SUPing the Colorado River – What You Need to Know
Fun In the Sun
Experience an adrenaline adventure in the stunning Rocky Mountain wilderness. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and roaring rapids in unspoiled terrain where wildlife vastly outnumbers the human population.
The Place
Kremmling is the place for a stunning Colorado getaway with impressive views of the Fall alpine landscape. Enjoy the natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Experience
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing) gives you the feeling of walking on water. It’s a whole new experience that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels.
Style
Everyone can enjoy their personal style. Take some time to yourself, paddle the calm waters, clear your head and take in the views, or enjoy a fast-paced adventure with friends and family. Have a magical time making memories.
Health
The health benefits of stand-up paddleboarding are numerous. All muscles from core to feet are engaged while balancing. Arms and shoulders are working with every paddle stroke. Who knew you could get a great low-impact cardio and full body workout while having so much fun. Burn calories, reduce stress, and get a boost of Vitamin D.
Preparation and Gear
Check the weather conditions and choose the correct gear. Learn the proper paddling technique, engage your core, face the right direction, keep your head up, and fall away from the board. Only ride waves you can handle.
Recommended gear includes a leash, personal flotation device, headgear, gloves, wetsuit or drysuit, and a splash jacket. For clothing, wear a swimsuit, board shorts, and surf booties or aqua socks are recommended if you do not want to go barefoot. Do not forget sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Rentals
Shuttle $ 30.00
Shuttle w/gear pickup $100.00
Stand up paddle board $ 22.50
Over-night return $ 49.50
Paddles $ 5.50
Wet Suit $ 13.20
Personal floatation device $ 8.00
Splash jacket $ 5.50
Helmet $ 5.50
Getting Started
Stand knee-deep in the water so the paddleboard fin does not hit the bottom of the river. Hold the board by the edges and kneel just behind the center of the board. Now, one foot at a time, place your feet where your knees were. Keep knees bent, raise your chest to vertical, and extend your legs to stand up.
With feet parallel, hip-width distance apart, toes forward, and knees slightly bent, keep the back straight with head and shoulders steady and upright. Shift your weight by moving the hips and gaze level at the horizon to avoid staring at your feet.
The Paddle
The paddle has a tear-drop shape that has a forward angle for maximum paddling efficiency.
Technique
The blade should angle forward from the shaft to the nose of the board. When paddling from the right side of the board, keep the left hand on the t-grip and the right hand a few feet down on the shaft. Reverse hand positions when you paddle on the left side of the board.
Falling
To avoid falling on your board, aim yourself to the side so that you fall flat in the water. If you get separated from your paddle, first get back on the board and paddle with your hands to retrieve the paddle.
Getting Back On
Position yourself next to the paddleboard and with one hand grab the handle in the center of the board, let your legs float to the surface, and kick your legs while you lift yourself back up.
Now you are ready to try this new, hot sport. What a fun way to play on the water with a unique vantage point, viewing what is under the water and out on the horizon.
References with great information and tips:
