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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
With these sliding drops it is very important to not use the skegs. Either turn the board around backwards or choose a board with removable skegs.
Foot placement should be in the Kung Fu stance so you have maximum stability. I ahve also tried surfer stance and it worked fairly well.
Your
wieght has to stay moving with the board. If you are too far back the
board will kick up and leave you in the landing. Too far forward and it
will sub out and become very unstable.
If
you can get in a big stroke for the landing it will help to keep you
connected to the board. A change in velocity is what causes falls,
whether it be the board or rider.
The
downtime was pretty heavy on this drop. I actually fell after the
board resurfaced. A board with a little more rocker will keep me from
going so deep the next time.
