Mar 01 2011
Feb 07 2011
SUP Mexico! Stand Up Paddling Inland Mexico!
The lower Micos is a gem of a run here in the Huasteca region of Mexico. It is often overlooked, much like the Lower gauley, because of the 7 waterfalls upstream.
The run is an amazing class 2-3 section with about 25 rapids. Since river SUP came on the scene, it has given us a new means to enjoy these easy sections of river.
There is a very nice hole about half way through the run. it is a class 3 hydraulic with an island next to it.
You can run this drop multiple times. right now with high levels it takes 1.5 hours to finish the run.
we are using the RapidFire SUP by Imagine Eco. And the Traverse by WWW.EMOTIONKAYAKS.COM
If you are in Mexico and have the urge to SUP, come find us at www.kayakhuasteca.com We’ll be here keepin the stoke!
Aaron
Feb 04 2011
The Beauty of Queretaro!
I have been travelling in Mexico for 5 years now. The country never ceases to amaze me. This past weekend we visited a couple of small towns in the state of Queretaro.
The first is the village of Conca. It is one of the 7 sites for the famous Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda. An amazing pueblo with great food and a laid back atmosphere.
Our time in Queretaro was spent exploring the two rivers in the area. The Santa Maria and the Ayutla. The picture above is the Canyon of the Santa Maria.
You can only see the canyon by watercraft. We chose kayaks but a local outfitter offers SUP boards, rafts and Sit on top kayaks as well.
The views from the river are incredible. We spent 4 hours on the water and arrived in the joining of the 2 rivers Ayutla and Santa Maria. One is transparent green, the other turquoise blue. along the river we found several hot springs waterfalls to relax and enjoy the scenery in!
This is an amazing place..if you are interested in exploring Conca..then check out www.kayakhuasteca.com They will be offering trips to this seldom visited place in the world. The best season to go is during the month of december.
From mexico
Aaron
Jan 29 2011
Spokiz Sunglasses…
Once in a while you come across a product that just makes sense. Spokiz sunglasses make SENSE! There are no arms to break, the frames are cast aluminum, lenses are poly-carbonate polarized and BOMBPROOF.
Spokiz have unique built in chums. There is no need to buy extra cords or straps to secure your glasses.
These glasses fit perfectly under bike, kayak, surf and snowboarding helmets.
The frames are held together with common bike spoke nipples, hence the name SPOKIZ pronounced Spoke-eyes!
Below is a short video promo for Spokiz glasses. They are always looking for more reps and people who want to help with the revolution.
CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR MOVIE Spokiz Testing Procedures!
If you want the glasses check out www.teamspokiz.com
Aaron
Jan 25 2011
Stand Up Paddling in Veracruz Mexico.
This past month we decided to hit the 3rd annual Alseseca Race in Veracruz (www.alseseca.com) and then grab our knee pads and do some SUP first descents. Our board of choice right now is the Rapidfire by Imagine Eco. Its a roto molded, tough as nails, extremely stable Stand Up Paddle Board.
Veracruz has hundreds of rivers everything from steep basalt waterfalls to sandy bottom rivers that end in the ocean. We chose the class 3+ Rio Filo-bobos to start with.
Filo-Bobos..long class 3, perfect for SUP
The Filo-Bobos is a 6 mile run down to la palmilla..there are three big class 3+ on the run. La Union, Enfrijolada and La S.
All rapids are excellent for SUP. With the Rapidfire/Traverse you can remove the skeg and run the shallows with out fear.
There are some manmade tunnels that can be paddled at certain water levels..Inside are bats, lizards and pitch black darkness.
The wall of tunnels.
I give this run a 5 star rating, easy to portage if necessary and you can run the rapids multiple times by walking back up shore.
Special thanks to Aventurec www.aventurec.com and Liquid Adventures http://liquidadventureskayakschool.org/ for the shuttles and hospitality.
Next post will be about the class 3-4 Rio Pescados and 3+ Actopan.
Aaron
Jan 09 2011
Stand Up Surfing Ciudad Valles!
Flows in the Huasteca are still a nice medium level. When we don’t feel like driving to the waterfalls there is a great park and surf 5 minutes from the Hotel.
Its a dynamic surf spot below the bridge. Two distinct waves that form in about 2 feet of water. With the current river drop, these waves will be here until april and will only get better.
The bridge makes for an excellent photo and video platform.
The left side wave makes for good ollies and some nice carves. I t has a strong foam pile that like to spin the board out so you have to stay active.
We surfed the whole fleet…Rapidfires, C4 10’6” iSUP and the Sevylor Samoa.
Its a great time of year for the waterfalls too. Come on down and enjoy the awesome water levels and warm weather. We’ll be here keeping the STOKE.!!
Aaron
Dec 26 2010
Alseseca Race is getting closer!
January 15th is the date for this seasons Annual Alseseca race. There are close to 30 rapids in all. The long race will contain the Class 5 “s-Turn” rapid and the short race ends just before it.
The Photo above is the last rapid of the short race.
The Infamous S-Turn…nice and steep with some good consequences.
This drop is called 8 Topes (speed bumps)
The last drop is at the finish line, its a 20 footer into a sticky hole called the Typewriter.
Its a fantastic race..if you want to participate let me know aaron@kayakhuasteca.com
Also you can see last years video if you CLICK HERE
See you all in Veracruz.
Aaron
Dec 14 2010
Stand Up Paddle article on SUP Connect.
If you haven’t been to Andre’s site.. www.supconnect.com and you enjoy the sport, you are missing out. It is the Facebook of SUP. There are lots of groups and ways to connect with fellow Stand Up Paddlers. We did a small article on the Inland possibilities for SUP here in the Huasteca. CLICK HERE! for the article and while you are at it, join SUP Connect and enjoy.
Aaron
Nov 26 2010
SUP Mexico.. The Rio Micos on the Rapidfire.
Click above for the latest video from Kayak Huasteca. We have been enjoying the Micos this year. Water levels are above normal and it has been 85 degrees everyday. Enjoy the Video!
Aaron
Nov 15 2010
Santa Maria Rafting
The high season has arrived here in Mexico. The rafters are here every weekend. water levels are excellent, it’s gonn be a great year.
Despite all the bad news in the media we are having a good season. Today is the start of our #8 cold front and that always helps to keep water levels high.
The 5th canyon of the Santa Maria with some good water.
Iceberg has been delivering a nice big hit!
A little love to the sponsors…
see you on the river
Aaron