Written for iROCKER SUP in 2021
Here in the Canadian Rockies, many of the most scenic and rewarding waters to paddle are concealed amidst soaring peaks and passes in the backcountry. Vivid blue tarns dot fortress-like mountain bowls, and emerald-green lakes collect in pine-forested valleys below tree-line. Although there’s no shortage of beautiful water accessible by vehicle, there is a seemingly endless supply of backcountry adventure available to those willing to travel beyond the end of the pavement. Thankfully, modern SUP’s (combined with high quality carrying packs) offer the light-weight portability required to access off-the-beaten-path locations in relative comfort. With total paddleboard set-ups weighing less than the average overnight backpack, new and experienced hikers alike can enjoy these mountain gems in a completely new and exciting way!
My journey with iROCKER began with a search for the perfect hike-and-paddle setup. After much consideration, I purchased two boards – the Nautical 10’6” for it’s light weight and all-around functionality, and the Blackfin X for it’s greater stability and gear-hauling capacity.
Depending on the outing, I mix and match pieces between the two set-ups. If I’m not walking far, or plan on transporting gear across the water, I opt for the higher-payload Blackfin, occasionally substituting the double-barrel pump for the lighter single-barrel Nautical pump to save weight. If I’m covering significant distances on foot, or climbing substantial elevation, I take the Nautical, and bring the carbon-shaft Blackfin paddle to reduce carrying weight and increase paddling performance. I’ve carried both setups to backcountry locations without much trouble, in some cases many miles and thousands of feet up high in the alpine. In this post, I’ll touch on a few of the important considerations for those wanting to reap the breathtaking (no pun intended!) rewards of hike-in SUPs.
1.) Go light!
The first, and most obvious consideration when setting up for hike-in SUPing is weight. As mentioned, many iROCKER setups rival the weight of the average overnight pack, and should feel comfortable for many hikers out of the box. The Nautical excels in this regard, and still has the durability and stability required for most outings. The board features cargo straps on the front and rear for securing a dry bag and any necessary gear, and the single barrel pump can be reversed to suck air out of the board for faster and more concise packing. Additional weight savings can be made by leaving behind unnecessary gear (but still bring a paddle-friendly life-preserver!) and swapping in the Blackfin carbon paddle. (I go into more depth on backcountry gear, and weight saving techniques here!)
2.) Choose a stable platform!
Board stability becomes important when you plan on transporting gear on the SUP, or when paddling on frigid water (most mountain lakes in the Rockies are ice-cold!) where falling is not a pleasant (or safe!) option. For beginners, the Blackfin is an excellent and forgiving platform, and the board I most frequently lend to first-time paddlers to gain confidence and get used to the feel of being on the water. The higher weight and wheeled bag, however, sacrifice carrying-portability and only make it practical for short hiking distances. It should also be noted that stability is also relative to the operator – experience goes a long ways towards feeling confident and stable on any board.
3.) More cushion for the… climb.
Nicely padded, large volume packs are what first drew me to iROCKER, and they are a perfect fit for hike-in SUPing. The Nautical pack, for example, fits the board, paddle, and pump with lots of room to spare for other hiking essentials, and can easily accommodate enough gear for overnight trips. The padded hip straps are a necessity when going long distances, as the majority of the weight of the bag is more easily carried on the hips than the shoulders. The way you pack the bag matters too – I’ve found rolling the board right-side-up, from tail-to-tip, so that the fin mounts are in the center of the roll, is the best to provide a nice flat surface to place against your back. And a good mountaineering rule is that it’s better to carry everything inside the pack (paddle included!) than strapped to the outside.
4.) Get some poles!
Although the realm of hike-in SUPs is still largely unexplored here in the Rockies, it is only a matter of time before many of the most popular, serene, or photogenic destinations start seeing regular SUP traffic. Naturally, that’s a lot of work, on a lot of legs, so it’s useful to carrying some hiking poles to get the arms working too! A good pair of hiking poles can reduce the strain on your legs by up to 30%, especially going uphill, and do a lot to ease the impact on your knees headed back down.
Hopefully this quick intro to some of the backcountry basics helps to expand the opportunities for incredible paddling in places you may not have considered before! There is nothing quite like the serenity of dipping your paddle into glassy waters rarely touched, or the humbling feeling of standing in the theatre of some of nature’s most astonishing, and hidden, spectacles, with the unobstructed views that only being on the water can provide.
Stay safe, and happy paddling!