Hilly Report – From SUP, Kayaking, Surfing to Beyond

I had the challenge recently of carrying a kayak or two down the water from the parking lot at Lake clementine. So I did research and purchased the Harmony Cart – http://www.harmonygear.com/product/0/8023290/_/Boat_Cart . Here is my product review of this cart and my recommendations if you have the same challenge I did.

First, let’s start by saying that in the box there were no directions, but seriously like I would have read them if they were in there to start with.. So I took it out of the box, strapped it to a single kayak at home to test It out. I rolled it around the court and for the most part it felt like success. To note, I was rolling around the Malibu XL 3 person kayak and I also had a witness, my daughter was watching me do this and even said it was “cool” how you could roll the boat around w/o issues.

So fast forward out a week or so, I was in Auburn, Cali – Lake Clementine – Uppers. I had a few kids with me, therefore it was time to put the Harmony Cart to a full test on rough terrain. From the parking space to the water is about a 25% drop in the grade, with about a 100’ from car to water, with rocks mixed from 3 to 6” round w/ some mixed sand right when you hit the water. I loaded up the boats w/ all the gear, stacked them up correctly (which means the bottom boat had no seats connected so it would stack cleanly), then I strapped the boats onto the cart. First I didn’t think about where the load was balanced and where I was strapping it to.. Therefore first attempt was a complete #FAIL as I started rolling the cart just collapsed and the wheels started to drag? Why so? Well you can’t connect to the back bar on the rack as the point of the strap, you need to connect to the front bar (this is a BIG deal and something I wish I knew prior). At this point a bro in the parking lot saw my dilemma and jumped in to help me down to the water. This is another testament to the super awesome folks in Auburn and how cool folks are to lend a hand.

We made it to the water, had a great day (actually EPIC time) paddling around the lake and then it was time to get back to the jeep. Our theme in our family is “Hillikers don’t’ give up”, so with that being said it was time to try it again to get back to the jeep. I spent more time thinking about where is the best point in the kayak to strap it, which is the right bar to use and also where should I be pulling from, bottom boat. I loaded the boats, unstrapped the seats from the bottom, put all the gear in the top and started my way back up the grade. Well I made it about 75% up the grade and it collapsed again, so I restrapped, tried again and it was a #FAIL again. I finally made it to the jeep, loaded the boats and was thinking how could I have failed on such a simple thing like a boat cart.

When I got home I checked the tire pressure (perfect), I checked the box again (no instructions) and I then I tried it again on flat ground. It was PRIMO, no problems.

So.. My review of this product is that it’s great for roads, great for flat ground, but as soon as you bring in a mixed terrain of rocks and sand it is not going to pass the test. Would I buy it again? Don’t think so.. or shall I say “not so much”. I did hear a guy at Kayakcity.com mention that he made his own with tires from Harbor freight and pipe from Home depot.. So the next day it’s a little cooler than a 100 I’m going to build my own and test it out.

If you have built your own or have a better idea please let me know. Thank you

HillyReport .

I spend enough time on the water that I decided to add another board into the mix for guests, my kids and just to test out a different board style.   I went to down the guys at Kayakcity.com, located on e. el camino off highway 80 in sacramento.   I looked at the classic boards, but I really wanted to get something that could banged up, dropped, therefore having less stress when the kids take it out.  I found a BIC Sports 11’6″ crossover board.  Okay so at first I was skeptical since it was a BIC board and I have never seen a BIC surfboard, or anything water for that matter.   However after check out the style, the weight, the pads, I realized this would be a good asset to the board shop.   I picked up a screaming deal there for a paddle, bag, leash and board for a great price (email me if you want to know).

After picking up the board, I decided that I had to test it out right away.. so I headed up to Auburn (of course), upper lake clementine (again I know).   When you find a great place it’s hard to test out a new board anywhere else.  I had to unpack the paddle out of plastic, screw the fin in and then it was go time into the water.  I forgot the GoPro2 camera at home, so no video for this session, but the water was so peaceful.  You could hear the birds chirping, the cranes were flying overhead from the water perch to the top of the tree.    Here’s what I realized about this new board, it’s a floater, I had more stability, was further out of the water and it was a lot easier than the Surftech.  okay..  but…   I couldn’t see paddling that in the ocean, yes I will test it out soon.

So.. with all that in mind..  it was a 7/10 kayak day.

