To truly practice what we preach here at SWELL, our gear buyer Morgan, Dave from Marketing, and local surfer babe Jess demo’d the new quiver of Riviera Stand Up Paddle Boards on a 24 mile river paddle from Needles Ca, to Lake Havasu Az.
The journey took us through the Topock Gorge with little shelter or refuge, so selecting the right gear was crucial for success. Elements such as strong headwinds, 95 degree temps, cramping, and rashing were the primary challenges to combat.
Distance Paddle Survival Kit:
Voyager by Riviera -Entry Level hull template for entry level distance paddling
Dakine Cyclone Wet/Dry Bag -Submersible, floating, Roll Top Access
Electric Sunglasses - Polarized eye proection from glare and wind
Watershot Housing for iPhone -Waterproof, Shock Resistant, 3 usable buttons
RipCurl Wettie Hooded Surf Top -30+ UPF protection, rash, quick dry, Rash free seams and fabric
Headhunter -Rash Guard Gel and Clear Face Stick
Eco Sunscreen 30 SPF -Full coverage and water resistant lotion for body.
Mophie Juicepack -Extra battery life for emergency cell use
4-Way Stretch Boardshorts from Volcom and VSTR
Bikini Bottom By Acacia, Top by Tori Praver
Water bottle and towel from Surfrider Foundation
9am departure from Needles Marina: Finding the current, but respecting the boating lanes.
Boaters appreciated our humor, rewarding us with coldies and a friendly flash or two. @SWELLDOTCOM
Lightening our load and flipping out at Topock Bridge, halfway to Havasu
Nobody got sunburned or rashes thanks to SWELL sun protection
9 hrs and 24 miles later, we arrive in Havasu still feeling fresh thanks to the Voyager by Riviera. It stayed stable through hundreds of passing boat wakes. The hull sliced across troughs, and kept a steady forward inertia. Check out all 5 new SUP models here.
