New Sherpa 50 and Yeti 1250 Revealed at CES 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by goalzero

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FROM GOAL ZERO AIM TO ELIMINATE CONSUMER CHALLENGES WITHIN PORTABLE POWER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

New Sherpa 50 and YETI 1250 Revealed at CES 2012 to Revolutionize On-the-Go and Back-Up Power

LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2012 – GOAL ZERO, an innovator of portable solar power systems, today introduced two landmark products to the portable power industry. The launch of the new Sherpa 50 Portable Recharger and the YETI 1250 Solar Generator at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas mark a major milestone for consumers looking to improve their experience while working or playing off the grid, as well as those seeking to secure the latest technology in emergency preparedness solutions.

Lightweight, Direct-to-Laptop Charging
• The new Sherpa 50 portable recharger, which was recently recognized by the CEA as CES Innovation Honoree for Portable Power, will change how consumers power vital devices like phones and laptops. Weighing only 14 oz. (0.9 lbs.), this latest, award-winning addition to the mid-size Sherpa line is less than half the load of its predecessor, yet it harnesses the same 50 watt hour power capacity. The most compact of the Sherpa line, the new Sherpa 50 truly represents on-the-go power, as it measures less than 5 inches on each side and is only 1 ½ inches thick, allowing it to easily fit in any bag or briefcase.

• It features a unique “Power Port” that will enable users to charge laptops directly from the recharger, thus eliminating the need for an AC inverter as well as the computer’s AC power cable. Instead, users will be able to plug their device directly into the Sherpa 50 using one of its included connector cables.

• In addition to the “Power Port,” the Sherpa 50 offers DC and AC (with inverter) outputs, as well as upgraded USB ports that now output 1A of power – enough to provide two extra hours of entertainment on an iPad or tablet device.

• The Sherpa 50 charges fully via solar panel in 5-10 hours or within 2-3 hours via wall outlet and can, in turn, power a smart phone for 10 hours; deliver 25 hours of jams on an iPod; and afford users a valuable, extra hour of life on a dying laptop when a traditional wall outlet is nowhere in sight.

Silent, Safe, Sustainable Trade-up Generator
• The Yeti 1250 Solar Generator is Goal Zero’s highest capacity portable recharger to date and is the most easy to use, affordable, dependable and complete solution available for those looking to “trade-up” from their conventional gas-powered back-ups. The Yeti 1250 is a generating beast, standing 16 inches tall, 11.6 inches wide and 14.5 inches deep and weighing 103 lbs., and much like its namesake, the Yeti 1250 is extremely powerful, but rarely seen or heard.

• The Yeti 1250 not only features multiple ports so you can charge several devices at once, but it offers a variety of output types, including AC, 1.5 amp USB, 33amp 12V DC, 6.6 amp 12V DC, which are compatible with a wide array of electronics from GPS units to refrigerators. All the ports are easily activated with a flick of the master switch, but can also be micro-managed by power group to individually protect circuits.

• The Yeti 1250 charges fully in 20-22 hours via sun or in 16-20 hours via a wall outlet and in turn will power a laptop for 30+ hours; support a printer through 18,000+ pages of printing; keep a full sized refrigerator cold for two to four days straight and maintain subzero temperatures in a chest freezer for eight days! Furthermore, unlike traditional gas-fueled generators, the Yeti 1250 never produces more power than is being drawn from it, so users needn’t worry about wasting power or unnecessary maintenance.

“At Goal Zero, it’s not just about making an amazing product; it’s about the application of our products in consumers’ daily lives. We consistently strive to take out the complicated guess work of utilizing a solar unit and build simplicity in, so that we can deliver the most dependable and useful solutions to our customers,” said Joe Atkin, President of Goal Zero. “I think consumers will be eager to see the strides we have made with the new Sherpa 50 and Yeti 1250 as they are both not only some of our most advanced products to date, but they each address a major consumer need.”

