best Survival Kit

9 Best Survival Kits of 2023

Most people don’t plan on being caught in survival situations. Unfortunately, it’s not up to us to decide if, where, and when emergencies happen. Because of this, it’s always best to be ready for such an emergency. You can prepare yourself mentally, but there are also physical steps that you can take to prepare for…

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How to Use a Snorkel

How to Snorkel Like a Pro: A Beginners Guide

Snorkeling is an activity many dream of doing but don’t feel as if it is fully worth the time and effort. For a multitude of travelers, it’s presented as more of an adventurous activity that anyone can partake in. However, there’s so much more to this outdoor activity. What you may not realize is that…

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The Best Spinnerbait

Best Spinnerbaits To Use In 2023: Pro Angler Guide

If you like to regularly fish for bass, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about spinnerbait before. These flashy lures are an excellent choice when fishing for bass for a wide variety of reasons. With so many different makes, colors, and brands on the market, though, determining which pieces of bait are actually going to…

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Different Types of Bass Fish

The Different Types of Bass: A Comprehensive Guide

The mention of bass fish is enough to excite any competitive angler as it is the most sought after trophy in their circles. It is important to distinguish one from the other because this information helps you plan how to snare them while keeping within restrictions. Certain species are protected for a reason or another,…

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Crankbaits

Jerkbait vs Crankbait: Detailed Comparison

Gone are the days when people used to collect worms to use as bait when fishing. Fishing equipment and accessories have evolved over the years to become easily accessible and highly effective. When it comes to baits and lures, jerkbait and crankbait are the most common. Although they have some similarities, they have several differences…

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Ranking The Best Outdoor Thermometers of 2023

In an age where handheld devices seem to be the answer to our every need, you may think of an outdoor thermometer as a bit of an ancient relic. However, today’s outdoor thermometers are not only modern in their technology, but they are still the preferred option for accuracy. Ask any “weather nerd,” and they…

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Best Handheld Ham Radio

Reviewing The Best Handheld Ham Radios of 2023

Ham radios, also called amateur radios, are devices that use radio frequencies as a way to communicate and connect with people. They use voice, data, image, and text communications through RF spectrum frequencies. Owning a handheld ham radio might sound far-fetched, especially in this digital age. Many people don’t believe that ham radios are used…

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The Best Bass Reel

Ranking The Best Bass Reels of 2023

Fishing for bass is common among anglers, but you need a solid tool to succeed at the sport, whether you are an expert or beginner angler. As you may already know, using the wrong reel type for bass fishing can significantly reduce your fishing ability and may even end up discouraging you from fishing. This…

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Snorkelers with fish underwater

Best Snorkeling Spots in the Caribbean

Snorkeling and scuba diving rank high among the common activities in the Caribbean for good reasons. The islands in the region have some of the most inviting waters with tons of underwater adventures. Imagine a place with literally hundreds of islands, each having a special charm. Picture a region where the sea stays warm throughout…

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Best Ultralight Spinning Reels of 2023

Let’s face it. No gear collection is complete without at least one Ultralight spinning reel. Granted, it may not get as much use compared to the large spinning rig you toss at buzz baits or with that baitcaster that comes in handy for worming. However, there’s no denying it’ll see a considerable amount of time…

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Best Pop up Canopy Tents

Reviewing The Best Pop-Up Canopies of 2023

Going up into the mountains or driving to the beach for a day picnic? Having a pop up canopy tent is the best thing as it protects against unpredictable weather elements like wind and rain. These portable protectors are available in various sizes and offer different features like sidewalls, mosquito nets, and wheels for added…

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Jet Ski vs WaveRunner vs Sea-Doo

Jet Ski vs WaveRunner vs Sea-Doo: Which is Best?

Did you know that those highly agile watercraft that look like sleek motorcycles aren’t actually called “Jet Skis”? Almost everyone refers to all of them as different types of Jet Skis, but the fact is that “Jet Ski” is actually just one brand of what is collectively called “Personal Water Crafts” or PWC. Granted, we…

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Ranking The Best Fly Reels of 2023

Fly fishing requires skill, patience, and also a little bit of luck. The skill piece of this does not just start when you are on the water. An angler’s “skill set” also involves knowing the right equipment for their needs because not all rods and reels are alike. Getting the equipment and gear right can…

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Aluminum Boat

Aluminum vs Fiberglass Boat: Which Should You Buy?

