Sara has been traveling internationally for over 30 years, first following her tri-lingual parents and later with a white water kayak in tow. She has competed in numerous international white water kayaking events and is proud to say she has lost to some of the world’s best kayakers. After finishing a Masters in Teaching Special Education, Sara moved to the Sierra Foothills to teach at an Expeditionary Learning high school. She enjoys sharing her passion for the outdoors with students, whilst supporting them with a rigorous interdisciplinary college-prep curriculum.
An avid learner herself, Sara continues to take classes for fun and is currently working on a Certificate in Wilderness Education through Lake Tahoe Community College. She has learned to skate, downhill mountain bike, backcountry ski, and climb in the last 6 years and looks forward to learning much more. Sara doesn’t believe in the mantra that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. She teaches for California Women’s Kayak Collective during her summer breaks.
Author Profile
Sara James
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 84 by Sara James

Best Water Gear
Enjoy a day on the water. Our ultimate list of the best water gear is adventure worthy. We considered everything you...
The Best Kayaks
In the market for a new kayak this season? We're here to help you make the most educated choice to suit your needs and...
Editors' Choice
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 Review
It's rare to find a sit-on-top kayak that performs this well and has all the extra added features that this one does...
Editors' Choice
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Review
This kayak's winning combination of comfort and performance earned it our top award for recreational touring kayaks...
Best Buy
Pelican Argo 100X EXO Review
For those seeking a casual paddling experience, the Argo is a great choice for leisurely trips on calm waters and for...
The Best Paddle Boards
Looking for the best paddle board of them all? We extensively tested all the top-rated SUPs side by side to help you...
Best Buy
Quest Passage 100 Review
An affordable sit-on-top kayak geared toward budget-minded recreational paddlers who value stability, ease of use, and...
Top Pick
Perception Hi Life 11.0 Review
Whether you're sitting, standing, swimming, or hauling a kid or pet, this kayak accommodates it all with surprising...
Top Pick
Eddyline Skylark Review
This lightweight model brings a lot to the table. Despite weighing just 43 pounds, it is extremely maneuverable, easy...
The Best Water Shoes for Women
To find out which stand out among the heap, our testers took these models rafting down the Grand Canyon, paddle...
Top Pick
Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5 Review
Another sit-on-top classic, this is an incredibly stable kayak that is playful and forgiving enough to enjoy a gentle...
10 Best Water Shoes
Sick of soggy feet, or stubbing your toes on rocks while playing in the water? We've tested the best water shoes that...
Best Buy
Speedo Surf Knit Pro for Women Review
This shoe nails the balance between comfort, performance, and price for casual aquatic adventures. With a breathable...
Top Pick
Astral Brewer 3.0 Review
The updated design strikes a confident balance between style, grip, and all-day comfort. The refined heel cup offers a...
The Best Cargo Boxes
Have more cargo than your car can carry? We bought the 10 best cargo boxes available today and tested them...
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