The Sherpa 50 Portable Recharger will be available in June 2012 as a part of a number of full system kits or separately for $249.99. The Yeti 1250 Solar Generator will be available in May 2012, both as a single unit ($1499.99) and as part of Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit ($1999.99) which also includes two Boulder 30 solar panels and a carrying cart for the kit.

People of various lifestyles from outdoorsmen to photographers to soccer moms can continue to look forward to additional product releases from Goal Zero in 2012, such as their smallest and most affordable portable recharger yet – the Switch. Consisting of a small, but powerful 5 inch, cylindrical, lithium battery, the Switch will pump out 1.5 amps of power – enough to charge up an iPhone or kick-start an iPad – without a cord directly into users’ devices.

For further information about Goal Zero and its products, please visit www.goalzero.com or call us at 888-794-6250.

*Visit us at booth #70403 in the Sustainable Planet section of the Venetian Ballroom or at our outdoor space (#CP12) in the Central Plaza of the LVCC.
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ABOUT GOAL ZERO

GOAL ZERO is an innovator of portable solar power systems that power a variety of devices – from cell phones to laptops and even refrigerators – anywhere and at any time. Providing a perfect blend of portability and power, Goal Zero products feature full solar energy systems –solar panels, portable rechargers and accessories – each designed to work in concert with each other. Goal Zero was founded by entrepreneur Robert Workman, who realized the need for portable power and light through his work with the non-profit organization TIFIE in the remote regions of the Republic of Congo. Goal Zero donates a portion of proceeds from all Goal Zero purchases to TIFIE (www.tifie.org), which is dedicated to empower people by establishing sustainable business enterprises that produce goods and services and create lasting jobs. For more information, please visit www.goalzero.com

Media Contact:
Ashley Aberbach, Finn Partners for GOAL ZERO
ashley@finnpartners.com / 212-715-1524

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Journey on a Dory in the Grand Canyon

Posted on January 4, 2012 by goalzero

Guest Post by: Bhaskar Krishnamurthy
GOAL ZERO Equipment Used: Sherpa 120 Power Pack, Nomad 27 Solar Panel, and Sherpa UI

As a photojournalist, I get most excited about the opportunity to travel and capture some of the exotic and the surreal experiences that await travelers in destinations around the world.

Remote locales, such as a recent assignment in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, pose significant logistical challenges. During this first visit to one of the natural wonders of the world, I was filled with enthusiasm, excitement and, of course, slight apprehension on how to sustain battery power for my camera gear and computer.

Floating the Colorado River in October means plenty of beautiful sunshine and ever-present scattered showers.

The assignment itself was to capture the spirit and soul of the Grand Canyon on a dory, a small, shallow-draft boat, about 5 to 7 meters (6.4 to 23 feet) long that are maneuvered by an expert oarsman. It is lightweight and versatile boat with high sides, a flat bottom and sharp bows. For centuries, dories have been used as traditional fishing boats.

In a span of 12 days, I hiked the famed nine-mile Bright Angel Trail from the South Rim to the bottom of the canyon and headed straight into some of the wildest rapids in the Grand Canyon. In this exhilarating137-mile journey we passed through Shinumo Creek, Bass Camp, Elves Chasm, Blacktail Canyon, Stone Creek, Thunder River, Deer Creek, Kanab Creek, Havasu Canyon, National Canyon, Fern Glen Canyon, and Pumpkin Springs. The famous rapids on this part of the Colorado River included Horn Creek, Granite, Hermit, Crystal, Bedrock, Dubendorf and the mighty Lava Falls.

In a place as awe-inspiring as the Grand Canyon, one has to be prepared for capturing the beauty and the majesty in all its splendor. Surprises and extraordinary scenery are an understatement in the iconic Grand Canyon. In preparation for the journey, I researched several product lines, including mobile solar power units, ultimately selecting the Goal Zero-Sherpa Solar Kit.