•  Water clarity – clarity was awesome.   It is so nice to watch fish under you while you are paddling.
•   Entry / Exit – Same – excellent..
• Environment –  Nice folks.   always say hi..
• Company –  SOLO day.. so it was great when I fell off the board due to a quick turn and not used to the board, I looked up and boom there’s 1/2 dozen people watching..  YES ..  EPIC #FAIL
• Weather – Great day for a tan..
• Cost – Poppy Pass ( surprise surprise surprise).
• Water Level – same as prior..  good point for the year..   just stay to the left when going downstream..  If not – you will ground out.     I decided to go right just to test it.. – BAD  IDEA..  grounded out, had to walk 50 feet..
• What the specific gear was – 11’6″ BIC sports paddle board, new graphite adjustable paddle, and yes the new water bag for keys & phone, (waterproof) – tested this feature out and it worked great as I did a full submerge.  I also highly recommend the BIC SUP

Let’s fast forward to Tuesday  – Texting it up with friend Mary and she spoke of a new entry into Folsom.  So of course it was game on.  I packed the gear and off I went to meet her at the dock.   When I found the entry, which was kinda hidden, it was like a direct path right into lake natoma, negro bar and it was awesome.  I like finding new places and this was no different.   She arrived shortly after the boats were in the water and we were off.   It was a great time paddling, talking about good stuff and life’s fun challenges (details will not be provided).

I’m giving this a 9/10 kayak day.

•  Water clarity – mixed reviews, in areas was nice, but a few areas were green and some funky plants in the water.
•   Entry / Exit – Best lake entry YET.   so easy to pull the jeep up, load right into the water and then dock the kayaks.
• Environment –  Not to pleased on this note, but not enough to detract from the day.  When I first arrived there was a grandma & child there, they were obnoxious, throwing rocks towards me, talking loud and I really wish I could have muted them out.
• Company – Mary is awesome.   Enjoyed the company, dialogue and overall good positive vibes.  We went out to lunch after and it was all good.
• Weather – Amazing, but forgot to sun block the tummy (you know the pony keg)..  Now it’s a red pony keg..
• Cost – Poppy Pass ( surprise surprise surprise). – yet another free adventure to park..
• Water Level – first time here, not a lot of rocks to ground out on, levels looked good, very very slow flow – definitely a place to Stand Up Paddle Board. .
• What the specific gear was – 2 Ocean Kayak, Malibu XL – 3 person kayak’s.   waterproof storage boxes for keys & phone’s, body glove PFD’s, paddles, deluxe seats.

I’ll definitely be going back to willow creek entry again, especially with a paddle board, sack lunch and more water.

What’s possibly left to share out?  Well tonight just for fun I threw the GoPro2 camera on and took a little ride on my longboard (skateboard)..  ENJOY..

What makes an EPIC surf trip?  Well, it’s a combination of the people, the place, the adventure to get there and what happens when your there.  If the water is so-so, well then it is..but it’s not all about the surfing.    On Monday, I was invited to join the crew on their summer trip to Pacifica, which included Wes, Johnny, Kimo, Brandon, Rich and Leland.  Since I was heading from Rocklin vs. Placerville, I drove my jeep down to the beach.  I reached Pacifica around 8:30 and the surf was amazing. Sets were rolling in w/ good breaks in between them.  What that means is that you have an opportunity to paddle out without getting your but handed to you on each crashing wave.   I gave the guys a call and let them know we were in store for a great day..  Well in 30 mins when they arrived it had turned to sets without breaks and it stayed that way all day…..   Wes coined it perfectly “the waves relentless” and I would have to agree.  4 hours of getting pounded is brutal.

this trip reminded me of going on surf trips with my dad & frank starr.  We would hit great surf spots in so-cal and focus on the adventure vs. the actual surf.   It was always a great day, not just because you got major air off the lip or that you dropped into a glassy face  on a right, but that you had fun the whole day.   From the mocha, warm banana to the fun VW van ride back home.  It was the total adventure that matters and this is exactly what my dad is all about.  From the moment the crew arrived to the moment they left back home it was awesome.

How were the waves?  brutal – do I care – not really.. I got to spend the day w/ a crew of guys that were having a blast.  The stories were flying, we spoke of motorcycles, accidents, women, water, brewing beer..    Nothing finer than this..

So what about the food & beverages?   Well it was a N/A day, which is okay, but lunch at Taco Bell was let’s just say standard..  (ha ha ha)..

Of the footage, what you will notice….   it was relentless..   ENJOY!!

