Dec 13 2014

Paddleboard Camping!

Published by under Mexico Whitewater

In my relentless search for places to escape the cold, I found Mexico!  A refuge from the polar vortexes of the U.S. and also a paddlers paradise.  There is so much diversity of whitewater that you need multiple river craft to enjoy it all!

The headwaters of the Santa Maria River lie in the semi desert region between the states of Queretaro and San Luis Potosi.  150 miles from the gulf of Mexico where it finally meets the salt water.  Santa Maria has no Dams and all 150 miles are excellent runnable whitewater.  5 Canyons, miles of big water class 4-5 and a 315 foot waterfall from the Rio Gallinas make this a multi-day paddlers dream!

We recently did the most upper stretch of Santa Maria on SUP boards.  Its a 12 mile scenic canyon float with one class 4 rapid.  Our plan was to put on in the afternoon and camp beside the class-4.  Put ins in Mexico are sometimes an adventure in itself.  This particular part of the river is a favorite watering hole for local cattle!

Heather and I used the Czar 6 and Baron 6 SUPs.  The extra flotation comes in handy when carrying camping gear and food.  I carried mosquito net, hammock, rain fly, jet boil stove and K-pump.  Heather took the extra clothes, water filter and head lamps.

First day of paddling was a little more than an hour.  We found a nice spot on an island just beside the portage.  One of the amazing things about inflatable paddleboards is how comfortable they are to sleep on.  Let out half the air and you have a huge therma-rest bed.  The Baron 6 sleeps two people if they are friendly!

We decided to avoid any bug encounters in the night, so i strung our hammock loosely over the Baron 6.  This hammock has mosquito netting built in and also comes with a nice rain-fly.  it looked like rain so we used the fly as well.

After a good night sleep, re-inflate the board, take a nice river shower and we launched for the next 8.5 miles of class 2.  There are huge Sabino trees over 500 years old, a portion of the old Spanish silver train runs along the river right side.

​ The Sabino tree has one of the most impressive root sytems I have ever seen.  these old trees actually from the river back, their roots intertwine and become an unbreakable shoreline, incredible erosion protection!


As we moved farther into the canyon the riverbed starts to become very sandy.  It makes for nice soft fall if you’re just beginning to learn SUP.  There are numerous springs that enter the river as waterfalls on river left. I counted at least 5 and all were quite a bit warmer than the actual river water.  As you can imagine they are also full of incredible vegetation.

This section of the Santa Maria passes through the historic town of Conca, Queretaro.  A Franciscan mision was built here in the 1700′s.  There are 4 more, nearly identical throughout the region.  At one point the river banks to the right and you can turn and see the Mision.  Its just visible in front of Heather above the first row of trees.

If you are looking for new ways to enjoy and explore using a paddle board, I highly recommend the over night trip.  SUPs are a true SUV of paddle sports.  With the right board and dry equipment the experience is stress free and much easier than I ever thought possible.  Its your own personal watercraft and bed rolled into one.  Make sure the run isn’t too difficult because the weight of your gear does affect how the board handles.  I found that by moving back towards the tail balances things out and makes for a great workout too!
​ I know its cold in the states right now, so roll up those boards, grab some friends and head down to Mexico and see us.  Water temps are in the 70′s and there are plenty of enchiladas for everyone.

Words by Aaron  Photos by Heather and Aaron

 

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Dec 16 2012

The New Astral Brewer river shoes. Made for SUP.

This blog is from a SUP stand point.  SUP is much more footwear intensive than kayaking.  When we find something good..we get very excited!

http://cksblog.com/2012/12/astral-brewer-long-term-review-by-aaron-

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until later

 

Aaron

 

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Mar 27 2012

Stand Up Paddling down Waterfalls!

 

You have to choose your waterfalls very carefully when paddling a SUP.  You want the falls to be near vertical and not too tall.  The drop in these pictures is about 14 feet tall.