First criteria for deciding on Sherpa Kit were its compactness and easy mobility. There was a serious baggage restriction and very little leeway for any heavy gear. Secondly, I looked at the retaining power of the solar pack and the convenient means to charging my laptop and the camera charger. My third consideration was the type of solar panels available and the ease in packing them into the back-country.

The Sherpa Solar Kit featured a Nomad 27-watt solar panel, Sherpa 120 battery, and Sherpa universal inverter (UI) adaptable for 110- and 220-volt, a 12-volt cigarette plug-in adapter, three aluminum support rods for the solar array and a built-in extender cord.

In the course of my journey, we would typically float the river through the day and camp on the sandy bank of the river at night. Within the towering canyon walls, the sunshine was restricted to about seven hours before the shadows crept in. I judiciously charged the Sherpa battery, keeping it safe from water splashes in storage. At camp in the night, I could then transfer my images onto my hard drive and charge all types of batteries.

Throughout the journey, the weather remained gorgeous and we had bright sunshine and blue sky. The landscape was incredibly beautiful. But, the nature of river travel by dory meant guarding against ever-present splashes, generated by even the smallest rapids. The design of the dory allowed for a small space between the oarsmen and the passengers, where I would assemble my solar panels to charge the storage device.

There were days when we would camp out at a particular location and go for side hikes such as Cardenas, 91-Mile Creek, Crystal, Ross Wheeler, and Havasu. We were constantly amazed at the majestic hues and rock formations that surrounded us.

Before departing on our hikes, I would open the panels and spread them on the dory and connect the battery pack, allowing a full charge in five to six hours. I protected both with a waterproof sheet whenever we approached rapids. At other times, the waters were extremely calm, providing a smooth ride and less concern about equipment.

While camping for a full day, we experienced brilliant sunshine and the battery would be totally charged by the time I returned to camp. In the evenings, I would have full power to charge my gadgets, as well as those of my fellow travelers. My Nikon batteries would take about 2 hours to completely power up, and I had five batteries to charge, as well as my Macbook Pro. While connected to the laptop, the draining of the stored battery was substantial.

Laurent Pavard, a French national who was traveling with us on the dory, also packed a solar panel, which was never functional. He would come back to me every other day and ask to charge his batteries.

In the course of 12 days, I had an opportunity to charge the storage device four times and was never worried about the battery power for any of my gadgets.

The Houffmans, who spend most of their time sailing and have a sailboat on the East Coast, were so impressed with the device, they said, “We have tried several solar options, but this one seems to be one of the best.”

Two other boat-mates, Todd Cecil and Phil Starr of Houston, examined the Goal Zero’s functionality and adaptability in my tent and said they were so impressed they were considering purchasing the package for their frequent camping trips.

In hindsight, I never had to worry about power for my batteries. The storage device and the UI converter were easy to carry and the charge cables were so well concealed that they never got in the way. The trip was memorable on many counts and Goal Zero took away all the apprehensions I had about using battery-operated devices and mobile power in remote terrain, such as the incomparable Grand Canyon.

Learn more of Bhaskar Krishnamurthy journeys

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Winds of Patagonia: Sherpa 120 Adventure Kit

Posted on December 6, 2011 by goalzero

Please enjoy the Guest Post by Forrest Coots. Find out how the Sherpa 120 Adventure Kit gave him ‘Power Anywhere’.

“Dwarfed by our overstuffed packs, we slogged into the vast Patagonian landscape. Our packs—heavy with camera gear, personal equipment, tents, cooking supplies, fuel, three days of food, climbing ropes and hardwear—were loaded down to prepare us for the unfamiliar terrain ahead. Had we underestimated this venture? A self supported athlete-filmed project with complete control of concept and film direction… what could go wrong?

