In early June in southern Montana the last light of day lingers for a long time. The mountains across the valley were still full of snow that would eventually melt and flow into the Missouri River. The day before the launch my friend Josh and I arrived at the Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks where the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers connect to form the Missouri. I was nervous, wondering how I’d maneuver my stand-up paddleboard with 100 lbs of gear, water, and food.I secured my gear on deck. With my quick-dry pants rolled up and water shoes tied tight, I set a foot on the board, planted my paddle on deck for balance, and pulled my other foot out of the icy water and splashed it down on the deck pad. The water ahead was streaked with white. When a cowboy lingering outside the motel the night before said, “You know there are rapids on that river?” I’d brushed him off. Now I was fighting the urge to kneel on the board for balance. River rocks flew by as I gained speed. I took the rapids head on, hoping I wouldn’t slam into a submerged rock. Water crashed against my well-secured dry bags, as I flexed my knees to stay connected to the board. The water soon smoothed out, and I was still upright. My years-long dream was now my reality. The first few small lakes were a much bigger challenge than I anticipated. After walking along shore I reached an area sheltered from some of the wind and was able to paddle to the last dam for about 240 miles.
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Wow. what a great adventure trip. Loved reading about it.
Congratulations! It was a beautiful trip. Thanks for sharing it. All description, pictures and the video were great.
This was totally amazing! I have been watching the evolution of Stand Up Paddle Boards with a very sceptical eye. Now I think I might build one. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Sam McKinney made a similar trip, but that was in a motorized sail-less cabin cruiser (see Sailing Uphill by Sam McKinney,2000). As did Stephen Ladd, in his 12foot engineless sailboat (See: Three Years in a 12 Foot Sailboat, also published in 2000). But to make the Missouri, standing up, with no cabin, or motor….Wow. Thanks for telling your story.