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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Jan 28 2013

Waterfall and Whitewater SUP in Mexico!

We’ve been making the rounds here in Mexico this year.  Water levels are on the low side so we have been using the SUP,s a lot this year.  After the Alseseca Race we went to the Rio Filobobos then down to Rio Actopan…and later everybodies favorite whitewater paradise  Rio Micos.

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Boards we are using are the:  NRS Czar, Glide SUP Mongo and the Satrboard Converse 9.0

 

great times…enjoy the video and find us at        http://standupmexico.weebly.com/

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 14 2011

Waterfalls on a SUP Board!

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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Apr 21 2011

Ocoee season is here…with mudslides and heavy rain.

Published by under Uncategorized

Last night the TVA decided to test the flume line.  While testing, Mother Nature dumped about an inch and a half of rain.   The end result is several mud slides and some amazing waterfalls.

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Slice and Dice rapid has some new dirt on river left.  As you can see in the pic.

 

 

 

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Tablesaw rapid used to have 2 lines.  Now the left line is blocked and we will be goin right.

 

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This is one of the leaks coming out of the flume!

 

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It reminds me of Veracruz Mexico after heavy rains.  Waterfalls everywhere.

 

 

It will be a couple days before they know if the flume is serviceable.  In the meantime we will be surfing some brown water.  Check us out at CASCADE OUTDOORS

 

Aaron

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Feb 07 2011

SUP Mexico! Stand Up Paddling Inland Mexico!

Published by under Mexico Whitewater

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.

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There is a very nice hole about half way through the run.  it is a class 3 hydraulic with an island next to it.

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You can run this drop multiple times.  right now with high levels it takes 1.5 hours to finish the run.

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we are using the RapidFire SUP by Imagine Eco.  And the Traverse by WWW.EMOTIONKAYAKS.COM

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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

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Jan 29 2011

Spokiz Sunglasses…

Published by under Mexico Whitewater

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. 

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Spokiz have unique built in chums.  There is no need to buy extra cords or straps to secure your glasses.

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These glasses fit perfectly under bike, kayak, surf and snowboarding helmets.

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The frames are held together with common bike spoke nipples, hence the name SPOKIZ pronounced Spoke-eyes!

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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

                                   or   www.spokiz.com

 

Aaron

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Jan 09 2011

Stand Up Surfing Ciudad Valles!

Published by under Mexico Whitewater

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.

aaron surf right side

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.

colosio bridge

The bridge makes for an excellent photo and video platform. 

left side wave

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.

right side above

We surfed the whole fleet…Rapidfires, C4 10’6” iSUP and the Sevylor Samoa.

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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

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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

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