Just four days prior, our crew—Jason Thompson, Drew Stoecklien, Chuck Mumford and I—had landed at the small rural airport of Balamaceda, roughly 600 desolate miles from the bustling metropolis of Santiago. From here our journey would be dictated by the winds and whims of the Chilean winter. With a little luck and fortune from mother nature our expedition would be a success. We were only beginning to wrap our eager minds around the size and scope of these mountains. Severe and inspiring, the craggy spires, granite walls, deep river valleys and snow-capped volcanoes draw mountaineers, climbers and adventurers alike.

The biggest obstacle we soon learned once at base camp was because we were so far south the sun would only get so high in the sky and with the consent threat of a new storm on the horizon we weren’t going to get a ton sunlight. Unable to charge the batteries off the solar panel would spell an end to our project and the months of work getting to this point would have been for nothing. We were equipped with GOAL ZEROs Sherpa 120 kit, it soon became our lifeline between success and failure.

Over the next 15 days we would witness the harsh and unrelenting power of Patagonia. Most mornings we wake to the sounds of the hollowing wind with a few sun rays poking through the clouds. Racing to make sure the solar panel was angled right getting the most from the sun and to charge our batteries was an everyday occurrence. But as morning turned to afternoon new storms would blow in, with new rain and snow raging down on our little camp.

Even though we only had a few hours a day of sun each morning, we were able to collect enough solar energy to keep four DSLR cameras rolling non stop capturing the climbing & skiing over the next 15 days. During an expedition like this having reliable power is a must, and in the harsh Patagonia, the Sherpa 120 did everything we needed to keep going.

Finally the barometer rose and leveled out with four days left on the trip, signifying the arrival of our weather window. For three days we climbed and skied beneath the blissful afternoon sun. We skied coveted lines and earned each turn with the patience and perseverance we learned there. On the evening of the third day, our window had passed and the wind had returned. As we skied back to camp, we hoped for just one more day of sun. Our selfish prayers were not heard. Instead, lenticular clouds engulfed the mountaintops and 36 hours of hard rain followed. Our camp was melting and it was time to pull the plug and get the ‘hell out of dodge’, as they say.

The following morning we wake to the alternatively sweet, however brief, sound of snow on the tent walls. It’s better then packing up in the rain. Once again we face our backbreaking dilemma of hauling gear. With packs that took two of us to get on, it turned out to be a long day of slogging in the rain. Seven grueling hours later we arrived back in Villa Cerro Castillo. With only 5,000 Chilean pesos (10 dollars) between us, we made the best of it, buying the best box wine at the store, and raised a toast to a great trip.”

Interested in learning more about his adventures visit Forrest Coots website.

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TEVA teams up to help GOAL ZERO with clothing drive.

Posted on October 6, 2011 by goalzero

You all probably know that GOAL ZERO is tightly linked with TIFIE Humanitarian. We share the same founder and a mission to empower people all over the world. Last month GOAL ZERO organized a clothing and shoe drive to benefit the youth center that our sister company – TIFIE Humanitarian supports in Kinshasa, DRC. We want to thank everyone who participated – the kids were so excited to try on their new gear! We were particularly touched when we reached out to our friends over at TEVA Footwear. When we explained that the kids were in desperate need of shoes, without hesitation TEVA donated the needed sandals. A few GOAL ZERO employees were able to go over to personally deliver the clothes and shoes. Thanks for everyone’s gracious generosity!

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Solar Power Help in War Zones

Posted on September 13, 2011 by goalzero

Shannon Galpin at Mountain2Mountain is part of our amazing extreme team that tests and pushes the limits of Goal Zero gear. Mountain2Mountain is a nonprofit that creates education and opportunity for women and girls in Afghanistan. Using Goal Zero solar power, Mountain2Mountain provides light to rural mid-wivery, running a school and supporting the Mountain2Mountain team while away. Efforts such as Mountain2Mountains were unimaginable ten years ago. Goal Zero = no borders.

