Story and images provided by Taylor Robertson

The first known Stand Up Paddle descent of 35.5 miles of the lower Rogue River was completed by kayaking veteran Taylor Robertson on August 6, 2009. After 18 years in a kayak, 12 of them as a sponsored paddler, the former US Kayak Team member found his newest challenge on the river via “Stand Up.”

For three days, Taylor paddled the Rogue’s Wild and Scenic section below Grants Pass, Oregon on a Surftech 9’ board with a single-bladed paddle. Although he chose to portage the Class V Rainie Falls, Taylor was able to stay up on his board through Class III and IV rapids, including Blossom Bar and Mule Creek Canyon. He was surprised that the 4 times he came off his board were in some of the minor Class II/III rapids. According to Taylor, the eddy lines in Mule Creek Canyon were some of the most difficult to maneuver, with every current and whirlpool working to throw him from his board. Happily, he was able to share this adventure with his dad, who accompanied him in a raft to photograph the three-day adventure and provide rescue if needed.

Feeding off  the popularity and style from ocean surfing,  Stand Up paddling is one of the fastest growing sports in the outdoor industry.  Taylor is taking the sport one step further by pushing the limits of his board on river hydraulics and rocks.  Taylor says, “It’s a combination of surfing, kayaking, and skateboarding.  It makes Class III rapids quickly become class V.” Since “falling off your board from a standing position is a lot harder hit than simply rolling in your kayak,” Taylor arms himself with shin pads, elbow pads, a Sweet Helmet, and top of the line life vest and insulation from Kokatat, as well as a Werner Paddle when making river descents.