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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 21, 2007

Outside the box

 •  Plenty of contests on tap for North Shore
 •  Sign me up

By Catherine E. Toth
Special to The Advertiser

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Royal Flush Deluxe Poker Table at Sports Authority. Price: $89.99.

Photos by CATHERINE E. TOTH | Special to The Advertiser

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Still can't figure out what to get that sports-minded person on your Christmas list?

Well, never fear!

We've compiled a list of gadgets for that fitness freak, competitor, weekend warrior or armchair quarterback on your list.

And maybe you'll find something for yourself, too.

NIKE + IPOD SPORTS KIT

Apple Store, Ala Moana Center (949-1075, www.apple.com)

Price: $29

Perfect for: The fitness freak who can't move without music.

Your iPod nano isn't just an mp3 player. With the Nike + iPod Sports Kit, it becomes your motivator, your personal trainer, your favorite workout buddy. A small accelerometer placed in your Nike shoe — yes, you have to get the matching shoes — communicates with a receiver in an iPod nano. It tracks distance traveled, pace and calories burned — all while playing your favorite tunes.

PHITEN TITANIUM SPORTS NECKLACE

Shirokiya, Ala Moana Center (973-9111, www.phitenusa.com)

Price: $25

Perfect for: Any athlete with aches and pains — and nothing's helped so far.

You either believe it or you don't. But athletes such as golfer Sergio Garcia and pitcher Randy Johnson swear by Phiten's titanium powers. The company claims its products help relieve pain, fatigue and stress. This necklace is one of its bestsellers. It comes in three lengths — 18, 22 or 26 inches — and several colors.

NIXON LOWDOWN TI TIDE WATCH

Local Motion, Koko Marina Center (396-7873, www.localmotionhawaii.com)

Price: $120

Perfect for: The surfer, fisherman, paddler, diver or all-around waterman who wants to look cool — and know the tide.

This is one of the most popular tide watches selling in surf shops this Christmas. It's pre-programmed with tide charts for 200 beaches — including ones in Hawai'i — for the next 15 years. The watch also boasts a dual time, alarm, countdown timer and wave counter. And it's stylish for the office, too.

OSIM UCOUNT PEDOMETER

Brookstone, Ward Centre (593-3232, www.brookstone.com)

Price: $25

Perfect for: Serious walkers, runners or anyone starting a fitness routine.

This pedometer boasts an FM radio, making it perfect for an early-morning power walk or jog. Its digital motion detector and "Walk or Run" Smart-Detection technology ensure accurate step counts, even in varied conditions. Plus, it calculates calories burned and distance traveled. But sorry — this only comes in green and white.

THE WAVE STREET SURFBOARD

Sports Authority (596-0166, www.sportsauthority.com)

Price: $89.99

Perfect for: That person on your list who never grew up.

Sure, this inline street surfboard isn't new. But it's still one of the most popular gifts this season. The Wave combines the feeling of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding — all on two wheels. Just be sure to wear kneepads when you're attempting that 360. (You're not that young anymore.)

COLEMAN ROADTRIP SPECIAL EDITION GRILL COMBO

Sports Authority (596-0166, www.sportsauthority.com)

Price: $179.99

Perfect for: The hardcore tailgater.

This portable grill is great for camping, picnics or tailgating at Aloha Stadium. It's got a push-button ignition, detachable side tables and a removable drip pan. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to transport from your garage to the game.

GARMIN FORERUNNER 305 WRIST-MOUNTED GPS FITNESS COMPUTER WITH HEART RATE MONITOR

McCully Bicycle and Sporting Goods (955-6329, www.mccullybike.com)

Price: $299 (on sale)

Perfect for: The competitive athlete trying to boost his/her training.

This compact, easy-to-use wrist-mounted GPS device calculates speed, distance and pace information while monitoring your heart rate wirelessly to help you improve your training. It also calculates calories burned and records lap history by day and week, storing up to 200 workouts in its memory.

CAMELBAK FLASHFLO HYDRATION WAISTPACK

Sports Authority (596-0166, www.sportsauthority.com)

Price: $39.99

Perfect for: Runners, walkers, cyclists, paddlers and hikers.

North Face and Jansport have both come out with their own versions of the hydration packs. But Camelbak still remains the popular choice among runners, cyclists and hikers. Even paddlers use this waistpack — not a fanny pack — for long-distance canoe races. This lightweight pack has a 45-fluid-ounce reservoir and a secure outer pocket for your mp3 player.

SIMPLE TOEPEEKA SANDAL

Mauka to Makai Outdoor Gear Hawaii (593-1313, www.mauka2makai.com, www.simpleshoes.com)

Price: $60

Perfect for: The environmentally conscious outdoor lover.

The Simple Shoe Company has built a reputation on making comfortable shoes that don't hurt the environment. Case in point: Toepeeka. It's made from organic cotton and water-based cements. And yes, that outsole is made from an actual car tire! For every pair of Toepeekas sold, the company will donate $5 to www.StopGlobalWarming.org.

SPORTSCAST WIRELESS FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

Brookstone, Ward Center (593-3232, www.brookstone.com)

Price: $99

Perfect for: The NFL fan who can't always access the Internet.

Stay updated with your favorite NFL team with the SportsCast Wireless scoreboard. It's updates every 15 minutes with no subscription or monthly cable bill. It displays schedules, standings and scores for every NFL team. It even shows relevant stats during the regular season and playoffs. Also for baseball.

SPEEDO HYDRO BOXER & KICKBOXER SET

Sports Authority (596-0166, www.sportsauthority.com)

Price: $49.99

Perfect for: Aquatic fitness fans.

This set includes Speedo's omni-directional resistance boxers for both arms and legs. The ergonomic design relieves stress on joints, making this a great option for anyone starting an aquatic fitness program.

LIFE IS GOOD "GO FETCH" BALL

Mauka to Makai Outdoor Gear Hawaii (593-1313, www.mauka2makai.com)

Price: $10

Perfect for: The dog owner who loves to work out with his/her pooch.

This rubber ball — one comes with a peppermint scent! — is durable and non-toxic. It bounces, it floats and it rinses clean. (It's even recyclable.) It helps you and your dog stay in shape.

ROYAL FLUSH DELUXE POKER TABLE

Sports Authority (596-0166, www.sportsauthority.com)

Price: $89.99 (on sale)

Perfect for: Anyone serious about his/her Texas Hold 'Em games.

While poker's popularity may have leveled off this year, the game still has its share of devoted fans — all of whom want a real table to play on. This folding poker table fits up to 10 players — each with its own drink holder — and has cushioned rails and a nylon cloth surface that gives it that authentic feel.

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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