Staring again this October, the Panjshir Tour rolls into several Afghanistan cities to raise support for social justice and change for women’s rights. A country in which women are no longer allowed to ride bikes. In conjunction, riders across the U.S. will use their bikes as vehicles for social change by participating in the Panjshir Tour on October 8, 2011, contributing sweat equity and raising funds to fuel M2M’s programs in Afghanistan. Ending with a celebration ride and party in Denver on October 15.

This will be the second ride by Shannon Galpin in the Panjshir Valley that tests the perception of women riding bikes. “It was my goal to challenge perceptions and invite conversation on both sides of the equation. Challenging the stereotypes of women and Americans in Afghanistan, while challenging parallel stereotypes of Afghans as a people and as a nation in the United States. Bridging cultures and communities on two wheels.” Galpin states. Read more in “Pedal Power Nation” by the Huffington Post.

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Restoring Power After the Storm

Posted on August 30, 2011 by goalzero

After the damage of Hurricane Irene has left millions of people without power, there are a number of people who are looking for their own portable solar generator. Knowing that the utility providers have a daunting task ahead of them to restore power to the residences and businesses that have been affected by the hurricane, individuals that are without electricity are cleaning out the flood waters and making preparations to keep the basics of their energy consumption satisfied. The purchase of a portable generator is the first step in turning the lights back on after the storm passed over. Goal Zero lights offer a low power draw that bring much needed security in times of disaster.

As the category 3 hurricane was downgraded to a 2, a 1 and then a tropical storm as it passed from Virginia to New York and Massachusetts many people felt the strong winds and pounding rains that dropped a year’s worth of precipitation in a few short hours. Causing extensive damage as trees were downed and electricity was cut off by the weather; there were people who had the foresight to buy a generator prior to the storm hitting. But for millions more the scramble to restore power has some people looking for an alternative to waiting for the utility company to turn the lights back on.

For many people that evacuated the major cities and left their home to escape the threat of the hurricane, the opportunity to purchase a portable solar generator while they were miles from the storm has enabled them to return with the resources to turn on a few lights and connect portable power to a well needed appliance. For millions of east coast residents the evacuations and warnings have preserved life, but now the work of cleaning up is a challenge that they face as they watch the waters recede and life returns to a sense of normalcy.

We enjoyed the numerous comments shared on our Facebook page of the relief that Goal Zero was able to bring to the East Coast residents during the storm. You are in our thoughts.

Tropical Storm Irene hit three days ago and yet the following is a table of power outages as of 1:00 p.m. August 30, 2011 (1700 GMT) issued by the Department of Energy.

State Customers without Power Percent of customers without Power
Connecticut 508,963 32%
Delaware 3,452 1%
D.C. 3,695 2%
Maine 93,995 7%
Maryland 268,038 12%
Massachusetts 216,889 7%
New Hampshire 31,438 5%
New Jersey 343,835 10%
New York 525,386 7%
North Carolina 147,347 4%
Pennsylvania 153,883 3%
Rhode Island 133,313 31%
Vermont 18,088 5%
Virginia 402,535 13%
TOTAL 2,850,857 people in the dark 3 days after the storm!
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In Case of Emergency….

Posted on August 19, 2011 by goalzero

72-hour kits are essential for every household in America. Not only do 72-hour kits provide a stable net for disasters or emergencies, they also provide a comfort to all those involved that if a disaster happens, you’ll be taken care of until you can get additional help. There is a lot of thought and preparation that go into 72-hour kits including food and water, bedding and clothing, and fuel and light sources.
The most important item for your 72-hour kits is food. The easiest types of food to pack into your kit are dry and canned foods. Granola bars, trail mix, crackers or cereal, canned tuna, chicken, and fruit should be the basis of the kit. A lot of water, 1 gallon or 4 liters per person (or more) is absolutely necessary to include as well. Candy or gum is also a good treat to include that will bring comfort and familiarity to a disaster. Just make sure you rotate the food regularly.

Bedding and clothing is critical to include in your kit as well. An extra change of clothing for each member of the family along with blankets and pillows should be included. When packing clothes for each individual, be sure to update them to the correct size regularly and include different outfits for the different weather.