• Water clarity – not so much..  it was dark, not much clarity and seaweed.
• Entry / Exit – very nice beach, overall excellent for the family to hang out while  you surf, build sand castles or just lay out and enjoy the weather.
• Environment –  Friendly, very much a peaceful culture.  guys parked next to me were very nice and everybody walking by was very friendly.
• Company – Kimo’s crew – EPIC!! No wonder why I use that term all the time, he has taught me EPIC and he shows it.   (Love you dad — you are the true spirit of EPIC)
• Weather – foggy when I arrived, but by 10 am was blown out over the beach and beautiful.. think I burned my head..  (LOL)
• Cost – FREE, just the gas to get there..   so you decide if that’s free..
• Water Level – HI & Low tide were on track..
• What the specific gear was:  Surftech 11’6″ generator SUP, Surftech bolsa covered board, Softtop 10’6″ board, GoPro2 camera, GoPro chesty, Wax, Leashes, bogey board w/ fins.

What did I learn?

* paddle boarding in the ocean is not like on the lake (period)

* GoPro2 Chesty strap needs to be TIGHT (period)

* Have FUN.. regardless if your getting pounded.. took me a bit to remember this.. (wave – smack – wave – smack- oh yah. I get it….. )

After Saturday nights news, this paddling was a bit hard, quiet and definitely a lot of thinking about my family (my kids) and how much they mean to me..   This day was about paddling to think vs. paddling to have fun.   I was so looking forward to spending more time with Christian, riding our motos and enjoying this beautiful state.   My comment to his dad was that our ride will have to wait till heaven…

Now onto the day..

I really like Lake Clementine, Auburn, especially Upper entry point.   I have been there a lot, however today was a bit different for hillyreport.   Today we decided to take a raft we bought on the trip to donner, blow it up and pull it behind the stand up paddle board..   I mean why not right?.   Exactly.    I pumped up the raft at home, stuffed in the jeep, packed the board and off we went to Auburn.   My lil man was the only co-traveler on this adventure today.     I thought I packed everything, however a water gun would have been great for him to shoot me while I was paddling.   Off we went down the “rocky road” as he coined it to the launch point.  I put him in the raft, tied it on the back of the board and boom we were going.   We got a lot of looks and I think folks were jealous of his raft position w/o doing any work.   We went to the buoy and back, we did stop a few times to let him get out and play in the water, but overall was a smooth paddle.  did I feel the weight?  that would be a yes..   it was a 3 person raft, small kid in it w/ light gear, but it was only noticeable if I tried to coast, therefore I kept an active paddle on the way back and it worked well.

•  Water clarity – really clear, more than normal which was nice.
•   Entry / Exit – peace of cake, still remains to be a great location to launch.  Only thing is getting there..  which makes it low key.
• Environment –  great people, only a few folks on sunday morning, however when we left it was about 15 people spread out over the full beach/launch area.  which is not much.
• Company –  lil man and me today.   I need to find more activities to keep him busy, bird watching and fish spotting was jus tnot enough. Next time..   water guns and maybe some tunes..   oh yah.. a paddle.. he needs to paddle.. even though he said no.. the right answer was to bring it..   (next time).
• Weather – couldn’t ask for better.   80+ degrees..
• Cost – Poppy Pass ( surprise surprise surprise).
• Water Level – same as prior..  good point for the year..   just stay to the left when going downstream..  If not – you will ground out.
• What the specific gear was – 3 person raft, surftech SUP, paddle, GoPro2 camera and chesty attachment.  Some rope from REI w/ 9 hook carabiner

After the paddling, my lil man said..  Hey dad..  can we please please please go to Auburn Ale House – what could I say……    Of course buddy….  so off we went to get some burgers and beverages.  He’s such a trooper..

I leave this post with this..  Life is short, tell those close you love them.  Cherish every moment..

Paddles UP!

Meeting fellow paddlers is always a blast, it reminds me of a Grateful Dead concert.  The folks are always low key, peaceful, good at sharing stories & tips, plus always intriguing to talk with.   I picked Folsom, specifically NegroBar boat launch by the Folsom bridge.    I showed up around noon’ish and met Brian with http://www.kayakcity.com.  He was paddling a Laird board and it’s a nice cruiser.  He also showed me his ocean kayak, SUP board, which looks pretty cool, but more like a kayak design than a true paddle board.  Brian is the SUP paddler for kayak city.  Now, let me tell you a little bit about kayak city, this company rocks. I did my research before I bought my ocean kayaks and these guys kept coming up the best priced and knowledgeable place to shop.  I completely agree, I have bought 3 kayaks from them and a ton of gear to aide my adventures.   We talked for almost an hour and then it was time to hit the water, however let me say taking it slow during prep and talking with Brian was super cool vs. rushing to get in the water.

