Author: KDIadmin

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Late Oct 2007 was definitely rainy season throughout much of Costa Rica. I had heard that the Rio Parrita was a canoeable whitewater river, but it’s not in any guide books, and online information is very scarce. I made several inquiries and was able to locate a river guide who was familiar with the Parrita. One Tico friend told me it would be too dangerous to run the Parrita at high flows, and sure enough….it rained all afternoon and all night prior to our run. I was skeptical that we could run it, but an early morning phone call from our guide assured me that it was runnable and fun. We estimated the flow to be over 2000 cfs with a gradient of more than 50 ft per mile. There were a number of long Class 3 runs with some big holes, but nothing too technical due to the high water.

Thanks to my new Tico friends Firlander and Jose for getting us on the water!

Larry Laba
SOAR to Costa Rica[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1796,1797,1798,1799,1800,1801″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]My good friends Tim and Elena were visiting me from Toledo, OH. Elena was a novice, yet very willing paddler. We took them in our S14 down the Taylor River, a solid Class 3+ river. She loved it so much we then ran Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas. Here are pics from both runs. On the Ark, these pics are of the Class 3+ zoom flume. Now they want to buy a SOAR!

Larry Rice,
Buena Vista CO[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1788,1789,1790,1791,1792,1793″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

We ran our fleet of SOARs down the Kieralik in SW Alaska. This is a premier rainbow trout fishing river, but before the fishing gets good it is a gorgeous small volume river with lots of fun class II boulder dodging and Class 3 ledge drops, one of which has two drops and is normally portaged. We have photos for you. Although some of our clients were skeptics, everyone was glad we took the SOARs. They are definitely crowd pleasers.

As an outfitter, I had my first ever SOAR – flip on this trip. We had a couple guys go into some sweepers a little wide and a little too hot. The branches grabbed the gear pile and stern paddler and over they went. Every thing went OK . They righted the boat with all the gear on board and no gear was lost. The lower river is land mined with huge logjams and numerous sweepers which makes it more difficult or at least more dangerous than the upper river, but the SOAR were perfect for this river.

Thanks.
Macgill Adams
Wilderness Alaska[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1814,1815,1816″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Hey y’all,

Those thigh straps that you found for me before the trip saved my arse many times. Promised to send you some photos of the boats on the big water…they were great, handled well, and I had no problems. The usual having to pump up the floor in the mornings. Thinking about sealing off that pressure release valve. The other thing is that the black rubber on the bottom of the boat has rubbed off down to the white fabric. What do you recommend for strengthening those spots. One of the boats actually started leaking from a spot that had rubbed through.

Thanks for your help,
Ari[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1764,1765,1766,1767,1768,1769,1770″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]When not showing Real Estate in the Crested Butte, Colorado area I get the opportunity to float many of the rivers in and around Crested Butte, and Southwest Colorado. The Taylor River, Gunnison River, and East River all provide excellent opportunities for using my new SOAR 14 and SOAR Canyon to access Gold Medal Trout waters with friends and clients. As well there is a Kokanee salmon run up the Gunnison and East Rivers in the late August/September timeframe that is quite a thrill. Many of these waters would be a challenge to fish due to access – I have modified the SOAR Duffel with backpack straps, and waist belt to provide easier transport of my SOAR boats – especially good for hiking into the Gunnison Gorge. If you are in the Crested Butte area and looking for help in navigating the local waterways or the real estate market – send me an email or give me a call.

Chris Kopf
chriskopf@bighornrealty.com
(970) 209-5405
www.chriskopf.com[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1753,1754,1755,1756,1757,1759,1760″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1738,1739,1740,1741,1742,1743,1744,1745,1746,1747,1748,1749,1750″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]The Rio Lacanjá is the first leg of an amazing 17 day river trip in South Central Mexico in the state of Chiapas. Our goal was to paddle 7 days on the Lacanjá which would join the Rio Lacantún for 2 days, then enter the Rio Usumacinta for another 8 days. The Usumacinta used to be popular in the 80s and early 90s until bandidos made rafters feel unwanted. Only a handful of people run the Usumacinta nowadays. We wanted to visit some Mayan ruins that hid in the dense jungle just beyond the Usu’s riverbank. But first we must run the Rio Lancanjá through the heart of the Lacandon Rainforest in the heart of Mayan culture past and present.

The Lacanjá is very small compared to its larger rivers downstream. Rarely anyone runs this river, and we had to employ local Mayans w/ to accompany us through their sacred lands. Our whole expedition was arranged by Rocky Contos (www.sierrarios.org). Rocky was our guide every paddle stroke and step of the way! The Lacanjá is known for its travertine waterfalls, more than 60 of them in 70 miles. The falls ranged in height from 2 feet to close to 12 feet.

This was an epic adventure that I was proud to share w/ 4 other friends and SOAR owners, Larry Rice, Fran Rulon-Miller, Stan Pulley and Marty Brenner. This was a very tough, but amazing adventure.
Day 1 & 2, we ran over 25 falls. At the end of Day 2, we hiked from our bushwhacked river campsite to the spectacular Mayan ruin Bonampak.

Day 3, the river split into 2 channels and became very slow backed up by downfall and jungle encroachment. Our guides macheted more than 35 passages for us to squeeze under, around or over.

Day 4,5 & 6, we ran more cascadas and had to make a very arduous portage through an overgrown rainforest jungle around a 40 ft waterfall.

Day 7, the Rio Lacanjá slowed down and joined the Rio Lacantún. The skies opened up for the next week, and the rest of the river journey was epic in its own way.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1710,1711,1712,1713,1714,1715,1716,1717,1718,1719,1720,1721,1722,1723,1724,1725,1726,1727,1728,1729,1730,1731,1732,1733,1734,1735,1736″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1687,1688,1689,1690,1691,1692,1693,1694,1695,1696,1697,1698,1699,1700,1701,1702,1703,1704,1705,1706,1707″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Hi Larry,

I just got back from the Bloodvien River in Ontario. I would have liked to have tested the my Pro Pioneer before the trip, but time wouldn’t allow it. I have got to say, “Holy Cow! what a wonderful boat!” My personal comfort level grew immediately after the first rapid, and we took a couple class 5s before the end of the trip. You have a fantastic product and we are truly amazed at how stable it is and how easily it maneuvers.
The 2 young guys with us were calling us “the short bus” the whole trip, but we certainly caused some envy on their part, because we only portaged once the entire week (they portaged about 15 times). As it turned out, we could have run that rapid without any problem, and we lined 3 times around some really nasty holes. I found that it lines much better than a canoe and was fully loaded every time we lined and ran rapids, and it actually handled better loaded! The SOAR and row saddles performed flawlessly!

Thanks for answering all my questions and helping to expedite shipping for the oars, locks and patch kit at the last minute. You folks have wonderful customer service. (As it turned out, the patch kit was a comfort thing as well, this boat is insanely tough!) Thanks for an excellent whitewater boat!

Best regards,
Bob Schreiber[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1674,1672,1673″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1625,1626,1627,1628,1629,1630,1631,1632,1633,1634,1635,1636,1637,1638,1639,1640,1641,1642,1643,1644,1645,1646,1647,1648,1649,1650,1651,1652,1653,1654,1655,1656,1657,1658,1659,1660,1661″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” item_spacing=”1px” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]