During a natural disaster or emergency, most of the time the power will go out. This makes it unavailable to connect to any type of light or energy source. Having some sort of battery-powered lighting and radio will allow you to stay informed and survive as normally as possible until the disaster is over. An easy solution is using one of GOAL ZERO’s portable solar kits. This will allow you to have power even with a power outage. Sunlight is gathered, energy is stored in the battery that can be used later. Portable solar generators work just like portable solar panels but can be used to power objects such as a light source or a radio that is not crank powered and needs to be plugged in.

72-hour kits are important to have ready in case of any sort of emergency. Your kits should be inspected and updated at least twice a year. Your food and water should be rotated every six months to be sure you have everything you need. 72-hour kits are incredibly important and need to be a priority in the home.

Check out our lights and kits to equip your 72-hour kit completely. Can’t decide call us 1-888-794-6250 or email support@goalzero.com Our favorite emergency kits include: Scout 150 Expedition Kit or for something a little smaller, the Guide 10 Adventure Kit.

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Inside GOAL ZERO: Nicknames

Posted on August 17, 2011 by goalzero

We are the first to admit the Goal Zero team is an irreverent bunch of peeps. We live by our own motto of living life to the fullest. Life does not begin when work is over. It is one and the same. That is why we all love our jobs so much (most days anyway).

Nicknames are one of things at Goal Zero that pretty much everyone gets. Some are out of necessity since there are seven Dave’s, three Scott’s , two Nick’s and two Bryan’s that all work here.

Norm Krantz – VP of Product Development aka “Kick-Ass Krantz”
Scott Young – Director of Finance aka “Blaze”
Dave Peterson – Social Media aka “Petey”
Dave Smith – Senior Systems Engineer aka “Solar Dave”
Scott Twitchel – Warehouse Associate aka “Twitch”
Bart Miller – COO aka “Barticus”
Jon Heinzen – Graphic Designer aka “Johnny Jon Jon”
Eric Hawke – Warehouse Associate aka “Hawk”
Bryan VanAllen Distribution Manager aka “Bee VanA”
Kyle Parkin, Creative Director aka “Beardsman”
Scott Sorensen, Head of Consumer Marketing aka “Scoot ”
Walker Ford, Electrical Engineer aka “Texas Ranger”
Todd Switzler, Account Manager aka “Twizzler”
Dave Rosner, R & D Associate aka “Roz”

Granted some names are more creative than others but it really shows we are like one big happy family.

Want to join our team? We are currently hiring a Costco Roadshow Scheduler and Junior Account Manager. Send resume to jobs@goalzero.com

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Goal Zero Extreme Adventurer: Mike McKay

Posted on August 17, 2011 by goalzero

What has Mike McKay, one of our Goal Zero Extreme Adventurers been up to? He is a kayaker, conservationist, and solar powered filmmaker.

“A week or two tardy now, but in mid-June through mid-July the Five2Nine crew rallied to the west coast, extending the spring creeking season by grabbing some snowmelt along the Coast and Sierra Ranges. The West Coast had been hammered by snowfall this year, and there was no shortage of water. Plans for the High Sierra Classics (runs like Dinkey, Upper Cherry or Middle Kings) faded into lower elevation big water runs.

The trip began after being joined by good friend and LiquidLore author Steve Arns, knocking a few laps down the Little White and the Green Truss sections of the Salmon drainage. More importantly, we were able to help out in a small way with documenting the removal of the Condit Dam, an enormous 100-foot tall piece of concrete infrastructure that block the migration of salmon up – and sediment down – the White Salmon River. This dam removal is one of the largest undertaken in the US, and the first of many such projects that will again free the energy of moving water and return the rivers below them to life. Documenting this dam removal is a fitting choice for this trip the Five2Nine team – powered by Goal Zero – used strictly solar power to shoot video, stills and edit for the latest edition of CURRENTS.