I packed my Paddle board, gopro2 camera, water bottle, bandana and headed to the boat dock.   I then ran into Derek from http://www.facebook.com/WakeSUP   We started talking about boards, which ones are the best for different conditions.  Derek was very knowledgeable as well.  He runs a rental, sales, training Stand Up Paddle business, plus he’s got some great connections with SUP companies.   So.. if you are in the market for a board, give Derek a call.   I also saw one of his training events and the newbies were rocking it quick on the boards.

8/10 kayaks rating.

• Water clarity –  fair to good, in spots it was really clear, but mostly couldn’t see the bottom or the rocks.
• Entry / Exit – pretty easy, the parking is super quick to get your board off and in the water.  BTW – this works equally as good for kayaks.
• Environment –  Great environment, peaceful, great people.  Usually when I hit this spot the folks are all very nice (okay except last time kayaking – had a few moms not watching their girls closely)
• Company –  alone, but with meeting Brian & Derek made it a stellar day.
• Weather – amazing..  the bridges were amazing to paddle on, from the folsom bridge, rainbow and the bike path.   Worth the trip and paddle hard thru the current.
• Cost – $10.. but…  the poppy pass saved me again..
• Water Level –  really good, looks like they were letting water out.
• What the specific gear was – Surftech “Generator” board (thank you Derek for the full name), GoPro2 camera, Water bottle carrier from REI, bomb bandana from Red Dawn store (Placerville – if you don’t know, then ask because this store is awesome).

While I was checking in on FourSquare and I saw the Lockdown brewery, which I’ve heard is great beer.  Therefore after the 1+ hour of paddling I drove over to sutter street and then stopped in.   Stephanie the bartender was super cool and I tried out a few beers.   I am an IPA *!$T, so I don’t go far from IPA, however their Scotch Ale rocked my world.  Great suggestion by Stephanie and was well worth the switch up.   I’m going to go back with friends for sure and recommend stopping by, buying a beer, t-shirt and checking out their cool digs.

Now onto the video – what happened you may ask? Well I ran out of juice, didn’t charge the GoPro2 the night before so I ran out of juice after using it a bunch the day before.  BKM (Best Known Method) charge it after every use if your using it for consecutive hours, or buy the battery pack (which I did) so you can validate before you get in the water.   I say “before” you get in the water , because after you are in the water, there is not much chance of getting out to swap a battery.   Overall this GoPro2 is just awesome..  Very impressed and the quality is amazing..   So…   ENJOY what I got..

The day was Monday, July 23^rd, it was not your typical day so let tell you a bit about the day..  I had the great pleasure of having lunch with my dad (Kimo).   His words of wisdom are those that I have learned to appreciate more and more.  He has great insight, he’s an awesome people person and his experiences are unmatched.     We talked of the surf trip next Monday and firmed up the plans on what boards we are bringing, who he invited and I showed him the new GoPro2 camera.

After lunch I headed out to Granite Beach, Folsom, Cali.   On weekdays if you drive past the main gate you can go around the side of the lake and get a direct launch right off the car into the water.  Which would be great both kayak and Paddle board.    The only challenge is the just the choppy water.  I added one piece of equipment, which was a Camelbak bottle system – http://www.rei.com/product/832338/camelbak-delaney-plus-water-bottle-belt

This new add was very helpful to store my keys, fluid and GU for the session.

SAND SAND SAND – okay.. so I’m driving a 2WD jeep Cherokee, it’s a great car, but not so much when it comes to sand.  Where I pulled in, it was not the best place and I realized that more when I had to leave.  It only took a few moments, but the laughter from those around helped me stay focused on getting out.  I made it out okay, but let’s just say I’ll be more careful to watch the sand next time.    In the video below, you will see in FAST motion the session.   So let’s get the good stuff, the criteria..

