My group had such a great time on a self-guided downriver Russian River trip. Jeff is super friendly, and dog companion Zen was a lot of fun to meet. Jeff dropped us off and we paddled along the River. Whole trip took us a bit less than 2.5 hours for our group of 4 novice paddlers, including a break for water, snacks and a swim. The river is so beautiful, full of wildlife and gorgeous views. I highly recommend SUP Odyssey, 10/10 you won't regret making the trip downriver! read more

We had a great first-time SUP experience! Jeff was very patient, thoroughly explained everything. Fun, beautiful day on a nice, placid, private lake in Sebastopol. Highly recommended! Oh, and Zen, Jeff's dog, is the BEST! read more

Our group was staying in the Forestville CA area for the weekend and wanted to try Stand-Up Paddleboarding down the Russian River. Kayaking and Canoe rentals were easy to find but looked a little too mellow for our group. After endless searching for SUP paddleboard rentals on the Russian River I found SUP Odyssey, thank goodness! I emailed Jeff and in no time we were set up with boards and a guide for about what it would have cost just to rent kayaks. Since this was our first time on the river it was really nice to have Mark as a guide. He did a great job explaining everything and I learned some interesting history of SUP and tips to help me improve my paddling technique. The trip itself was really the highlight of our weekend. I have been paddleboarding on lakes before but never on a river. There were also first time paddleboarders in our group and they took to it easily. The conditions were perfect as we had a mix of meandering with the flow and paddling against the wind. We launched at Steelhead Beach and ended in Guerneville. Total time on the river was around 3 hours which includes a midway stop for snacks. I found it was easy to switch from standing to kneeling or even sitting when I wanted a break. Along the way we saw many birds, fish and even a good size turtle. SUP on the lake will not be quite the same now, I will always be thinking of how much fun it was on the river. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to play on the river! read more

See all

When Jeff, the instructor, told me about SUP yoga last June, I had never heard of it. It sounded very interesting and challenging, so I decided to give it a try with my yoga friend. I loved it right away, and since then on, I've practiced on a regular basis. Jeff is an experienced, nice and patient teacher. His class is always fun as well as challenging. I feel happier, calmer, and energized at the same time after every class. The board is big and stable enough so I have never felt uncomfortable. Imagine yourself posing in downward dog or pigeon pose on your board in nature, the warm sun shining on your body. The experience is just a bliss. I would recommend SUP Yoga with Jeff to everybody from children to adults. read more

See all

An amazing experience! Jeff made the experience easy. This is doable for all levels. I'd book again.

Wow, Odessey SUP rentals is awesome. Jeff the owner provided the best customer service. We are staying at a Camp resort near by and he delivered the Paddle Boards to our camp site. We had the best day on the river. My 12 year old son had a blast and we even got my 19 year old daughter up on the board. Thanks Jeff for setting us up for the day. We will for sure see you next time we come to Russian River. Jeff Moore Folsom Ca. read more

Had a really great day out with Jeff. The experience was exactly what I was hoping it would be - a great morning of paddling along the beautiful Russian River on a great board. As an added perk, Jeff's adorable dog Zen joined us! What ever level of paddle boarder you are, this is for you. For someone like me who has only ever paddled on the ocean it was really great to paddle along side someone who has excellent river knowledge. And for anyone who wants to buy a paddle board, Jeff has a lot of different types of boards, so you get to see if you prefer a soft top or epoxy. Maybe one day I'll be able to do the yoga stances Jeff does. If I could pull a head stand off on my board I'll feel pretty accomplished! read more

Jeff was an awesome teacher and we had so much fun trying paddle boarding for the first time with him. Strongly recommend taking an hour lesson - it is well worth it for the beginner. Beautiful location, and he starts you off with simple basics and clear practice instruction on land. Once on the board Jeff will help you fine tune, and adjust one thing at a time. It was surprising and relaxing for us to incorporate some mindfulness and breathing in to our paddling and Jeff is both chill and helpful. This section of the river is also ideal for newbies and our hour flew by. Would totally do again! read more

Perfect day on the river thanks to Jeff and SUP Odyssey! Easy to book too! Jeff meets you at Schoolhouse campground and takes you to Steelhead for drop off. Trip takes about 2 hours as you leisurely make your way back to your car. He's got a great dog named Zen. Book and leave the rest up to SUP! read more

We had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend doing the 3 hour trip down the river. This is well worth the money. I am coming back.

