River SUP

Day Light Saving? Make The Most Of The Morning!

riversup — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:12:36 +0000

Day light savings time change has just happened across most of the United States. This means that it is going to be dark before 6:00PM. Now it is getting dark so early that it is really difficult to get any paddling in after a long day of being productive at work. The time change could mark the end of the paddling season. Right not you should be thinking of Borat saying….nooooooooot!

On the other hand it could mark the beginning of a new paddling season. Dawn over the water is one of the most beautiful times of days. Getting up at 5:30 AM may seem tough but it always seems worth it when you are out on the water and the glow of the suns start to slowly light up the deep blue sky and change it to purple. The color change goes from blue to purple, red, orange, yellow, and then light blue again. This seems to happen in such a short time.

Have you every walked outside with a hot cup of coffee on a really cold winter day. There is a cloud of steam rising from your mug. This time of year(the fall) the warm water in the rivers and lakes breaths fog into the air. If you have never seen this then just get up really early in the morning.

Don’t let the time change keep you off the water, because now the best time of day just got better.
-River SUPer

The Vertical Free Fall – Waterfall SUP

riversup — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:45:15 +0000

Doing whitewater SUP is like anything else…start on the bunny hill(currents) and work you way up to the steep cliffed terrain with trees around the landing (rocks and waterfalls). With lots of challenging practice I found myself analyzing Valley Falls with a SUP.

I had been thinking of running a waterfall on the Tygart river in West Virginia for about a year. A few weeks ago I finally had a chance to give the waterfall a go. The waterfall is known as Valley Falls and is located in Valley Falls State Park. I am not sure how tall it is but it was tall enough to make it really difficult. This waterfall is really easy for an experienced kayaker but it was far from easy on a stand up board.

Before running the drop I took a close look at the pool depth for obstructions that I might smash into. After some probing with my paddle, I figured out that there were not any rocks under the surface near where I would crash….if I crashed. I am really glad I checked what was under the water at the bottom because I had a number of crashes off the board that where pretty much head first. I also checked the depth of the water at the lip of the drop just to make sure that the fins would not hit the bottom. That would have made for a ridiculous photo and a huge crash.

After I had fully scouted the dangers…I started running through my head how I was going to stick the drop…..1)Get back near the tail of the board with a wide stance to transfer my weigh when needed. 2)Have plenty of speed coming up to the lip of the drop. 3) Leave the lip with a huge stroke shooting the board outward to prevent from the nose pointing straight down. 4) Bend my knees and prepare for impact. 5)Stay on the board.

After the first attempt I realize almost everything I had listed off in my head was a lot easier said then done. First being back on the board slowed my speed…having a really wide stance (front to back and a little side to side) made the impact hard to deal with….keeping the nose of the board up was really tough….knees bent…well that is kinda hard when the board starts to float away in the air…The impact was huuuuuuge and seemed really hard to deal with when the board is so rigid….and staying on the board was more like….. try not to smash into the board.

Well if you can do something like this in a skateboarding situation then it should be possible to do it on a SUP off a freefall waterfall. I went back to the top of the drop and applied what I had learned. Now my strategy was this…1)Shoot off the drop with speed and keep the nose up. 2)Stay with the board by bending my knees more at the lip. 3)On impact, land on the board on the back half and smash the tail into the pool to absorb the impact.

After the next couple of runs over the drop…I started thinking…OK now I am starting to get close…everything worked but the impact was still a lot to deal with. I was starting to have perfect runs except that I was falling off the board from impact…

When running a waterfall like this in a kayak with perfect form, then the impact would not be a problem…the work was done on the way down…not on impact. The turning point was when I told myself that I would get hurt if I did not stay on the board. I literally made myself think that. Even though that was not true it worked. I was able to have a run where I felt like a had a perfect run where everything went right and I landed with the board and absorbed the impact by smashing the board under and taking a knee.

Full Sequence On Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridestride/sets/72157622551517175/

Complete SUP On Valley Falls Gallery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridestride/sets/72157622514567261/

Running a vertical free fall waterfall is definitely the hardest SUP situation I have encountered on the water….In a lot of ways it is like paddling over the wash of a monster wave. It takes a lot of technique and it typically does not go well the first time. Whitewater stand up is inherently dangerous like big wave surfing but with proper evaluation of the consequences the challenge is exciting. It will be interesting to see the future of whitewater stand up reveiled as time goes on.

