From Colorado’s whitewater rapids to the Florida Keys' aqua-blue channels, here are the sweetest spots you didn’t know you could stand up paddleboard.
From Colorado's whitewater rapids to Hawaii's longest downwinder, here are America's sweetest spots you didn't know you could paddle board.
Paddleboarders listen up: you don’t have to travel far to find ideal water for your total-body SUP workout. America’s got it all: flat tropic canals, whitewater rapids, the biggest lake in the world — you name it. We hunted down the coolest spots to paddle surf, right here in the U.S. And you might be surprised, some of these places could be in your own backyard. From Nevada’s canyon rivers to Hawaii’s longest downwinder, here’s where you didn’t know you could stand up paddleboard.
Stand Up Paddling: The Full-Body Workout You Can Master in a Weekend >>>
Looking for a cool way to celebrate the next Mardi Gras? Head down to New Orleans, Louisiana, and paddle this tame section of the Mississippi River to scope out the ambiance. Small channels wind through the city offering great views of the historic French Quarter and city skyline. Rent from Nola Paddle Boards (includes board, paddle, lifejacket and leash) at its Bayou St. John launch location. Score a lesson or paddle on your own. After? Treat yourself to a post workout Hurricane cocktail, and join the party. Reservation required. ($40/person, 1 hour; nolapaddleboards.com)
Maui’s north shore is perfect for the guy who really wants to cruise. The eight mile SUP trip from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park runs parallel to the coast’s white sand beaches. And with a steady 30-knot wind at your back, you’ll practically be flying. Go in October or the beginning of November when the waves aren’t too high. Naish Maui Pro Center will hook you up with boards and Moore Water Time Maui provides one-way shuttles. (Rental $45/day, naishmaui.com; Shuttle $12, moorewatertimemaui.com)
When you think Las Vegas, you think: The Strip, Blackjack and likely, a raging hangover. But on your next bachelor weekend, why not mix it up and paddle for a day down Black Canyon’s flat moving section of the Colorado River. Desert Adventures rents all the gear you need and shuttles you to the start near Hoover Dam. Check out hidden caves and hot springs along the way, and pack a lunch in the dry bag (included with rental) so you can chow down, midday. Don’t forget to reserve your $17 NPS permit (one for each paddler, by law) in advance. ($75, shuttle included; kayaklasvegas.com)
Washington’s mountains and ocean-inlet islands in the Puget Sound are a must on a SUP. Puget Sound is a 100-mile-long system of connected waterways that blend the Pacific Ocean and Salish Sea. Rent from West Bay Paddleboards in Olympia and get an instructional lesson from Chris Fry, fitness trainer and certified ASI Stand Up Paddleboard instructor, before you go. Then drop in at Boston Harbor and ride downwind south to Olympia, or if the tide is in, head north to Harstine Island for sandy beaches and lush green forest. ($35; westpaypaddleboards.com)
Sure, Lake Tahoe in California is freezing, but go mid summer and it’ll be so hot you’ll want to fall off your board. From Kings Beach, paddle along the north shore rimmed with dark green forest and rocky coves. You’ll float over a boulder field buried deep under the crystal clear water. Too cold? Warm up at Brockway Hot Springs, a natural cascade that empties into the lake. Tahoe Paddle & Oar rents by the day and has a slew of guided tours available. ($100/day; tahoepaddle.com)
Craving to try whitewater SUP? Colorado is your best bet. The Arkansas River (well known for world class kayaking and rafting) has a stretch of flat water interspersed with short, low-class rapids near Salida in the mountains — intense, but not impossible on an inflatable board. Beginners should take a half-day lesson with Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center to master the rapids safely. Whitewater rental packages include board, paddle, pump and patch kit, life jacket, wetsuit, and protective footwear. (Lesson $120; Rental package $50; rmoc.com)
Despite its snowy reputation, Minnesota has ideal temps in the 70s and 80s for SUPing in summer. Head to Lake Superior — the world’s largest, by surface area — and paddle surf along Park Point, a long, narrow sand spit in Duluth that divides Lake Superior from St. Louis Bay. Cruise bayside for views of the harbor’s massive cargo ships or lakeside to see the famous vertical Aerial Lift Bridge and lighthouses. Rent from North Shore SUP on the bayside of Park Point/ ($15/hour, $50/day; duluthsup.com)
You don’t have to go abroad to paddle aqua-blue tropical water. The Florida Keys 822-island chain is loaded with paddle-perfect canals through mangrove forests and open, shallow water between islands. You’ll float right over the reef’s barracudas, rays, and candy-colored tropical fish — the best way to see the protected ecosystem up close. Lazy Dog offers a two-hour guided SUP tour and board rentals from Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West. (Rental $30/person, add $10 for a two-hour guided tour; lazydog.com)
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America's Sweetest Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure Trips for Active Men