6/10 kayaks rating

• Water clarity – mixed, but close to shore was better.
• Entry / Exit – well..  great for quick entry, but watch the SAND.  It’s deep in certain places when you are driving in the inner loop close to the shore.
• Environment – Pretty good..
• Company – Paddling alone, so beyond the screaming shore goers that were asking for a ride..
• Weather – Great temperature outside, light wind.
• Cost – Poppy Pass (again let me say this was the best thing to purchase – http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049 )
• Water Level – Folsom is so low..
• What the specific gear was – Surftech board, GoPro2 camera with chesty mount, paddle, new water pack above.

That was just part I for the day, and I said I did EPIC.  So what do I mean by that?  Well I texted my friend Lee during the day and said I wanted to try the paddle board behind a boat.  During lunch he gave me the green light that we are a go to do it that night.   So, we loaded up the boat, hit the lake and let’s just say the outtakes was funny.

10/10 kayaks rating

• Water clarity –  Not so much.. middle of the lake was no visibility.
• Entry / Exit – boat dock, good note..  boat drivers should not drink (saw one dude getting the test and looked like a fail)..
• Environment –  Getting out into the lake was okay, but we had to get into one of the fingers to smoother water.  However we had about ½ boats come way to close to us and just not being cordial on the lake.
• Company –  Lee & his girls are awesome.   I really enjoyed the team spirit they have and it was great to have fun eating a ton of water behind the boat.
• Weather –  Until dusk it was really great, not to hot, but just the right temperature for what we were doing.
• Cost – POPPY pass (saying it again)..  get one..  you will thank me later.
• Water Level –  same as earlier in the day – low.
• What the specific gear was – Surf skate, paddle board, tige boat, GoPro2 chesty outside my PFD (of course) and a low range camera in the boat.

Why is this EPIC?  Well.. watch the video..

and of course the outtakes. ENJOY!!!

Saturday (7/21/12) was a first for me, after a little planning I was off to Jenkinson lake , Pollock Pines, Cali.  Had the pleasure of having a friend join me and she did great paddling for her first time.

Rating – 8/10 Kayaks

• Water clarity – Not so much – even after a mask & fins it was hard to the see the bottom most of the way.  .
• Entry / Exit – this was a normal boat dock entry, therefore it was a little more rushed than normal and was a unload, drive up the hill, park and walk back thru a nice dirt trail.  The walk was pretty cool, however highly recommend that you wear a better shoe than a sandal.
• Environment –  very peaceful place, not a lot of boats, most folks were nice..
• Company – Met a new friend for this trip and it was great.  She was a team player, positive energy and overall made the trip great.
• Weather – AMAZING in Pollock Pines..  so so great.    11AM launch, time of day was perfect.
• Cost – $10.. it’s EID so no Poppy Pass helps here..  so bring cash or hit the store across the street or off the freeway if you are coming this way.
• Water Level –  Amazing..   looked full.   Only rocks that we hit were when we went way up into one of the coves and then we grounded out for a bit.
• What the specific gear was – 2 Ocean kayak – Malibu XL’s (3 person).

Today’s journey took me to Auburn, which is a normal weekend spot for me and the kids.   Today was nothing different than normal, except the earlier hour provided an easier in/out into the water.

  (Note:  still have a lot of work to do with an intro/outro/music, etc..     )

Today’s Rating – 8/10 Kayak’s

• Water clarity – Pretty DARN good, overall was a great clarity.  Saw the bottom almost the entire ride.
• Entry / Exit – with the earlier hour, prior to 9am, it was amazing.  Great parking and right into the water within a few minutes.   Exit was the same, plus was able to use the sandiest part of the entry to get in, which was worth it.
• Environment – Very friendly park rangers, most folks are nice driving down/out from the gate to parking.   Today was better than ever as I was given a Nice Rolling rock Beer from a few folks on the shore.   The guy was super cool and said “All for having a great day at the lake ..  Mahalo”..    Very cool.   Yes my ride was better after that.
• Company – Today was SOLO day, but you know that is always welcome as it’s peaceful, quiet and full of thinking about the great things in life.
• Weather – 84F – not too bad, of course today hit 104, so may have to go back later today..  J
• Cost – with a poppy pass (that I highly recommend) it is free, however if not, it’s $10.. make sure you pay during the week. They check..
• Water Level – Today was medium low for level, however after talking to the park rangers that is the lowest it will be, which is great as you can go from uppers to lowers w/o an issue..   just stay to the LEFT during the rock pilling in the middle.. if you go right you will scrape whatever your paddling.. trust me..  it’s no BUENO.
• What the specific gear was – today I brought out the kayak and paddle board, but decided on the paddle board as this was the first GoPro2 video that I was working on today..