The idea to shoot solely on the power of the sun makes perfect sense in a place like California. For our pasty white hides, hidden under dry suits for the entire spring, the available energy in the hot California sunshine is clearly there for the taking. You can feel it, trust me. The solar project was really just a small example to demonstrate the possibilities. We can recognize that although it is a stretch to say that solar (or wind, or tidal) will ever meet the entire energy needs of a nation, what we really wanted to highlight through this solar-powered episode is the power we aren’t using. We aren’t plugged in. We aren’t using the coal-powered hotel plugs. We aren’t using the hydro-powered plugs at the roadside diners.

Through use of alternative sources we can make the most of the resources we have at hand, and limit the destruction of many others. Solar may not power the world, not yet anyway, but through small wins like this – through technology and conservation – we may be able to save some of our favorite rivers, particularly some of the small-scale or micro-hydro projects that threaten so many places we, as kayakers, hold dear.

Anyway, back to the action. With the snowpack melting and waters rising, we headed south, stopping at Brush Creek for some low-stress waterfalling before hitting the granite of Big Kimshew and the South Branch Middle Fork of the Feather.

Philip Kompass and Van-island local Shayne Vollmers joined the crew on Canada Day (July 1) and rallied up to Cody Howard’s (www.HuckingHuge.com) pad in Auburn for a night’s rest before a run down the Upper Middle Cosumnes the next day. Steep gradient, gorgous white granite and hard white water makes for a great day.

With the state in a weeklong heat wave, levels continued to rise. A quick check of South Silver – on everyone’s hit list – confirmed that we needed to look elsewhere and rallied to the nearby Slab Creek Section of the South Fork of the American. This is an outstanding section of read and run, big water class IV+ that was nobody’s second choice. The next day, a high water run of the bottom portion of Lover’s Leap and the Kyburz section of the South Fork American.

With some logistical stuff sorted out, including finding a replacement vessel (cracked boat on Kimshew) the crew gathered supplies and began the monstrous shuttle into and out of Milsap Bar to run the class V- multi-day Middle Fork of the Feather and a medium flow of 2000 cfs. With the normal access point blocked due to construction, this standout classic section of river now has a four-hour shuttle. Thankfully, it is three worthwhile days on the water and three spectacular canyons (unnamed, Franklin and Devils).

Everything you have – or will – read about this section is true. I won’t repeat it, but there is a reason why this was one of the first rivers in the United States to be protected with the Wild & Scenic River designation. It is stunning.

With bellies full of pizza, and the epic shuttle drive dealt with, we headed up and over the still-snowy range, dropping into the Yuba drainage and heading towards Auburn. The ultra-classic and very popular 49-Bridgeport section of the South Fork of the Yuba was running a healthy 1500 cfs, and we put on in the late-afternoon for a few hours of class V. Again, this run lives up to the hype. Big drops, big holes and stark granite lined riverbanks for 7 miles of excellent, pushy creek boating.

With the crew in various states of disrepair, we grabbed a solid night’s sleep in Auburn and began the long trip back to reality.

In all, despite the changing flows, we managed to paddle new rivers or sections for 10 days straight, and all within a few hours of Auburn. It may not have been the teacups of the High Sierra’s but it was a week well spent. Can’t wait to get back there.

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Giving Back: Clothing Drive

Posted on August 10, 2011 by goalzero


We are having our clothing drive for the Children’s Center in Congo. We would like to have all donations gathered by Friday, August 19th. We appreciate new or gently used clothing and shoes.

Clothing Sizes Needed:
Mens: Small/Medium & Boys Large/XL
Girls: Junior Small/Medium

Shoe Sizes Needed:
Mens Shoes: 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7, 8.5, 9, 9.5
Women Shoes: 8.5, 9, 9.5

If you have interest in helping out please contact sanderson@tifie.org or hseevinck@tifie.org. Tifie Humanitarian

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