So, I’ve never felt the need to proclaim the awesomeness of a pair of sunglasses before. That is, until I got my latest pair. The Smith Rambler is a piece that seems like it was made just for me.

I’ve been wearing the Super Methods until a tragic dropping accident one day teaching on the pond. I was skeptical about trying another pair after believing I was as pleased as I could be with the Super Methods. The one major thing I never really thought about when picking out sunglasses in the past was how well they really stick to my head. All glasses fit on my head but do they really grab on? The Rambler has Smith’s “Hydrophilic Megol Nose and Temple Pads,” in english, that’s good rubber that sticks to your face even when you’re sweating and getting soaked kayaking.

I always thought I would have to sacrifice style if I wanted a functional piece like that. The Rambler has the full size body that really covers my eyes and sticks. So, if you are thinking about upgrading your current shades, I would give the Rambler a shot. This is a fully independent review.

About a month ago John O’Neill and I headed down to the Shoshone section of the Colorado river for some SUP action. Luke Lubchenco came along to document the spectacle. Going into the evening John had only Stand Up Paddled once on the pond in his neighborhood. Why not just go straight for some class III?! Giving him the Liquidlogic Versaboard I knew he would do just fine.

Here are the photos from Luke, thanks again for coming along and enjoying the laughs. For those of you still unsure about SUP; it’s here to stay. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. It’s impossible to not smile and have a good time when you’re on one of these.

Here I am entering the first rapid.

John close behind.

The first couple rapids can be a little stressful with all the rock dodging.


The Wall is by far the hardest rapid for me of the section. John and I are both in combat mode here.

John recovering.

The Versaboard even surfs! “All Day Wave” domination.

Next up was the last two rapids. I haven’t been that nervous on Shoshone since I was 15 years old! So much fun.

Now get out there and get after it. Summer is almost coming to an end.

I was lucky enough to be left with Isaac’s Remix 69 while he split to Europe. At first I was excited to try something new, but thought there is no way I will enjoy it as much as my Jefe Grande! Now, after paddling the Remix regularly for the past two weeks I can honestly say this boat kicks a$%. I am an average sized guy, 6 feet tall 185lbs and the 69 is a great size for me. If I were to load it for overnighters the 79 might be nice but the slightly smaller 69 is so quick and agile, I would hate to sacrifice that for extra gear. Every time I have paddled it I have had a throwbag, breakdown, and first aid kit in the stern.

For starters lets get rid of misconceptions about the Remix. One major thing I hear is people say it’s too long. It’s only 8’9″. That’s only 4 inches longer than the Grande, and when you set it next to any other boat you’ll see that it’s not a great difference. The other is that there is not enough rocker. The Jefe Grande is known for it’s awesome rocker profile in the bow and with 13 inches of bow rocker the Remix is only 1 inch lower!

The Remix I would challenge as the fastest boat on the market these days. Speed is something I think we all have stopped looking for in a River/Creek boat but it shouldn’t be forgotten. I find myself having to brake because the speed the remix creates is so easy. Now that I’m used to the speed I love how easy it is to get around in the river. Especially with all the high, pushy water we’ve had here in Colorado the past few weeks.

My first day that I truly fell in love with the Remix was on Clear Creek two weeks ago. The lawson gauge was reading over 1200cfs and we went for the marathon run all the way to the Golden Whitewater Park. On this run you experience everything from big holes, ledges, tight moves, and big pushy water. I was pumped to have that speed for such a big day and keeping my bow up in the narrows or Rigomortis was not an issue.

If my backyard run was OBJ I would probably stick to my Jefe Grande but if you find yourself running more rapids the Remix will leave you smiling. Get to your local shop and try one today.

Had a great day paddling the Versaboard with Brianne down Glenwood canyon. The board is so stable, we had to fight over who got to paddle it. Here is a fun video from the day. We are now guiding trips down the Canyon, so if you are interested in taking a lesson or trip check out Alpine Quest Sports.

Enjoy the short Vid:

Liquidlogic Versaboard on the Colorado River from ross herr on Vimeo.

Took the Versaboard down the Colorado River on a cloudy day. Stand Up Paddling is the perfect way to spend days relaxing on the river.

Alpine Quest Sports is now guiding trips down beautiful Glenwood Canyon. Check out www.alpinequestsports.com for details.