Stand Up Paddling on Gross Mountain Reservoir

Since Gross Mountain Reservoir opened it's "doors" to Stand Up Paddling last summer, I've been enjoying the ability to get in a quick paddle on this awesome lake. It's only a few minutes from my house, so it provides a great workout in a short time period. This weekend, I tried out one of our long cruiser rental SUP boards from the Boulder CKS Rental Center (Whitewater Tube Co.).
I'm still somewhat new to SUP, and watching Dan Gavere's video, "The Ultimate Guide to Stand Up Paddling", I have been able to learn the proper technique and get some good practice in. The video helped to break the paddle strokes down in a way that was easily understandable. The concepts of the strokes are very similar to kayaking, so with a few times out on the lake, I feel like I am getting a lot better. The long cruiser boards are great for getting a lot of speed and doing a big tour across Gross Reservoir. They are definitely harder to turn, so it's really necessary to have a good, wide sweep stroke. Once up to speed, the cruiser tracked really well and covers distance in no time.
I also met a sea kayaker who enjoyed trying out the paddle board for the first time. 

Nick

Kayaking So Far...

Even though the water levels aren't what we are used to at this time of year. I have been able to get out and have some fun.  Over the past two weeks I have competed in two freestyle competitions.  The first one of the year was part of the 2012 Point Series Competition in Green River.  It was my first time on the water for the season.  It was a very great event.  Green River volunteers were friendly and fed us breakfast, lunch and dinner.  They also had a great little event where you collected floaty ducks, for great swag!

Junior Freestyle Competitors

When we left we made a quick pit stop in steamboat;  there play hole was a exceptional levels, and made a really fun surf.

On the Way Home

This past weekend was paddlefest,  and was a really fun event, even though the water level was really low.

The South Branch of the Middle Feather

Take a journey down the South Branch of the Middle Feather River located deep in the mountains of Northern California with paddlers Austin Nickell and Jordan Golnik. 

Things you see in the Southeast

It's time for you Colorado brothas to come visit me here in the Southeast!  TJ and ACC came out to visit and had nothing but a plethora of 5-star days and kayaking.  Lament low water no more!

Here's what early January looks like in the Little River Canyon:

The one, the only, Peaches still knows how to make it look good in Pinball:

The LRC provides for an awesome deep canyon feel, especially after the hike out!  It is one of the most sieved out rivers I've ever seen, but if you stay away from the left or right bank, it'll be FINE.

I don't think Dirk would've approved of this rigging job.  Unfortunately, in the dirty south everyone has ropes and no idea about the proper art of strappage:  http://www.mountainbuzz.com/forums/f11/the-art-of-strappage-11465.html

Do I hear banjo music?

I don't always camp for the entire month of April, but when I do, I prefer my sports car to get there:

The little known true putin to the Green River Narrows:

A little Where's Waldo kayaking.  Yes, I'm wearing a Kokatat shorty dry top in April and yes, it's soooo good.

After that bit of creeking, we knocked off 5 laps of goodness on Cheoah in the same day.

Toby McD boofs so hard that sometimes I worry he might hit his own head?

 Hard to beat disappearing before falling:

Eric Stalovich gittin sum!  In a kayak?

But when it goes like this all you can do is smile!

Never Before Seen Footage!!!

The Animas River has a long history of kayaking.  The boxes are no exception!  Enjoy this retro tribute.