NORTH COAST, Calif. – On Sunday, Jan. 31, three Lake County men will be embarking on the second Stand Up Paddleboard scouting trip of a 9-mile section of the Russian River, between Redwood Valley and Talmage Road in Ukiah.

This trip can only be accomplished during the winter season after heavy rains, which swell the river and make it possible to Stand Up Paddleboard through the swift currents, jetties, small rapids and other obstacles.

The goal of the previous trip last year was to make the trip all the way down to Hopland from just South of Coyote Valley Casino in Redwood Valley.

Completing the trip were Mike Conser, owner of Mendo-Lake Stand Up Paddleboard, or SUP; Chris King, co-owner of King Designs and Carve Pilates in Lakeport; and Brian Robertson of Steel Winery.

Due to a few obstacles and barriers along the trip, they had to cut it short after several hours and exit the Russian River at Talmage Road in Ukiah.

Traveling along this stretch of the Russian River allows for many breathtaking views that wouldn’t normally be seen by even the residents of the area.

In some dangerous, unnavigable areas, the athletes would have to pick up their boards and find a safe way around on foot, but never more than a quick few steps.

It’s not surprising to have a 10-foot-log floating down the river beside you at any given time during a high water state.

The boarders have all the safety equipment required, besides the necessary full wetsuits and booties. Most importantly, they wear life jackets and helmets, carry whistles and knives, and they even use leashes to stay attached to the inflatable paddleboards and paddles, although they can quickly be released in an emergency situation, such as being pulled under by the current.

This Sunday they are doing it again for the first time of the season, with the addition of Chris Hudgins, the SeaDooDr., from Lucerne.

They plan to navigate the river, in even higher water than last year, to assess the route’s navigability in order to offer the adventure trip to clients through the 2016 season.

Paddleboarding in Lake and Mendocino counties is not new to the area. Mendo-Lake SUP has been providing lessons, rentals, group trips and coreboarding exercise classes each summer throughout Lake and Mendocino counties for the past two summers.

While most think of winter as the off season for stand up paddleboarding, it is quite the contrary, winter is when some of the more exciting fun happens on a paddleboard, especially on the river or on the lake on a windy day, thus proving to be a new challenge for the hardy adventurer.

Stay tuned for the stand up paddleboard adventure report, pictures and video next week. For more information on paddleboard excursions and exercise opportunities, visit Mendo-LakeSUP on Facebook or at http://www.carvepilates.com .