-Luke Hopkins, Stride Stand Up Paddleboards

Credits: SUP paddler Jason Stender was there for some added safety had he made a few very impressive attempts at run the waterfall. Thanks to photo guru Simon Robinson there are photos to share.

The above article has been published with the permission of Stride Stand Up Paddleboards : The article was originally published here: http://www.ridestride.com/ssp/news?news_id=33

River SUP Photos On Flickr- Valley Falls SUP

riversup — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:40:52 +0000

Stride Stand Up Paddleboards has a flickr gallery with river stand up paddleboarding photos at Valley Falls on the Tygart River. Luke Hopkins is featured running Valley Falls on a Stride Airlite HD – River SUP. Valley Falls poses to be quite the challenge on a SUP. Check out the full sequence of a successfull run over Valley Falls. The gallery of images are all taken by Simon Robinson.

Check out this impressive River SUP Gallery on Flickr:
FLICKR RIVER SUP GALLERY AT VALLEY FALLS

Here is a Teaser Image:

The Stride Airlite HD River SUP is featured in all of the photos. Check out the Airlite HD here!

Whats SUP With This? -SUP On The Gauley

riversup — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:18:04 +0000

Sweets Falls on the Upper Gauley:

SUP The Upper Gauley are you serious…

The Gauley River is one of the most impressive whitewater runs in the country and boosts three distinct sections, the Upper Gauley, Middle Gauley, and the Lower Gauley. The Upper is the hardest, the middle is the easiest and the lower is between the two. Last year I paddled the Middle and Lower Gauley and it was really one of the most memorable SUP experiences I have had period. It was a challenge, great senery, and a crazy work out. The most difficult aspect of the Middle and Lower was that I got really tired from balancing with so many rapids. SUP is a work out…but whitewater SUP is an even better work out.

This year I wanted to SUP the Upper Gauley. I have the right gear…body armor from Sixsixone…Shred Ready Full Face Standard…Stride Airlite HD River SUP. I had tough gear and all of it could take a hit with a smile.

So you have to crawl before you walk and I felt like the Lower and Middle were just that, but I still wanted to get a taste of the Upper Gauley before diving straight into the whole run. I was lucky enough to get a ride to Sweets Falls on the Upper Gauley and from there I took a run down the drop. Well it was really tough!!! REALLY REALLY Tough!!! If you know who Jeff Snyder is he is the man…

My line down the rapid involved trying to keep my nose up and boof the bottom of Sweets Falls into the semi chaotic left side just behind Dildo rock. Everything went pretty well until I hit the back of the hole and my board’s tail caught some of the fast water and shot out from under me and up into the air the board went. Well I was not expecting to have a really successful run the first time. I did learn alot about how to do it better.

After Sweets Fall there is a number of class 3 rapids before the take out to practice on which got me thinking about all the rapids between all of the other big rapids on the rest of the Upper Gauley. There is alot of rapids. Personally I feel that I could get down the Upper Gauley on a SUP…just not the way I want to just yet…and am I in good enough shape for that many rapids…hummm. Back to working on the big water skillz on a SUP.

The Gauley area is great for SUP because you can start in Summersville lake and work your way up from there…going to the middle gauley and the to the lower gauley and eventually ….is the entire upper possible standing up?

A River Of Fountains – SUP Dayton Ohio

riversup — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:09:45 +0000

The Mad River flows through Ohio country side finally making its way through the downtown city scape of Dayton Ohio. It is here in the heart of downtown Dayton that the Mad River has one of the most spectacular water features that is not level dependant. On the hour every hour in downtown, a series of fountains of incredible magnitude from opposite sides of the river shoot into the center of the river. At the center point of all the side fountains there is the final center fountain shooting straight up. Pictures really do not do this place justice but here is a few.

The magnitude of these fountain are one of a kind.

How tall could the center fountain be?

