Opening 2011 Paddling Season on the South Platte River

I had a rather late start to my 2011 paddling season. It was not really caused by winter weather, but rather by my problems with a tennis elbow. I believe that this issue I got under control by self treatment, and, hopefully some other side effects of long distance paddling like numb and stiff fingers. That would require a separate story.

South Platte River canoe paddlingPaddling after sunset back to Kersey on the South Platte River – January 17, 2011

After almost 3 months without paddling I did a short upstream/downstream workout with Sea Wind canoe on the South Platte River starting at Kersey. Actually, I spent more time on photography playing with my DSLR Canon camera with the Ray ring flash mounted on deck with a sticky pod.

I am going to do more paddling on the South Platte during next couple of months – easy paddling with focus on photography, before starting more serious workouts. Anybody is welcome to join me. I wouldn’t mind to do some downriver trips if we can organize a shuttle.

hiking Horsetooth Rock - trekking poles
Hiking Horsetooth Rock with trekking poles and a heavy backpack full of camera gear. A look to the “other side” from Audra Culver trail after some sunset shooting. January 14, 2011

As usual in winter I have been doing some cross training. My primary activity is hiking with trekking poles. It typically involves a heavy back pack full of camera gear and tripod. I did several hiking trips in the Horsetooth Mountain Park west of Fort Collins. I also visited Gateway Natural Area in the Poudre Canyon and Seaman Reservoir. The reservoir can be reached from a parking by 1 mile long good dirt road and ~200 yards of more rough path over the dam. Perhaps, I will put my Sea Wind on a cart again.

inline skates
Inline skating along the Poudre River. – January 26, 2011

Most miles in January I covered by inline skates on bike trails along the Poudre River. Snow is disappearing from these concrete trails very quickly. I explored a the newest section of the Poudre River Trail – River Bluffs Open Space. The new trailhead on county road 32E provides a convenient access to the river.

Fort COllins cross country ski
Cross country skiing between Horsetooth Mountain Park and Lory State Park with Athurs Rock in a background. January 12, 2011

I found three occasions in January to do some cross country skiing – two short workouts in Fort Collin, and one a little longer trip with my camera backpack along the west shore of Horsetooth Reservoir. I didn’t manage to go to mountains yet.



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Related posts:
Northern Colorado Fitness Paddling
New Year Paddling – 22 Miles to Fort Morgan on the South Platte River
Winter Paddling on the South Platte River in Colorado
South Platte River below Denver, Colorado
GPS/photo river guide

4 thoughts on “Opening 2011 Paddling Season on the South Platte River”

  1. Why aren’t there more flat water or down water events/races in Colorado ??
    Know of any used surf ski’s in this fine state ?
    Thanks
    Mark

  2. There are definitely some racing paddlers and adventure racers in Colorado, but it seems that interest in a flatwater racing is pretty low. It looks like canoe racing was much more popular in CO in the past. I’ve been trying to setup some informal races on the South Platte River with not so great success.

    I think we need to support and participate the existing races. I believe there are still two: Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon in August and Dillon Lake earlier in summer. And, it’s not so difficult to organize some informal racing or training runs.

  3. Pingback: paddling with a camera » Blog Archive » Waterproof Duffels, Canoe Paddle and Hat …

  4. Hi! I am fairly new to kayaking and I have been hoping to find more people who are interested in calm river kayaking in Colorado. So far, I have only done lakes and reservoirs on my own. As for river, I have done the clamest of the calm with a guide in Moab. I would like to learn more and find other to paddle with. I plan to take a course to learn more about river safety soon as well so I can be prepared. I would love any advice or networking that anyone here has to offer!

    Thanks!

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