Messages

1

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Taghum upstream to Nelson Loop.

« on: March 29, 2019, 01:30:26 PM »

Looks absolutely beautiful! I have come to really enjoy paddling up and then down river, its a very satisfying challenge. 

2

Gear Talk / Re: Naish 2020 Inflatable SUPs

« on: March 29, 2019, 09:29:55 AM »

I love 14' iSUP's for use on class 1-2 rivers. I have been using my Imagine 14' connector for 3 years now and I'm amazed at the abuse it has taken. It's been great for long downriver expeditions (like 70 miles a day!) but I want something a little skinnier and stiffer. 

I really like the Maliko, but wish it had the touring features (handles, more bungee space), especially because it apparently has more volume (which doesn't make sense since its 3 inches skinnier and same thickness and length?). Those extra handles at the nose and tail are super useful on the river for portaging. But I would still pick the Maliko over the two because I like the dimensions more and bungees and handles can be added.

Also, one of the few benefits to having a "noodly" board is it can be less fatiguing to the paddler in rough conditions. Kind of like super plush suspension on a Cadillac. It's not going to improve the performance but it will be more comfortable for the user over rough terrain and long distance, at least that's been my experience

3

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Lake Washington, Washington

« on: March 07, 2019, 11:59:57 AM »

Great spot, I often paddle across the lake from the Eastside (kirkland) to the arboretum, do a lap there and head back. Great training grounds, and when the wind is up, the backwash off the floating bridge is challenging to say the least.

Been SUP'n for several years and this will be my 4th year of paddling all winter. This winter has been especially great with all the snow we've had through February, makes for a beautiful backdrop on the river.

I used to jump off the old overpasses too. At one point, someone installed rock climbing holds all the way from the water 30' up to the top of one of them. It was a pretty gnarly climb too and the bails where always entertaining.

4

Gear Talk / Re: Fin talk

« on: March 07, 2019, 10:34:31 AM »

These are great video's. Thanks!

Can anyone recommend a video that focus more on race and/or downwind fin setups? Not having much luck searching for that myself.

5

Whitewater and River SUP / Re: Wakeboarding PFD?

« on: October 26, 2017, 11:36:47 AM »

I think its a great idea for the added protection of your spine and sides. Which models also have a knife attachment? Gotta say I love having lots of pockets. Seems like theres some room for innovation in a SUP specific river PFD.

6

Whitewater and River SUP / Re: Anyone know anything about the bic 7'6" river air

« on: October 26, 2017, 11:33:12 AM »

Awesome, your gonna love it! Come join me sometime on the Snoqualmie. The powerhouse section below Snoqualmie falls is an excellent training ground!

Check out River SUP Northwest group on Facebook.

7

NorthWest / Re: Paddling near Seattle

« on: October 05, 2017, 03:57:49 PM »

Yes, Urban Surf is your best bet, they know what they are talking about.

There is a great paddle scene in Ballard and Salmon Bay Paddle holds weekly Monday night races during the summer starting from the Ballard Elks near the entrance to the locks. The race series is over the season but there will be a Halloween race, not sure the exact date yet. Check out 206+ Waterman group on Facebook, lots of info!

8

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Black Canyon: Hoover Dam to El Dorado on the Colorado River

« on: October 05, 2017, 09:50:33 AM »

Great shots! My Friend Ryan and I sup'd the upper section last winter and it was awesome. Spent a lot of time exploring and chilling in the hot springs, would love to go back and do an overnighter!

9

NorthWest / Re: Paddling near Seattle

« on: October 04, 2017, 02:57:38 PM »

I'm reviving an old thread, but I finally am both in the Seattle area and I have a board.  It has already gotten cold and rainy.  I'm wondering if neoprene pants and a neoprene vest with either wool or fleece over it would be good gear for paddling around here.  I always prefer to go barefoot, but I guess I'll have to wear neoprene booties.
Any new thoughts from cold-weather paddlers?

Welcome to the area! I also try to go barefoot as long as I can, but this is the time of year I start back with the neoprene booties, especially for morning paddling and longer paddles. Also rocky and slippery (or barnacle laced) shores make booties more of a necessity for protection rather than just warmth.

I paddle rivers mostly, so the water is colder than the sound, so I generally lean toward more neoprene than less. You may suffer more initially by sweating and overheating, but its worth it when the unexpected swim happens.  If I'm hitting class 2+ whitewater or somewhere its likely I'll be falling in a lot, then I wear a 3/4 mil full wetsuit like 10 months out of the year. Class 1 rivers where its much less likely I will be falling in I'll go with a 1 mil 2 piece wetsuit in the cold months. 

10

Whitewater and River SUP / Re: Anyone know anything about the bic 7'6" river air

« on: October 04, 2017, 11:03:42 AM »

Havent tried the 7' bic, or any of the bics for that matter, but I can say that I think 8"-9' 6" is a great length for a downriver board. I don't do much surfing so the extra length doesn't bother me, and 9 foot still seems plenty small when you get in class 3+ rapids.   I've tried the Hala 8 and 9 atcha's, both awesome but personally I'd go for the 9 for what I mainly do (mostly downriver, not a lot of surfing). I put a lot of hours on the Airhead SUP Rapidz 938 and I really like it for bigger rapidz and for people just learning whitewater as its super stable. Not very fast but really fun for playing around on and navigating technical boulder gardens.

11

SUP General / Re: Looking for a friend that was in Puerto Rico before Maria

« on: October 04, 2017, 09:39:48 AM »

Great to hear your friend is safe! Did he say what he did with his boat that we was able to save it?

12

Whitewater and River SUP / Re: River Inflatable Board

« on: June 17, 2016, 04:00:55 PM »

Havent tried either, but I'm familiar with the specs and I would agree with Green Water Sports. In my opionon, under 10 feet is small for adults when it comes to general use SUP's for flatwater.

13

Whitewater and River SUP / Re: Seattle Area WW SUPers?

« on: June 17, 2016, 03:58:43 PM »

Sweet! I just did the Wenatchee on a SUP for the first time last week, had a blast! Been wanting to do the Yakima and and Cle Elum river too

I'm on Facebook as Shane Donogh, look me up, might be getting out this weekend.

14

Whitewater and River SUP / Seattle Area WW SUPers?

« on: May 04, 2016, 11:38:33 PM »

I'm really starting to like this whitewater SUP'n. Anyone else around the greater Puget sound area interested in hitting some rivers weekday evenings? I just started doing the lower portion of the middle fork Snoqualmie (club stretch). It's a great short run to learn on and it's flowing pretty good right now. I feel like the upper portions are doable as well with some more practice. I can usually be there by 5 on weekdays.

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2221/

Any takers?

-Shane