The Mad River is a great place to get into River Stand Up Paddleboarding. The rivers slow moving currents and pool drop rapids make for a good down stream adventure or an upstream attainment workout. Bernie and Jeryl of Whitewater Warehouse have a paddlesports shop the carries paddlesports gear including the Stride Airlite HD (SUP designed for the river), Werner SUP paddles, along with pfds, helmets and everything else that is needed for a river stand up adventure to see the fountains first hand. Having SUP gear that is durable is important and Whitewater Warehouse’s personalized service can get you on the river walking on water.

Want more info about the fountains and the Mad River of Dayton?
Contact Whitewater Warehouse about SUP on the Mad River.

Want more information about Stride Airlite HD River Sups?
Here is a link to board specifications and the Airlite HD on video in action.

The perspective of standing on the water and looking down makes it possible to apreciate the shallow clear water.

All of these images are courtesy of Simon Robinson. His eye for imagery shines through in these unique photos.

River SUP Brings New Challenges – Road Biker

riversup — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:07:50 +0000

River Stand Up Paddleboarding seems to be getting alot of attention lately with Skeptic’s and the OC1 Community taking a “stand” on the fact that they have been doing it for “Years” . In most of our eyes(the ones that have tried it) river SUP is a sport we took hold of because it was a true challenge to conquer the rapids of old in a new way and basically revisit skating or snowboarding in a whole new realm and medium.

In my eyes River SUP should be just that,Standing up on a Board and meet the demands of keeping the Board and yourself in control of your environment. I truly compare SUP to doing some awesome downhill section for a Mountain Bike on a Fixed gear Track bike with 23c’s on it…..you just have to feel it to be in control and have a good time,or just crash and burn. The Future of River SUP ???? is it a Kayak looking Craft? is it constant design change??? It is about getting on a board and doing and seeing what works for you. River SUP should be people challenging themselves on those rapids that used to seem easy when sitting down in a kayak or in a raft. When it comes to river sup, the most important thing is getting on the river with tough gear so that you can learn the river again in the standing position and not have to learn how to constantly repair a traditional composite SUP design.

Testing of the Stride Airlite HD river sup prototype in a bomb drop off Sandstone Falls.

Further shared conversations can be found at some great Forums
Stand Up Zone http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php

And now for the first time without all the hostility from the raisin asses.
Boatertalks’s —–WhatSUP—–

Please just remember that this is something done in fun,not competition, it can be just as rewarding in flat water as it is in class 3+

Talk Soon,

-Simon

SUP On The Anthony River – Lewisburg, WV

riversup — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:25 +0000

Lewisburg West Virginia is located in the heart of the blue ridge mountains. The Greenbrier River and Anthony River flow through and around this small town. Both of these rivers make for a great place for river stand up paddleboarding.

The Anthony makes for a great place to river sup with the slow moving currents, class 2 whitewater, and crystal clear water with deep pools.

Melvin Dolan is shown above paddling a Stride Airlite HD river board on the Anthony River.

Blue Bend recreation area is located on the Anthony River and makes for a perfect place for Stand Up Paddleboarding. What makes blue bend so unique is that a underwater cavern collapsed at this location on the Anthony River making a 100 foot deep spot in this shallow river. The water in this deep hole is actually blue in color because of this huge cavern. This spot has been known as a incredible place for fishing and scuba diving as well. There really is not better way to go fishing than on a stand up paddleboard to get you out walking on water.

Video of SUP at Blue Bend Recreation area with Melvin Dolan

Find out more information about Stand Up Paddleboarding by visiting Melvin Dolan at the Wild Bean Cafe in downtown Lewisburg. (Wild Bean phone: 304-645-3738)

The Stride Airlite HD River Board Review

riversup — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:14:41 +0000

The Stride Airlite HD is a Stand Up Paddleboard that is built for the river. Every aspect of the Airlite HD is designed for the abuse that rocky river can deliver. The following video shows a close of of the Airlite HD and the features that is has to offer being paddled in rivers.

YOUTUBE VIDEO: Features of the Stride Airlite HD River Board

The Airlite HD River Board was put to the test on the US National Whitewater Course in Charlotte North Carolina. The following video shows how the Airlite HD river board handled being paddled in whitewater.

