SUP break through

[SteveO]

I had a SUP break through over the past couple of days.  I have been having honestly a pretty miserable time trying to learn to river SUP with the high waters out here in Colorado.  I have almost lost my board twice, and nearly met my maker once.  I found it fun and easy to surf on a wave, but heading down river was another story altogether. Then I tried standing on a buddy's inflatable kayak.   WOW!!!!

Talk about the right tool for the job.  I was able to use the skills I already had and have an absolute blast.  The inflatable kayak SUP on the river rocks.  You must try it if you have not already.  It totally kicks ass.   I'm going out and buy one on Monday.  I'll keep my board for lake and surf sessions, but for downriver the kayak is the way to go.

[dropinh2o]

this sounds like Striding. where the padller uses an extra long kayak paddle to stand up an paddle. i had a chance to try this once and it was alot of fun. were you using a SUP paddle or a extra long kayak paddle.

[SteveO]

My stand-up paddle.

Here's a couple of links I found once I knew the name.  Check it out.





Did anyone know these guys were doing this?  And, why hasn't anyone the river board designers taking the inflatable more seriously?  Do you really need a kayak paddle?  I found my stick worked fine.

[mountainpaddler]

I first watched Jeff Snyder come striding down the Gauley river about 13 years ago. I was there kayaking for a month and had heard about this guy that stands up in a ducky on class IV and V. And then there he was, standing tall running Sweets Falls. Couldn't believe it. For sure works great for river running and yes it has been looked at and discussed. There is a plus and minus to everything. It has a distinct advantage in stability but new boards designed to run rivers will help bridge the gap. Who knows where it will go but JS has ruled river stand up in his ducky for a long time now.

[kwhilden]

Jeff Snyder and his brother Jim are legendary in the kayak world. Perhaps SUP will create a resurgence in striding on an inflatable kayak.  The first plastic SUP designed to run hard whitewater is about to hit the market, and I look forward to seeing how people use it. The next few years will be very interesting if other kayak manufacturers also start making plastic SUPs for whitewater.