SUP waterfallWith these sliding drops it is very important to not use the skegs.  Either turn the board around backwards or choose a board with removable skegs.

SUP waterfallFoot placement should be in the Kung Fu stance so you have maximum stability.  I have also tried surfer stance and it worked fairly well.

SUP waterfallYour weight has to stay moving with the board.  If you are too far back the board will kick up and leave you in the landing.  Too far forward and it will sub out and become very unstable.

SUP waterfallIf you can get in a big stroke for the landing it will help to keep you connected to the board.  A change in velocity is what causes falls, whether it be the board or rider.

SUP waterfallThe downtime was pretty heavy on this drop.  I actually fell after the board resurfaced.  A board with a little more rocker will keep me from going so deep the next time.

At Kayak Huasteca we use Imagine Rapidfire boards and Werner paddles.  All can be Purchased at CKS.

See you on the river…

Aaron

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Sep 25 2011

5 Reasons to Kayak in Mexico this Winter!

Published by under Uncategorized

Every photo below is a reason to get down and enjoy the beauty of Mexico.

Kayak Huasteca is operating for the 6th season this year.   We want to extend a huge Thanks and invitation to all our Friends and Sponsors.

Minas Viejas

Minas Viejas

Immersion Research, Shred Ready, Spokiz, CKS and Emotion Kayaks are all helping us explore and paddle the Turquoise waters of Mexico.

Banana rapid.  Rafting first D

Banana rapid. Rafting first D

The season in Mexico is November through March.  Perfect for those wishing to escape the cold.

Dan D running the left line

Dan D running the left line

Great food and incredible weather await you, south of the border.

350 foot falls on the Gallinas River, falling into the Santa Maria.

350 foot falls on the Gallinas River, falling into the Santa Maria.

SUP or stand up paddling has become an incredible way to enjoy class 2 once again.

One of the many drops on MInas Viejas

One of the many drops on MInas Viejas

Hope everyone had a great summer and when the snow starts to fall you know where to go!   We’ll keep the enchiladas hot and the beer cold!

See you on the River.

Aaron

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May 04 2011

Emotion Traverse. A truly all-purpose stand up board!

Published by under Whitewater SUP

I’ve been paddling the Emotion Traverse for over a year now.   Let me just say “ I LOVE THIS BOARD!”  

Some class 3 below 300 foot Tamul Falls!

Some class 3 below 300 foot Tamul Falls!

 I have had the pleasure of paddling up to Class 4 whitewater, flat water, ocean surf, fishing, and even some waterfalls with the Traverse.  It has surpassed all my expectations.

Emotion Traverse boards ready for action

Emotion Traverse boards ready for action

 

The Traverse is made form High density plastic so it is tough.  This board can take a lot of abuse.  I have seen mine fly from the roof rack more than once, with no visible damage.  TOUGH!

Another day at the office!

Another day at the office!

 

Take a milk crate and some rod holders, strap them to the back, and you have a perfect fishing platform.  4 Traverse and 1 kayak on the river together and we caught over 20 fish.  Large mouth bass, sunfish and even a trout.

Nice bass on the Lower Ocoee.

Nice bass on the Lower Ocoee.

If you are looking to run whitewater on an SUP?  This is the perfect place to start.  The Emotion Traverse will enable you to run class 2, ferry and surf your first day on the river!

Running the ledge on the Hiwassee.  5000cfs

Running the ledge on the Hiwassee. 5000cfs

With a bit of experience the Traverse can even run some of the harder whitewater.

Nice drop on a SUP.

Nice drop on a SUP.

SUP is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.  If your looking to get involved the Traverse is agreat way to go.  Retail prices of $399 is hard to beat.  Get a helmet, PFD and paddle and you are ready to go.  

Be sure to check out www.emotionkayaks.com  and don’t forget about Mexico in the winter with  www.kayakhuasteca.com

See you on the river.

 

Aaron

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