LAKE MEAD CROSSING
3 Days | 39.3 Miles
Overview: I had attempted to paddle across Lake Mead back in 2019, but the winds changed and I had to bail after just one day. I thought about doing it again just about every day since then and stars finally aligned three years later when I found myself in Vegas with the blessing from my wife to finish what I started so many years earlier. This time I would paddle from Echo Bay to Boulder Beach. Not a true start to finish paddle, but a nearly 40-mile stretch that I had never explored before. The weather was sublime, with 70 degree day time highs and lows in the 40s at night and the best part, no major wind. It was a perfect 3-day adventure out on Lake Mead and exactly the way I dreamed my first crossing would go.
November 10-12, 2021 | Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV
CHALLENGE MAP
CHALLENGE SPLITS
CHALLENGE PHOTOS
Gear Check: Before every trip I sort, test and organize every piece of gear before packing up. This ensures that I have accounted for every piece of vital gear before departing. My goal is to always travel as light as possible and inevitably I shed a few things at the last minute.
My SUP: Ole Red has over 1,000 miles on her and this was her 58th trip out on Lake Mead. She was born for open water paddling and after years of traveling together, I can honestly say that I trust her with my life. This is photo of me and Red taken by my buddy JP who picked us up when we finished our journey.
Dwarfed: Down over 150 feet from the high water mark of the late 80s, the canyon walls have grown over the years, dwarfing me and Red as we followed the lakes ever eroding shoreline. This photo was taken at Boulder Wash Cove on the second day.
Side Hike: On long distance paddles I usually set a rhythm of 2-hours of paddling, 10-minutes of rest for about 6-hours a day. Somewhere in there I will take an hour break for lunch and ditch the board in favor of a hike. Its always good to stretch the body for a few minutes after standing for hours on end.
Paradise: I have spent a few nights out in Rotary Cove over the years and chose it again for my second night stay (my tent is in the bottom of the frame). It’s a great place to watch the hub of Lake Mead go by while also being protected from wind and waves.
Fire in the Desert: I am not a huge fan of fires. They are in constant need of attention and they always leave a lingering smell that lasts for days. But with night time temps dipping into the 40s, a little campfire was a nice touch before packing it in for the night.
Bright and Center: Open water paddle style is simple: stay covered from the sun and be as bright as possible so even a drunk boat captain can spot you out on the water. That’s why I always rock my neon orange shorts on open water paddles.
Sunset for the Ages: On the first night of the trip I was treated to absolute sublime sunset. I ended-up staying on the water for an extra hour, just so I could have a front row seat to the show.
Retreating Water: With the water levels dropping, there was a constant ring of wet mud surrounding the lake. It made exploring the shoreline a muddy proposition and made me think twice before hopping off the board as it takes excessive amount of work to clean off a muddy bootie.
Welcome Back: On my final day out I came across this old wooden boat that was once again seeing the light of day. A crack in the bow sank this wooden vessel probably some time in the 60s or 70s. Who would of thought that 50 years later it would resurface again for all the world to see.
All Alone: Miles from shore and adrift out in one of Lake Mead's busiest channels, I came across a tumbleweed, floating unexpectedly in the open water. I couldn't help but appreciate the journey of this plant as like it, I too was on a great adventure across the lake - and forever at the mercy of the wind while living in the constant fear that at any moment, a distracted boater could obliterate you.
Tent Life: Tents are a luxury in my world as I tend to travel with a bivy sack to help save on weight. But on paddling trips I can carry extra weight and this particular tent has been my go-to shelter on all my solo adventures over the years. I purchased it back in 2000 and it was even the first tent I ever camped solo in.
