Stand Up Paddling on the Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne run from the Fish Hatchery to Stillman Mcgee park is one of the most widely used sections of the Mokelumne River in the greater Lodi area. This section starts off in the rolling foothills outside of Clemnet and winds its way through lush valley farmland, and wilderness area. The run is moving water most of the way, however there are no rapids to speak of. Just a gentle rolling river with the occasional riffle, and eddy line. It is also home to an array of wildlife such as Herons, Egrets, Turkey Vultures, River Otters, as well as great fishing like Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead.

This made it the perfect place to check out our new Emotion Stand Up Paddle Boards. These boards are designed for this type of paddling. They are short and easy to maneuver in currents, and stable so you don't have to worry about falling off when you hit a swift section of water. The test paddlers for the day were Matt P. and myself. I should also mention that although I have done this section of river hundreds of times, this was my first time attempting it on a SUP (Stand up paddle board).

Knowing that some of the best riffles and eddy lines are up from the typical launch Matt and I decided to carry our boards up stream aways closer to the Hatchery. From here we pushed off into swift water, and used our kayaking skills to work our way up the side eddies closer to a couple small standing waves. I was the first to paddle over onto the wave. I was pleasantly surprised to find just how easy it was to hold position on a wave with just a little leaning and a little paddling. Matt took to the wave next, his experience on a SUP was apparent right away as he started moving the board around with very little effort. After a few minutes of getting our river legs we decided to turn and head down stream.

The first section of river was a lot of fun. With little eddy lines and rocks everywhere, Matt and I took our time spinning our boards arounds behind rocks and pealing back into the current. We both agreed that paddling a SUP on the river would make you a better all around paddler. After a couple hundred yards the river began to pick up speed. During the first quarter mile the river looses a fair bit of elevation. It was neat to have the sensation of standing up while gliding effortlessly through the valley. After the swift water you get emptied out into one of my favorite sections. It has a canyon like feel with cliffs covered with moss and ferns. Large trees cover the river making it a shady no matter what time of day you go down. This was also a popular fishing spot it seemed because we saw at least six people fly fishing, all of which said they had caught a few fish throughout the day. Some even asked if our boards where stable enough to fish from. The thought made me wish I had my pole. How neat would it be to be high above the water looking down into the holes and casting. Not to mention the ability to work the whole river as you float down.

After a good hour on the boards both Matt and I were beginning to get very comfortable on the boards. During calm sections we would mess around with balancing on the back of the boards and trying to get them to spin around in the eddies. We both were very suprised by just how much fun you could have on such an inexpensive little toy. "Why wouldn't everyone have one of these" Matt said with a big smile on his face. 

We made our way down the river playing in every standing wave, and eddy line we could find. By the end of the run both Matt and I played so hard that we were exhausted, so after the last play spot we decided to take a little break and let the current do the work.

At the end of the day we loaded up the boards and finished our shuttle run tired and stoked about all the fun we had. I can honestly say that I did not expect to have so much fun on what I viewed as a recreational toy. The little board brought back to me the simple joy of paddling with a friend. It was so neat to learn new skills and apply old ones, and I honestly can't wait for my next sunny day off to go out and do it again!

Because Matt and I had so much fun I've decided to make this a scheduled trip that I will do in spring. Those who want to join in on the trip will have to take a two hour intro to SUPing class with me at Lodi Lake and then we will Hit the river. I'm thinking $25 for the flat water class at Lodi Lake and $50 for the down river trip including rental and transportation. Spaces will be limited to 4 or 5 people. If you are interested please email me at Headwaterskayak@gmail.com

So that whats SUP!

Dan Arbuckle
www.headwaterskayak.com