A cold day on the river.

[mountainpaddler]

Better then a warm day on the couch.

[robon]

Nice video and good job on the white water. I've been watching your vids and you have running rapids pretty dialed on an SUP. I'm paddling in cold water up in BC myself, but haven't been in any rapids yet. The nearest river with rapids is a little shallow after run off past late June/early July.

I am running an 11'6" all water type board (Amundson) and was wondering how running it without a fin in shallow rivers would effect the steering? I can try it on flat water first, but was wondering if you have tried this on any of your boards? I imagine it will be all over the place without a fin.

[esskay1000]

@mountainpaddler

Is that a full NRS Dry suit your wearing or is that a Kokatat?  How many layers do you wear?

cool vid, great job

[mountainpaddler]

I use these fins  http://www.surfcohawaii.com/Super-Flex-Pro-Teck-Fins-s/62.htm
cut down to about 3.5 inches and without the side fins. Works fine for this type of paddling. Plus the rubber makes hits to rocks and logs less of an impact and is a bit more forgiving. Which is also easier on your fin boxes. Between the paddle and a bit of fin it is usually enough to keep the tail end in line and going where you want it. For river running I think they are the best way to go. I use them on my river fishing rig also. Its tough to know when you are going to clip something on the river while watching eddies for fish or if you have a fish on.

As for the suit, it is a Kokatat Gore-tex dry suit with the dry footies. The only way to go when in the cold water all the time. Today I wore a full fleece bunny suit and a thicker fleece top underneath. When I got out today I was as dry as when I put it on. Amazing piece of equipment. I have had one for kayaking for 6 years. Makes todays conditions feel way more friendly and inviting. There is a pic below to show how hard it started to snow, but the suit keeps you 100% warm and dry.
Its awesome to have this type of board riding in the mountains. Makes the pain of living so far from the coast a bit easier to handle.

[creepyskier]

Nice!!!  I love Glenwood Canyon, its beautiful year round

[esskay1000]

Thanks, I've been wanting a full Gore-Tex Kokatat but man, the price.  I can get another board for that.  But you confirmed my suspicion that it would allow me to pursue river SUP all year round w/out risking hypothermia.  That's nice.

Too many toys, not enough money....

[Badfish]

Nice Hobie! We just did a little surfing today over in Salida.  I was in an NRS E-vent dry suit and super comfy.  I would also put in a plug for the NRS mittens.  I was toasty today in 40 degree water with air temps about the same. 

[PonoBill]

Looks like Glenwood Springs area. Fine little town, I have great memories of the hot springs out in the woods, and a lovely hippie lady who introduced me to them.

[VIPaddler]

Kokatat is good stuff.   We wore some of that last year when we paddled the Grand Canyon.   Good thing cause I had to swim Lava!!!!