Paddle boarding Kentucky!

Stand up Paddle boarding is taking over the waterways of Kentucky.  You can always find a canoe or kayak.  Now you will see people standing and surfing the river waves, floating with glowing boards in caverns, getting close to the curtain of Cumberland falls! 

Supkentucky on KY river palisades

 Paddleboards are the perfect watercraft for getting out on the water.  They are inflatable and can be easily stored.  They are multi purpose.  You can exercise, go fishing, do yoga and get a nice tan.

Grotto falls Sup KY

 A SUP is really just a larger and thicker surfboard.  It is paddled with a paddle that is as tall as the paddler.  You can go as fast or slow as you want.  It is a full body workout for anyone who chooses to push their paddling to the next level.

Incredible SUP Ky

If you have tried to kayak and didn't like getting swamped or sitting so low a SUP could be for you. If canoeing is just not enough excitement?  A SUP will get you heart pumping even in the calmest water.   Come join us anytime  supkentucky.com

Grayson Lake Sup Kentucky

SUP Kentucky Paddle all Year!

This is a short video of our time in Mexico. We at SUP Kentucky believe that its necessary to paddle all year long. We strive to stay on top of the SUP world by competing and running hard rapids. All of this experience transfers to our student through Knowledge and FUN!

Let get out and paddle!

SUPKENTUCKY.COM

SUP Kentucky a new way to Explore.

The state of Kentucky has more navigable waterways than you can imagine.  What better way to explore this wonderful state than through its watery roads?  Now we have SUP Kentucky. 

Surf Kentucky

Lately I have found that SUP or Stand Up Paddling allows me to explore and enjoy these waters with minimal eqipment.  Your point of view is unique because you are literally walking on water.

First time SUP Kentucky

Paddle Boarding is a new sport that offers exercise, fun and outdoor activity.  Anyone can learn within just a few minutes.  Adults and children alike love the SUP boards!

kids sup kentucky

What better way to get the whole family out of the house this summer!  Come join us at WWW.SUPKENTUCKY.COM  or find us on facebook. 

Sawyer Venom WW SUP paddle

I just want to say, " Sawyer knows how to make an amazing SUP paddle!" 

The Venom is not only a beautiful paddle, its functional, durable and stable.  I have tried many different blade designs and materials for whitewater over the years.

  As a kayaker I love my AT paddle with the Dynel edging.  Sawyer has brought that material to SUP.  Its tougher than Kevlar and makes it virtually impossible to wear down the edges on your paddle blade.

I use a one piece 80 inch paddle, it has good flex and allows for a big brace due to the blade size, roughly 142 inches square.   

Many times in WW SUP we need to use a brace to stay on the board.  The Venom has a powerful bite that allows for a big brace. 

Its a multi purpose paddle that works well for river surf too.  It has a good turnover allowing you to get back up and surf even the smallest river waves. 

If you are looking for and economical, well built and american made paddle, look no further.  The Venom is one of those paddles that will give you many years of service.  Its a reliable tool for getting you into the harder whitewater.

  I recently heard someone say they break 15 paddles a year!  I think maybe they should be looking for a different paddle brand!  

Check out Sawyer paddles at   http://www.paddlesandoars.com/VENOM-WW-SUP/  

Stand up Paddling inland Mexico.

Just about everyone is familiar with Mexico's beaches.  Gulf, Caribbean and Pacific sides all offer opportunities for great SUP surfing.  My annual pilgrimage takes me to the Rivers of this amazing country.

I explore the endless beautiful rivers that Mexico has to offer.  If you’re familiar with rivers, you know that where there are mountains, there must be rivers and rapids. 

 For the past nine years I have been traveling to the  Sierra Madre Orientals on the eastern side of Mexico.  All of the rivers in the Huasteca region are spring fed, clean, and crisp with a deep turquoise blue color.

  This particular part of the Huasteca is known for its Waterfalls.  Some can be run on a SUP.  

           

One of our newest sections of river is the the headwaters of the Rio Santa Maria.  All rapids are below class 3 and perfect to paddle standing up. The wildlife is incredible, herons, turtles, eagles and migratory shore birds can be seen daily.  This is freshwater paddling at its finest.  

Santa Maria

The river takes us through green canyons, past hot water springs, beaches, ancient trees and even a 400 year old Franciscan Mision!   85 percent of the population of Mexico live in the cities.  Many days we don't see another person the entire river trip!  Other times we find a volleyball game in progress or surrounded by children and our boards kidnapped!

Fun times!

River SUP has rarely been seen here in Mexico, so sometimes we draw a lot of attention when close to civilization.  Everyone is stoked to get a chance to try out a board.  

If you are looking for a warm water winter getaway and you have an addiction to SUP (like I do).  Mexico can be a great option.  Inflatable board, good pair of shoes, PFD and Stoke are all you need.  

  

   Come on down and share the Stoke.  See you on the river.  Aaron

Overnight SUP Adventure in Mexico!

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!

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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. 

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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! 

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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
Courtesy WWW,KAYAKHUASTECA,COM

New and Improved Website!

WWW.KAYAKHUASTECA.COM is back!

New content and brand new Tour options!

Its going to be an incredible season this year!  High water in the fall, Alseseca Race in January and Queretaro in the spring!

See you on the water, Mexico Style!