YOUTUBE VIDEO: Features of the Stride Airlite HD River Board

Here are some facts and features about the board:

The Stride Airlite HD (Heavy Duty) is a durable yet light weight Stand Up Paddleboard that can be converted for use as a sit on top kayak with an optional accessory kayak seat. The board is inflatable and can quickly be deflated and rolled up travel and/or storage. Car top racks and straps are not necessary as the board can be easily stowed in the trunk of your car for the ride to the river, beach, or lake. The Airlite HD is constructed of PVC material that is abrasion resistant and super durable. The HD board is different from it’s counterpart the Airlite in that it is wrapped with an extra layer of PVC to give the board a double skin for twice the protection.

The “HD” construction of the Airlite HD model makes it a perfect candidate for river use. The extra volume of the board means that it is harder to flip than a conventional board and is easier to control in whitewater. The HD has enough volume to easily float two people and gear! The board also works well as a beginner board because of it’s stability and durability. The HD is perfect for surfing small waves in the river without the worry of breaking the board or fins on the all too common river rock.

The HD comes with a backpack gear bag that is great for storing the HD or carrying it on your back. The backpack gear bag also doubles as a gear bag that can be strapped to the board, to carry extra supplies while paddling.

Product Includes:
1-Airlite HD Board
2-Repair Kit with Directions
3-Hand Pump
4-12 volt electric pump
5-Carrying Strap
6-Bag Pack Gear Bag
7-Removable Bungee Net

Specifications:
Color: Red Board with Grey Traction Pad and Grey Fins
Length: 10 feet 6 inches
Width: 30 inches
Weight: 32lbs
Thickness: 5.5 inches
Fins: Extremely Durable 3 fin system with 4 inch fins

Optional Attachments for:
Accessory Kayak Seat
Accessory Fishing Kayak Seat
Accessory Bungee Tie Down
Accessory Dry Bags on Front and Back

Click here to find out more information about Stride Boards!

SUP The US National Whitewater Center

riversup — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:46:35 +0000

The US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte North Carolina is an amazing place the brings together aspects of outdoor adventure including rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, biking, trail running, and even a high speed zip line. The whitewater center is also home to the longest man-made whitewater course in the world. All of the water actually flows down through the course and then back up to the top through 7 huge water pumps.

This course looks like a fun place to SUP. Make sure to click on the link and watch the video to see SUP in action on the course.

Read the full article with video of the course being paddled on a SUP river board here!

Riding the conveyor belt back to the top.

Whitewater River SUP Instruction with Luke Hopkins

riversup — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:24:07 +0000

The US National Whitewater Center is great for whitewater stand up paddleboarding. Here are some basic tips on technic for paddleboarding the river.

When Stand Up Paddleboarding whitewater make sure to have a durable board that can hold up to the rocks and always where a helmet and a lifejacket. The most important aspect of whitewater paddleboarding is maintaining forward speed with powerful forward strokes. This will help to keep you in control of your board and not the river.

YOUTUBE VIDEO: River SUP Instructional Video with Luke Hopkins

While maintaining forward speed be ready to keep the nose of the board out of the water when punching through holes or over ledges. This can be done by adjusting your position on the board further back to get the nose in the air. In this clip I make a small adjustment further back on the board just before going over a ledge. When paddling rapids always keep your knees bent. Having the knees bent will help to maintain balance on the board and to absorb shock when punching holes or going over ledges and water falls. When combining forward speed, keeping the nose out of the water and knees bent it is possible to stand up paddleboard more difficult rapids. Sometimes with larger drops or bigger holes an even wider and lower stance will help to absorb shock from impact. Your legs should act as suspension when going over ledges and waterfalls.

Stand up has some major advantages when paddling in rivers. The first is the ability to see further down stream to evalute the river and the obsticles. The boards always float so if you fall off during a rapid you can just climb back on and continue paddling that same rapid. Most rivers are rocky places that demand durable gear. Choosing the right board for running rapids is important. The Airlite HD made by Stride Stand Up Paddlesports is specifically designed for the river in every way. Find out more information about the Airlite HD at www.ridestride.com
-Luke Hopkins