Kayak Huasteca

I’ve seen a lot of SUP products over the last few years, some good, some bad.  Recently I had the chance to paddle some Glide SUP boards, traditional surfboard design with a bombproof GSS coating.   My Glide boards have fallen from the roof rack to the cement, t-boned other surfboards in the ocean and been ridden across thousands of rocks without any damage.

If you are looking for a lightweight board with durability for the river, Glide has the perfect ride.

Board sizes range from 12 foot 6 inches to the 7 foot long Sesh, all have the GSS and are river surfing machines.

One of my personal favorites is the 9 foot Mongo.  This board is stable enough for the river, and loose on the ocean.  360′s and awesome nose rides are waiting if you can just find some swell!

I spend  a lot of time on inflatable SUP’s because they are durable enough for the river,  however inflatables will NEVER surf as well as a rigid board.  Glide gives you a legitimate surfing board without the flex of inflatable and a ding-proof skin!

I hear rumors that Glide SUP will have a river running board that surfs and crushes rapids for 2013.  Stay tuned for more reports on this board when it becomes available, in the meantime check out the crew at WWW.GLIDESUP.COM  made in the U.S.A  and some of the best boards you can find!

SYOTR

Aaron

I’ve been using the Czar for about 2 months now, and I have to say, this board is FUN.  I can’t wait for the production models to hit the scene.  The 2013 line up from NRS is going to be great for beginner through advanced.   Check out the video below.  It shows the stability and user friendliness of the Czar better than I can.

See you on the water

Aaron

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.

With 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.

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

Your 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.

If 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.

The 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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