JB of altitude Paddleboards and I ascended in altitude up the narrow mountain road, a chill started to bite. Ice covered a small lake that we quickly passed by. I knew the flow would be low but it never occurred to me that parts of the river could be frozen. I also knew that we still had over a thousand feet to drop again before we would make it to the river. So the air should warm up a bit more. We were running the class 5 section of Waterton Canyon but I think at this flow it would be more of a 3.
Along side of the South Fork of on the Platte the flow was low, 43 cfs I think. Boneyard the whole way to the confluence. I hardly recognized it. The other 200+ of water was running out of the North Fork. Combined the flow would be good enough for the Waterton section!
We parked the car and started to get our gear ready. I unstrapped my Rogue Tesoro That i could hardly wait to get on the water! I went with a really short fin just to be safe. Once we got on the water i could almost feel the icy chill through my board! it was cold and many of the boulders in the water were covered in ice.
The first part of the run was pretty easy. JB and I found a few good spots to practice eddying out, ferrying. He showed me a few good things he learned from Charlie Mccaurthers whitewater class. I still gotta work on those!
There were a few technical sections coming up! There was a section where river left was blocked of by a tree so you had to shoot right and take a small drop through two rocks. This was my favorite part of the run for sure! With a bit more flow this would have been a good place to get pinned for sure. The sections after that were full of rocks you had to navigate through! We walked back up for a second run at those sections!
After hiking our boards back to the car we drove up the North Fork to scope out some drops! We found a few good ones but the flow was a little low. We are waiting to hit those in spring!!!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
SUP rail jam!
Earlier that day I was at a SUP meet up at a lake close to my house. Mark(a KM Rep), John (a pro climber), and I (Rogue rep and rider) were talking about grinding rails on our SUPs. An idea that was keeping me up at night. I found out that John had also thought about doing this. It was clear to me that unless we did this I wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about it.
Fifty bucks and a short car ride later we arrived at the river spot we all decided to go to. I thought it would be best to drop the rail in the water behind a rapid. That way we would have enough speed to finish the whole rail. I wasted no time, as I was positioning the rail behind the rapid the current swept it away. I thought it would float but it quickly sank to the bottom.
We looked everywhere for the rail. It was nowhere to be found. I didn’t get how we could lose such a big rail in water that was no deeper than 10ft at the deepest point. With the sun going down and team moral at a low Mark gave it a few last free dives. To my amazement he came up with the rail!
We still had a little over an hour before the sun would go down so we decided to place the rail in the shallows and use some man power to get the speed we needed. After the a few attempts and some funny falls and some epic slides we accomplished what we had worked all day for! SUP Rail Sessions!
Fifty bucks and a short car ride later we arrived at the river spot we all decided to go to. I thought it would be best to drop the rail in the water behind a rapid. That way we would have enough speed to finish the whole rail. I wasted no time, as I was positioning the rail behind the rapid the current swept it away. I thought it would float but it quickly sank to the bottom.
We looked everywhere for the rail. It was nowhere to be found. I didn’t get how we could lose such a big rail in water that was no deeper than 10ft at the deepest point. With the sun going down and team moral at a low Mark gave it a few last free dives. To my amazement he came up with the rail!
We still had a little over an hour before the sun would go down so we decided to place the rail in the shallows and use some man power to get the speed we needed. After the a few attempts and some funny falls and some epic slides we accomplished what we had worked all day for! SUP Rail Sessions!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Paddlefest in BV
In high flow or low flow Buena Vistas water park is a good time. The waves are surf able and locals are friendly. Paddlefest bring out all the professionals from kayakers to SUPers. It is great to see everyone in one spot and able to enjoy and share the waves and water.
The Upriver/Downriver SUP race was unlike any river event I have been to or competed in. Very fun and took river skill to maneuver up the river current. I cannot wait to go back and surf at better flows!!!
The Upriver/Downriver SUP race was unlike any river event I have been to or competed in. Very fun and took river skill to maneuver up the river current. I cannot wait to go back and surf at better flows!!!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
The Golden Games
This event had a really good vibe. As always all the competitors were really friendly. This event is held in Golden Colorado in Clear Creek. This Is one of the best play boating parks in the Denver area. The event was held as a time trial. All competitors had two runs and the best I the two counted! I held down first place and was stoked to be part of such a great event!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Clear Creek
A great place to train and learn to white water SUP it at the clear creek white water park. It stays pretty shallow in most sections. So run it in pads so you don't tear your shins up! This spot is one of my favorite places to teach new river SUPers as well as to practice eddy turns and other river maneuvers that are helpful during a river event.
What is river surfing?
River surfing is surfing on a river. There are two different kinds of river waves. A standing wave. Caused by a sudden increase in river depth. And a tidal bore. Caused by an ocean swell being forced into a river mouth.
