Snow SUP'n in Colorado

[soboki]

So my friend and I have been looking around all summer for some cheap/free gear to get started.  Last week we found an old windsurf board out on Harris St. in Breckenridge with a sign up saying FREE TAKE IT.  So we did.  It didn't have a fin, but I thought it was so big that maybe it wouldn't matter.  It did.  Then we were given 2 more old boards from the local Veterinarian in Frisco.  I had my sisters old wet suit and some old booties.  My friend wasn't so lucky.  However, we decided that beer coozie material is very similar to wetsuit material.  Top that off with a zip lock baggie and you have the perfect gear for 40 degree water and weather.  Fingerless wool gloves or leather Isotoners are also a great choice.  Finish with some ear flap hats and we were ready to go.  We loaded everything in the van and headed to Green Mountain Reservoir thinking it might be warmer there than in Dillon Reservoir  It wasn't.  We found some paddles that were used as decoration in an office - they were nailed to the wall.  We had to pull the nails out.  They were painted too.  I only got one splinter.  The pictures and videos should explain the rest.  My first Colorado SUP.  It won't be the last!

Pictures attached:

[Chan]

Tree,

That's awesome.  I recognize that suit, can't say I ever tested it in snow.  BTW, which are warmer, beer coozies or booties?

[soboki]

Well are you asking about just a coozie or a coozie plus sandwich baggie?  Very different...

[Admin]

One question, what's going on with the sandwich and the beer?  Are you going have those, because I might be interested.

[PonoBill]

wow.

[Hammie]

Looks like a fun time to me.

I live in Littleton, CO and started SUPing in September.
I paddle at Chatfield Reservoir.

Next spring I plan to start river running on the South Platte and hopefully get my skills advanced enough to hit the Colorado River.  I've got to save up for proper gear in order to do that though.

Let me know if you organize any SUP excursions.

Good luck SUPing,
Hammie

[mountainpaddler]

If you want to try some boards send me an email and we can paddle in Glenwood. Above the dam is flatwater that is perfect for getting started. I have boards and paddles so just come over one day. We go out three or four days a week so lets figure a time to meet. You have for sure proven your game to get out and get after it!

[Hammie]

Do you wear different thickness wetsuits for paddling the CO?
What would be the ideal thickness to get if you were to own only one?

[Easy Rider]

This was last Dec. 12 on our river here in Edmonton, Alberta.

[bootesta]

Gotta love the mud season in Breckenridge.  Mountain bike season is over and ski season not quite underway.  You girls are utilizing your time wisely during the mud season, I love it.  Beer koozies as booties, genius.  I'm from breck also, but in school down here in Fort Fun.  I've been doing the same thing (minus the koozie booties) here on Horsetooth resevoir.  I don't think it's near as cold as Green mountain though.  You both should take Mountainpaddler up on his offer for sure.

[Allan Cheateaux]

whoa whoa whoa....

another paddler in Fort Fun? I do believe this requires a joint paddle session!

Holla!

[soboki]

If you want to try some boards send me an email and we can paddle in Glenwood. Above the dam is flatwater that is perfect for getting started. I have boards and paddles so just come over one day. We go out three or four days a week so lets figure a time to meet. You have for sure proven your game to get out and get after it!

Hi I know this is short notice, but how about tomorrow?

[andygere]

Very cool.  Beer koozie/sandwich bag technology is outstanding.  Heidi hats are timeless, and suitable for all venues.  Paddles liberated from decor status and returned to action deserve extra credit.  Photo documented snowfall also merits bonus points.  You will go far in this sport.

The scene reminds me of my earliest Rhode Island winter surf sessions, wearing double wetsuits (borrowed, stolen, salvaged, etc.), wool socks inside tennis shoes and Vaseline on face and neck to protect exposed flesh from wind and cold water.  It also reminds me why I moved to California 17 years ago.

Expert tip: Find a good old fashioned insulated picnic jug, the kind mom used to bring lemonade to the beach (often found at garage sales for less than a buck).  Fill it with boiling water before you leave, and do what you can to keep it somewhat insulated in the truck while you paddle.  After paddling, pour on head and down wetsuit for a warm up before the cold and gnarly towel change.

[shapeshifter]

this schtuff is totally hardcore...

...i'm not worthy.

[Distressed Mullet]

This was last Dec. 12 on our river here in Edmonton, Alberta.

Leslie Astin Kolovich is looking to talk to some snow and ice paddlers on her sUP radio show Thursday. She's really cool. Any interest? I'll send her this link.