We liked the down-the-river tour so much we went twice in a row and brought friends with us! Jeff was very helpful, well-organized, knowledgeable and just all-around awesome. Highly recommend Jeff and his business! read more

While on my bachelorette party, we wanted to take a break from wine and get outside. With minimal notice, Jeff from SUP Odyssey met us at the Russian River with paddleboards. The river was very scenic and calm, which was great for first-timers. A great way to spend an afternoon in Sonoma! read more

I took a Paddleboard Yoga class from Jeff a Friday before work. The class was very enjoyable and I felt rejuvenate for the day. I am a beginner to yoga and was not sure if I would stay on the paddleboard, but I discovered that they are very stable. The SUP really gives yoga another dimension making it more challenging and relaxing at the same time. Also the class was very small which makes it nice. Jeff is a great teacher he makes you feel comfortable and he is very patient. read more

With 4 friends and a crazy last minute idea to go paddle boarding on labor day weekend I called Jeff to see if there was any way to set something up. He was super accommodating and made it easy for us to get on the water for exactly the experience we wanted. His prices are very reasonable and it was a memorable experience for everyone. We are planning to do another trip up to go on the river instead of the lake next time. We love the pictures he took of us; Zen the dog included! Thanks Jeff! Can't wait till next time! read more

My husband and I had a great experience working with Jeff. He was easy to get a hold of, took payment over the phone, was flexible with the time that worked for us and the location was great. We started around 10 am on a Friday and had the whole river to ourselves. We were first timers but caught on quickly and really enjoyed paddle boarding! read more

Highly recommend the SUP rental here at a hidden spot in beautiful nature. It was a please to meet the owner Jeff, and his lovely dog Zen, who is a big SUP fan himself! Everything was perfect! We had a great time on the river! Would definitely come back and try Yoga on the paddle board;-) read more

Jeff is very responsive and helpful. Rented a board for week at the river. Very fun & now I'm hooked! :-)

We had a blast paddle boarding on the river. Jeff is a solid guy, really friendly and accommodating. We only rented, but I overheard a lesson he gave and he is great with first-timers. Boards are in good condition. Very positive experience, and most of all, I'm really appreciative of how helpful Jeff was. read more

What a fun time!! Took the trip down the river. Couldn't ask for a better scenic adventure. Paddleboarding is so easy to learn and the instructor (Jeff) has a few boards to choose from depending on your skill level. The Russian River flows smoothly and provides wonderful views. Can't wait to come back for another trip! read more

My husband and I had such a wonderful time paddling on the Russian River that we called Jeff and scheduled another trip the next day--this time with our daughter. Jeff handled all the logistics, so could focus just on having fun paddling a gorgeous stretch of river. He was on time, had all the equipment we needed and generally great to work with. We will definitely call him again next time we're in the area! read more

We took a self-guided trip down the Russian River this past weekend and it was amazing. I'd never paddle boarded before but found it pretty easy and didn't feel I needed a lesson. Jeff was nice and friendly, very laid back while also being completely professional. He was super clear about where to meet, how long the trip would take and what to expect, plus booking with him was a breeze. This time of year the weather was perfect and there were very few people along the river. The sights, sounds and fresh redwood smells were breathtaking. Would definitely recommend! read more

Jeff was wonderful and accommodating. I called him during the off season asking if he had availability for two days later. He did and got us set up for an 11:00 time. We met him at the private lake and he gave us a quick lesson. We had the whole lake to ourselves. It was beautiful. Jeff was friendly and so was his adorable dog Zen. We are definitely going to do this again. read more

See all

My two kids (9, 11) and I did a 2 hour self-guided trip down the River this week and we had a blast! Jeff and Zen really took good care of us. Jeff provides a natural blend of personal and professional service which creates a really nice experience. I would highly recommend SUP Odyssey to anyone‍‍‍ read more

I took Jeff's Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class this past Saturday and it was amazing. Being on a paddleboard in the water definitely brings an extra element of fitness, core strengthening and fun to a yoga class. Each pose was really working out my core. I really felt Jeff catered to everyone in the class. The class consisted of beginners to yoga instructors. I have been doing yoga for years, but had never been on a paddleboard before. I felt secure and comfortable throughout the entire class. I love this yoga class! I have been twice now and I am hooked. I'm in love with the fact that I was in the sunshine, on the water and listening to the waves and seagulls! It is so much more of an experience and workout than just your regular studio yoga session! read more