Regardless of what kind of river surfing you are doing it is most important to make sure you have the right gear to keep you safe. Have fun and see you on the river!
Regardless of what kind of river surfing you are doing it is most important to make sure you have the right gear to keep you safe. Have fun and see you on the river!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Pacific garbage patch
Like my friends at Ocean Minded say, "Everything ends up in the ocean." I couldn't have said it better myself. Maybe because I am a stand up paddler and spend so much time on the water I have a better understanding about how true that statement is. Why should you care?!
About eighty percent of the plastic in the ocean comes from inland states that don't even touch the ocean. Wind, rain/snow runoff, rivers and creeks and just some of the ways your litter will find it's way into the oceans. Then what?!
Every chemical in plastic is toxic. Tiny fish and other wildlife eat small pieces of plastic and other litter thinking it is food. Then a bigger fish eats that fish and so on. While the chemicals are absorbed into every fish all the way onto your dinner plate. Then you eat it and the chemicals are absorbed by you!
We have all sorts of cancer awareness programs. Who would have thought it all starts with respect for our environments and oceans. No matter how far inland you live, you are still effected by he oceans. Do your part to fight cancer and keep our oceans blue!
About eighty percent of the plastic in the ocean comes from inland states that don't even touch the ocean. Wind, rain/snow runoff, rivers and creeks and just some of the ways your litter will find it's way into the oceans. Then what?!
Every chemical in plastic is toxic. Tiny fish and other wildlife eat small pieces of plastic and other litter thinking it is food. Then a bigger fish eats that fish and so on. While the chemicals are absorbed into every fish all the way onto your dinner plate. Then you eat it and the chemicals are absorbed by you!
We have all sorts of cancer awareness programs. Who would have thought it all starts with respect for our environments and oceans. No matter how far inland you live, you are still effected by he oceans. Do your part to fight cancer and keep our oceans blue!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
It's not the gear it's the paddler?
Believe it or not, this is a true statement. You couldn't hop on Danny Ching's race board and win the distance event of the Battle of the Paddle.
Studying stoke technique for a few years has taught me that there is no right way to paddle. So this statement is right to a degree.
After you hone in on your technique you need to ask yourself if Danny could win the race on your board...
Studying stoke technique for a few years has taught me that there is no right way to paddle. So this statement is right to a degree.
After you hone in on your technique you need to ask yourself if Danny could win the race on your board...
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Stand up Paddle the San Marcos River
The river comes from a natural spring so it is very warm. Crystal clear, it is almost like paddling in the tropics. You can surely enjoy all the wildlife the river has to offer!
Surfing! There is a standing wave that the river is known for. This is actually the reason why I visited the river. This wave hits at lower flows.
This spot is defiantly one of the best chill river paddles around.
Surfing! There is a standing wave that the river is known for. This is actually the reason why I visited the river. This wave hits at lower flows.
This spot is defiantly one of the best chill river paddles around.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Hitting it early
The river flows may be low but i am after it. Thanks to ROGUE SUP I have a board that can take a real beating. A must have in low river flows! The channel is narrow and it's hard to hit the right line without a fin. I dropped the last fall sideways and got caught up on almost dry rock. That will always end in a face plant. Thanks to my bro for nabbing this sick pic just before I took the plunge.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
River gear
For a good downriver paddle I always have to take a few things with me for safety and comfort here is a pic of what I take. 
ROGUE Speed
Check out the new F.R.O. Program that ROGUE just came out with! What does it stand for? For Rippers Only! Only ROGUE would bring you custom quality boards without paying the custom prices! 
Saturday, March 17, 2012
St. Thomas
Crystal clear water, a warm blue sky, friendly locals. What more could a paddler ask for?!
I want to go back and paddle around the whole island. It would be a 60 mile paddle! Not to big but it would take a few days.
I want to go back and paddle around the whole island. It would be a 60 mile paddle! Not to big but it would take a few days.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
February river running
The past weeks weather has been crazy. 25 degrees and snowing one day and the next day 85 mile an hour winds. I have been itching to get back on the water. Today was the day!
The only water I found not frozen was in rivers. I hit a small section of the platte up. The section was perfect, hidden from the wind and cold. The sun was out but it was only about 45 at the warmest.
I paddled for about an hour going downriver and paddling back against the current. I missed the sun and water really bad!
The only water I found not frozen was in rivers. I hit a small section of the platte up. The section was perfect, hidden from the wind and cold. The sun was out but it was only about 45 at the warmest.
I paddled for about an hour going downriver and paddling back against the current. I missed the sun and water really bad!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Etretat
Etretat is most known for it's breathtaking white stone cliffs. The cliffs are 70 meters high. There are three rock formations among the giant cliffs which include the falaise d'aval and the aiguille ('downstream cliff and needle); the manneporte, a natural rock arch; the falaise d'amont ('upstream cliff'), a thin rock that juts into the sea.