In almost every boating sector, there are heated arguments as to what is better than what. For example, people who prefer deep sea fishing will almost always argue that fishing is better than lake or river fishing. People who use boats seldom understand people who go fishing in a kayak or a canoe. But perhaps…

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Best Spincast Reels of 2023 Reviewed

A great angling experience involves several factors like getting equipped with your fishing gear. One such fishing gear is a spincast reel. These reels work best for entry-level fishing because of many reasons. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the world of spincast reels and learn why they are such a popular option among beginners….

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RTIC vs YETI Coolers Comparison

RTIC vs YETI: Battle Of The Coolers

Outdoor activities during the weekend are fun. Whether it’s a camping trip, tailgating, a day at the beach, or just fishing, prior preparations are necessary. If it’s hot and sunny, you’ll need to carry a cooler to keep your drinks cool. You wouldn’t want a warm drink in the scorching sun during summer, would you?…

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10 Best Baitcasting Reels Reviews

10 Best Baitcasting Reels of 2023 Reviewed

Baitcasting reels are the way to go if you plan to take your fishing game to the next level. Every angler has varying preferences with regard to species, geography, and techniques. This means a baitcasting reel that may be best for one angler may not necessarily suit another. Without proper knowledge of baitcasting reels’ typical…

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8 Best Crappie Baits: Pro Anglers Guide

Few fish are as notoriously fickle as the famous crappies. Typically, and for an unknown reason, they only hit a bait of a certain wiggle, shape, size, or wobble. These little creatures only opt for a bait sporting multiple, well-defined hues or one bait color. Other times, they gravitate more towards fast, tight-twitching lures or…

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How to Catch Bash Fish Efficiently

How to Catch Bass: Pro Angler Tips

There are three kinds of people researching how to catch bass: those who have never caught one and want to learn, those who catch the occasional fish, but it is not good enough because of the size or frequency of catch, and those already in the big leagues who want to see if there is…

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Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines For 2023

All fishing enthusiasts understand the crucial role that their line plays. Regardless of the type of fish you’re targeting, or where you are, a good line is essential in reeling in your prize. Here’s where a fluorocarbon line comes into play. Although it’s pricier than other types of lines, as with everything else in life,…

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Wet Suit vs Dry Suit

Wet Suit vs Dry Suit: What is The Difference?

The ocean is a strange and fascinating place. Not only does it get darker the lower you go, but it also gets extremely cold. The temperature range is borderline insane from a comfortable 30 °C (86 °F) at the surface to a near-deadly −1 °C (30.2 °F) at the seabed. Unless you are a professional…

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21 Pitch Prop vs. 19 Pitch Prop

21 Pitch Prop vs. 19 Pitch Prop: Which Do You Need?

Your boat is very much like your car; without proper maintenance and the right parts, it will give you issues and might leave you stranded while out fishing for bass. The difference between your boat and your car is that the parts aren’t quite the same. While it will do you well to know how…

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Best Telescopic Fishing Rods of 2023: Expert Guide

Are you looking for a portable, convenient, and easy to use fishing rod? Telescopic fishing rods are a great option. Their main distinguishing characteristic is a collapsible design that makes them easy to pack and store. Some come as a rod and reel combo, while others are only available as rods. This article provides you…

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Best Insulated Water Bottle

Hydro Flask vs Yeti: Battle of The Insulated Water Bottles

If you are an outdoor fan, you know the importance of owning and carrying a water bottle. Whether you’ll carry water in it or your favorite beverage, it’s up to you. Some years ago, the bottles available were not as convenient as many outdoor enthusiasts would have liked. Coffee got cold and cold drinks got…

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Best Waterproof Headphones of 2023

If you’re one to swim laps on the open water, you probably know that one of the biggest downfalls to being alone out there can be swimmers’ boredom. Many people love to listen to music during exercise, pumping the jams as they run on the treadmill or lift weights. The same can’t always apply for…

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