Jeff Gehring provided a highly enjoyable, highly professional SUP adventure trip down a stretch of the Russian River. He took sufficient time to get the group comfortable on their boards, he worked individually with everyone on their paddling technique, and he helped create a fun atmosphere during the entire trip. I had a blast! I plan to try his SUP YOGA! classes next. read more

I had a fantastic stand up paddle experience on the Russian river with Jeff. I had done stand up paddle on oceans and lake but never on a river. Met Jeff and his adorable dog Zen at 9am sharp in the Sunset beach parking and off we were to the river. Jeff started to give some general tips on SUP and what to expect on the river and we were off, upstream first. It was fantastic. We were the only ones on the river and it was so quiet. Jeff pointed wildlife along the way. Zen spiced up the trip when it decided to jump from one board to another ... All in all a great trip that I would highly recommend to both advanced stand-up paddler or newbies. The river is the perfect place to get started as water is super flat. read more

Today we got on paddle boards for the first time with Jeff as our guide. I don't know if it was supposed to be difficult or not, but with Jeff's teaching, it wasn't. He is a great teacher and he explained all of the basics to my wife and I and got us up and running in no time. In case you are not a young person, know that Jeff was very adept at teaching this old dog some tricks. I am 55 and my wife is 52. We got it and enjoyed it very much. The view and the peacefulness there on the Russian River was fantastic. read more

I feel so lucky to have had my first SUP experience with Jeff. He is super personable, warm and easy going. I felt very confident traveling down the Russian River with him. He is also an amazing SUP yoga instructor: very calm and open. He allowed us to challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zone- but only if we wanted to! I highly recommend a SUP class with Jeff. Plus his dog is super adorable (and just as talented!) read more

We were on a recent family vacation in Guerneville and wanted to try SUP. Jeff and his dog Zen delivered 2 boards right to our door. We rented the boards for the weekend. Everyone in our group from age 15 to 50 used them. It was really nice having them over a period of 2 days so that we could take turns trying different things and different distances. I have been wanting to try SUP for a few years now, and this was the perfect situation to do it. The river is calm and beautiful with a lot of wildlife in view. Standing up and navigating the board is a cinch. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the Guerneville area. Jeff and Zen are running a great operation :) read more

We had a great time on the river. Jeff was helpful, patient, and gave us newbies some great paddle boarding tips and techniques. We had the river to ourselves. It was a quiet, calm, and beautiful morning on the river. The experience was relaxing and enjoyable! Highly recommend! :) read more

Jeff was awesome. Super responsive and organized for our large party. Did a great job giving us a quick tutorial and setting us up on the paddleboards. Could not be a nicer guy. Great experience, we'll be back. read more

My husband and I had been eager to try out SUP, but we just hadn't had the chance. When we found ourselves with a free day at the end of our vacation in Napa earlier this month, Jeff was great about fitting us in for a private lesson. Jeff was a knowledgeable, patient, and enthusiastic instructor. He adapted the class to our pace of learning and skill level (which was about 0), and even let us stay a bit later at no charge because the next class hadn't started yet. Zen, Jeff's dog, was also an awesome supervisor, and it was so great to have him hanging out with us. I wish we lived in the area (for a lot of reasons!), so that we could take additional classes. Jeff's SUP yoga classes and Russian River trips sound amazing. read more

Jeff was a great guy to work with when my friends and I rented SUP boards from him for a day on the Russian River. He was super accommodating and gave us great tips on where to go on the river. I would definitely work with Jeff again, I'd especially love to take one of his SUP yoga classes! I highly recommend Jeff for your next SUP adventure! read more

Our group was composed of 5 people in their 20's and 2 people in their 50's with varying degrees of SUP experience. Jeff was a kind and patient teacher. We all had a lovely time. Zen (Jeff's dog) spent some time riding on each persons's board. They make a great team. Jeff took pictures so we did not have to. A truly great way to spend a morning on the river. read more

Highly recommend SUP paddle boards! Took a trip out to Sonoma with my 5 best friends, and we spent the day Paddle Boarding in the Russian River. Jeff was super accommodating, and I was surprised at how easy I was able to pick up Paddle Boarding! No experience necessary, I promise. I am definitely going back for a Paddle Board Yoga Class! read more