Not only can visiting paddlers enjoy the cliffs from the sea, but can also enjoy scenery from the walking paths above the cliffs. Just below the cliffs is a pebble beach that is popular. There are many different ways to enjoy the beauty that this location has to offer including horse back riding, diving, hiking wind surfing, and Stand Up Paddle.
If your eyes get tired of the beautiful ocean scenery, you can always wonder around the town. Originally this town was a fishing village but is now a resort like town. Famous artists and authors use to come an stay in this town including Monet, Maupassant, Victor Hugo and Flaubert.
Not only can visiting paddlers enjoy the cliffs from the sea, but can also enjoy scenery from the walking paths above the cliffs. Just below the cliffs is a pebble beach that is popular. There are many different ways to enjoy the beauty that this location has to offer including horse back riding, diving, hiking wind surfing, and Stand Up Paddle.
If your eyes get tired of the beautiful ocean scenery, you can always wonder around the town. Originally this town was a fishing village but is now a resort like town. Famous artists and authors use to come an stay in this town including Monet, Maupassant, Victor Hugo and Flaubert.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Life Balance
Balance is what holds our universe and lives together. As you start to kick off the new year with all kinds of health and diet goals, it is important to keep this in mind.
Lots of different kinds of people are stuck in this all organic state of mind. I believe that this can also have adverse health effects. Have you ever herd the saying, "too much of a good thing is bad?" while eating organic is good for your body, eating all organic I believe will cause just as many health effects as eating poorly!
Our bodies are constantly adapting and building up immunity against foreign things that enter our bodies. Not putting things that are part our our environment into our bodies might deprive our bodies the chance to build up immunity to certain things.
It is important to keep a balance in our diets as well as in our everyday life. Stay active and be part of nature.
Lots of different kinds of people are stuck in this all organic state of mind. I believe that this can also have adverse health effects. Have you ever herd the saying, "too much of a good thing is bad?" while eating organic is good for your body, eating all organic I believe will cause just as many health effects as eating poorly!
Our bodies are constantly adapting and building up immunity against foreign things that enter our bodies. Not putting things that are part our our environment into our bodies might deprive our bodies the chance to build up immunity to certain things.
It is important to keep a balance in our diets as well as in our everyday life. Stay active and be part of nature.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Great Salt Lake
As I drove into the Great Salt Lake Marina there were old buildings that seemed to be abandon. I couldn't help but imagine that one day these ruins were gift shops of some sort. Full of visiting people but now looked like they hadn't welcomed visitors in years.
Once we got to the marina I was overwhelmed with my surroundings. The lake was bigger than I thought it would be and the hills surrounding it were beautiful.
A sulfur smell permeates the air around the lake and where the wind blows it. Swimming in the lake would be tough because the water is so shallow in most spots. Not only that but the water is so full of brine shrimp, I don't think anyone would want to swim in it!
As I put my board into the water a storm was rolling in. I pushed off the dock and headed toward the closest hill. There was weird purple algae growing in the water so I made sure I stayed on my board. Because of the smell I felt like I was paddling in lava on some great adventure you would see in movies.
After a good paddle I got back to my car just as the rain started to fall. I loaded ip my ROGUE paddle board and began my 8 hour drive back to Denver.
Once we got to the marina I was overwhelmed with my surroundings. The lake was bigger than I thought it would be and the hills surrounding it were beautiful.
A sulfur smell permeates the air around the lake and where the wind blows it. Swimming in the lake would be tough because the water is so shallow in most spots. Not only that but the water is so full of brine shrimp, I don't think anyone would want to swim in it!
As I put my board into the water a storm was rolling in. I pushed off the dock and headed toward the closest hill. There was weird purple algae growing in the water so I made sure I stayed on my board. Because of the smell I felt like I was paddling in lava on some great adventure you would see in movies.
After a good paddle I got back to my car just as the rain started to fall. I loaded ip my ROGUE paddle board and began my 8 hour drive back to Denver.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Cancer free ocean
Like my friends at Ocean Minded say, "Everything ends up in the ocean." I couldn't have said it better myself. Maybe because I am a stand up paddler and spend so much time on the water I have a better understanding about how true that statement is. Why should you care?!
About eighty percent of the plastic in the ocean comes from inland states that don't even touch the ocean. Wind, rain/snow runoff, rivers and creeks and just some of the ways your litter will find it's way into the oceans. Then what?!
Every chemical in plastic is toxic. Tiny fish and other wildlife eat small pieces of plastic and other litter thinking it is food. Then a bigger fish eats that fish and so on. While the chemicals are absorbed into every fish all the way onto your dinner plate. Then you eat it and the chemicals are absorbed by you!
We have all sorts of cancer awareness programs. Who would have thought it all starts with respect for our environments and oceans. No matter how far inland you live, you are still effected by he oceans. Do your part to fight cancer and keep our oceans blue!
About eighty percent of the plastic in the ocean comes from inland states that don't even touch the ocean. Wind, rain/snow runoff, rivers and creeks and just some of the ways your litter will find it's way into the oceans. Then what?!
Every chemical in plastic is toxic. Tiny fish and other wildlife eat small pieces of plastic and other litter thinking it is food. Then a bigger fish eats that fish and so on. While the chemicals are absorbed into every fish all the way onto your dinner plate. Then you eat it and the chemicals are absorbed by you!
We have all sorts of cancer awareness programs. Who would have thought it all starts with respect for our environments and oceans. No matter how far inland you live, you are still effected by he oceans. Do your part to fight cancer and keep our oceans blue!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Teva Games
You want to put your SUP skills to the test. The thrill of 1000 cheering fans. To share the sport of Stand up Paddle with people at home flipping through television channels. Then Teva mountain games is your destiny.
The Teva games is 5 days and is held in Vail Colorado. Spectators and participants for almost any outdoor sport you can imagine show up from all around the world. Kayaking, fly fishing, dog jumping, running, bike racing, BMXing, rock climbing, and the sport we all know and love, Stand up Paddling!
Two Stand up paddle events will be held at the games. Both events will be river races on gore creek. The down river sprint which is a 3 mile down river time trial. The second event is a SUP cross short sprint.
Participants in the Down River Sprint all need to register their boards and drop them off a day before the race. This is required because there is no parking at the races start point. It is literally in someones backyard. Boards and riders will be shuttled to location. I learned the hard way last year and ended up missing the race because of it.
The SUP cross race will be held the following day. The starting point and finish are within walking distance of each other. Heats will be run in groups of four racers and top two will go onto the next round. Elimination will go on until the finals. A cash purse is awarded for winners. Last year I made it to the semi finals. This race is an everyone for themselves sprint! All or nothing and anything can happen. I saw some of the fastest racers get cornered and eliminated before they could do anything about it. Make sure you practice your river skills!
I also recommend checking out the other events and food vendors. Chipolte had a booth up last year and there is nothing better after a hard race than one of their burritos! Eighty percent of the ingredients they use is organic.
See you on the water at the starting line. Paddle fast and take chances!
The Teva games is 5 days and is held in Vail Colorado. Spectators and participants for almost any outdoor sport you can imagine show up from all around the world. Kayaking, fly fishing, dog jumping, running, bike racing, BMXing, rock climbing, and the sport we all know and love, Stand up Paddling!
Two Stand up paddle events will be held at the games. Both events will be river races on gore creek. The down river sprint which is a 3 mile down river time trial. The second event is a SUP cross short sprint.
Participants in the Down River Sprint all need to register their boards and drop them off a day before the race. This is required because there is no parking at the races start point. It is literally in someones backyard. Boards and riders will be shuttled to location. I learned the hard way last year and ended up missing the race because of it.
The SUP cross race will be held the following day. The starting point and finish are within walking distance of each other. Heats will be run in groups of four racers and top two will go onto the next round. Elimination will go on until the finals. A cash purse is awarded for winners. Last year I made it to the semi finals. This race is an everyone for themselves sprint! All or nothing and anything can happen. I saw some of the fastest racers get cornered and eliminated before they could do anything about it. Make sure you practice your river skills!
I also recommend checking out the other events and food vendors. Chipolte had a booth up last year and there is nothing better after a hard race than one of their burritos! Eighty percent of the ingredients they use is organic.
See you on the water at the starting line. Paddle fast and take chances!
Winter SUP
After church I got a call from my friend Dave. "We are almost to the hill and we have some SUPs and paddles" he said. I hopped into my car and headed off to meet them at Ruby Hill Park in Denver.
A day before we had talked about taking some SUPs over to a sledding hill because the lakes were frozen. I pulled up a little late and they were charging the hill without me.
I grabbed my gear and headed up the hill. When I got to the top, we were getting some strange looks from people. I guess they had never seen this before. It worked really well.
After a few good rides and some epic wipeouts we decided to call it a day. But before we we left we just had to ride the biggest hill there. It was steep and icy but we charged it!
A day before we had talked about taking some SUPs over to a sledding hill because the lakes were frozen. I pulled up a little late and they were charging the hill without me.
I grabbed my gear and headed up the hill. When I got to the top, we were getting some strange looks from people. I guess they had never seen this before. It worked really well.
After a few good rides and some epic wipeouts we decided to call it a day. But before we we left we just had to ride the biggest hill there. It was steep and icy but we charged it!
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