One of the great things about stand-up paddleboarding is that it can be done on any body of water.
If you’ve often wondered about the different paddle areas, this article is for you.
We’ll look at paddling in waves in the ocean, on flat water with SUP lake, and down whitewater rapids in rivers, but the bottom line is you don’t need the perfect wave to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding — just a body of water.
First, let’s look at stand-up paddleboarding in the surf. With its history from the Beach Boys in Waikiki, it’s no surprise the first stand-up paddle boarders were surfers.
In the case of the beach boys, they were taking pictures while teaching surfing lessons, and standing up at all times gave them better access to their students and a better view of the incoming waves.
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Lake, River & Sea – Stand Up Paddle
Recently, big wave surfers like Laird Hamilton have combined the two and ridden breaks such as Teahupoo and Tahiti on a decent-sized day.
It’s not like his famous wave back in 2000, but it’s still big enough. Laird has also become a significant player in manufacturing specialized SUP boards.
Stand-up paddles in the surf lend themselves to 360 spins and the good old hang-ten, so there are many ways to stay entertained on the waves.
Next, let’s look at SUP lake boarding on flat water. Not everyone has easy access to the ocean, but lakes are everywhere.
The flat water lends itself to a more tranquil experience, but there are still some great ways to add to the experience.
The first is yoga. Yes, that’s right, people go out on stand-up paddleboards and do yoga exercises.
There is plenty of time spent falling into the water when first getting the hang of it, but once competent, it offers a fantastic workout.
The second is stand-up paddleboard racing. Local events already combine a sand sprint finish, but it won’t be long before there are large-scale championships.
Finally, let’s look at stand-up paddleboarding in rapids on rivers.
Believe it or not, there is a 2010 Whitewater Stand Up Paddling Championship. These guys don’t mess around, flying down big rapids and competing with one another.
They have had their fair share of teething problems like leashes getting caught on submerged branches, so many opt not to use a leash at all and accept a lengthy recovery process if they fall off.
Stand-up paddling in rapids requires extra care regarding reading the water and avoiding dangers, so DVDs are not surprisingly out on the subject.
Charlie MacArthur is one of the leading exponents of stand-up paddling in rapids and has already done a tremendous amount to grow the sport.
So there you have it, the various types of water you can stand up paddle. All offer something unique to the rider regarding the overall experience and challenges.
In the surf, the rider can catch waves like being on a regular longboard, with an added balance and strength workout in the mix.
On flat water, people perform yoga exercises on their boards, and SUP lake sprint events are becoming popular.
Finally, in rapids, we see guys launch themselves downstream, providing an intense workout and extreme adventure experience, which shows that there truly is something for everyone in the world of stand-up paddling.
Where Can I Stop? Lake, River, or Ocean
If you’re looking for a place to SUP on the water, look no further than Lake Michigan, the River Thames in London, or even SUPing on the ocean.
Here are five great spots to get your feet wet this summer.
- Washington, DC. …
- Mount Desert Island, Maine. …
- Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. …
- Key West, Florida. …
- Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
Where can I SUP on Lake?
Lake Michigan is the perfect spot for SUPing.
You can find a variety of SUP spots on the lake, including popular destinations like Muskegon Lake and Grand Haven.
You can also find some great SUP spots off the beaten path, like Beaver Island or Benton Harbor.
Whichever location you choose, bring your hiking boots and water shoes in case you get adventurous!
Where can I SUP on the Ocean?
If you’re looking for a place to SUP on the ocean, look no further than Lake River!
This beautiful body of water offers plenty of spots to paddle and kayak, making it the perfect place to explore nature on two wheels.
Plus, the views are simply breathtaking. Check out King’s Mill State Park or Sandy Point State Park to stay close to civilization.
However, if you’re in the mood for more seclusion, head to one of the many remote lakeside campsites scattered throughout the park.
Either way, there’s no better way to spend a day outdoors than floating on the waves.
Where can I SUP on the River?
If you want to spend quality time on the water, SUPing is the perfect activity.
Lake River and Ocean offer some of the best SUPing in the country.
Here are four places to SUP on the River:
- The Boardwalk at River Park: This spot is perfect for beginners, as there are plenty of places for learning how to SUP. Plus, it’s close to several restaurants and shops.
- The Dam at Burnt Store Marina: This is a popular spot for SUPers because of its smooth, gentle waves. You can also rent paddleboards and kayaks here, making it a great place to explore all the area offers.
- The Pipeline: If you want a more challenging SUPing experience, head to the Pipeline. This spot is known for its strong currents, so be prepared for a thrilling ride.
- Cypress Gardens: If you’re feeling wild and want to take your SUPing skills to the next level, head to Cypress Gardens. This park offers some of the most challenging waves in the area, so be prepared for a workout!
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Paddle Boarding in the Ocean, Lake, River, and Canals
There are numerous options if you’re looking for a place to paddle board in your local area.
There’s a perfect spot for you, from the ocean to lakes to rivers.
- Lake Michigan is one of the world’s most significant bodies of freshwater and is perfect for SUPing. The lake has smooth waters and plenty of islands with great paddled spots. You can also find sections of the lake that are deep enough for stand-up paddling. Here are four places where you can SUP on the water:
- The Upper Delaware River is a beautiful section of the River that flows through Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way. It’s home to some great SUP spots, like the Horseshoe Falls Hydroelectric Plant and Limekiln Falls.
- The Allegheny River flows through Pittsburgh and West Virginia before flowing into the Ohio River. The River has many beautiful natural features, like rapids and waterfalls. You can paddle downriver or take a leisurely trip through some locks.
- The Niagara River flows through Niagara Falls and Ontario before flowing into the Great Lakes. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way. The River has a variety of SUP spots, like Horseshoe Falls and Queenston Falls.
Rivers and Canals
There are numerous options if you’re looking for a place to paddle board in your local area.
There’s a perfect spot for you, from the ocean to lakes to rivers.
- The Charles River flows through Boston, one of Massachusetts’s most popular SUP spots. You can paddle downriver or take a leisurely trip through some locks. Here are four places where you can SUP on the water:
- The Erie Canal flows through upstate New York and is one of the most extended canal systems in the world. It has many great SUP spots, like Lockport and Oswego Falls. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way.
- The Housatonic River flows through Western Connecticut and Rhode Island before flowing into Long Island Sound. The River has smooth waters and plenty of SUP spots, like Putnam Bridge and Fall Mountain Pond. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way.
- The Miami River flows through South Florida and is one of the most popular whitewater rafting locations in the United States. You can paddle downriver or take a leisurely trip through some locks.
- The Mississippi River flows through the heart of America and is one of the longest rivers in the world. It has smooth waters and great SUP spots, like Vicksburg and Natchez Trace. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way.
- The Rio Grande flows through New Mexico and Texas before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The River has smooth waters and plenty of great SUP spots, like Elephant Butte Reservoir and White Sands National Monument. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way.
- The Danube River flows through Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey before flowing into the Black Sea. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way. The River has smooth waters and great SUP spots, like Smederevo Fortress and Rila Monastery.
- The Yangtze River flows through China and is one of the longest rivers in the world. The River has smooth waters and great SUP spots, like Wushe Reservoir and Jiuzhaigou Valley. You can paddle downriver or explore the many locks along the way.
Rivers
There are numerous options if you’re looking for a place to paddle board in your local area.
There’s a perfect spot for you, from the ocean to lakes to rivers.
- The Hudson River flows through New York and is one of the most popular whitewater rafting locations in the United States. You can paddle downriver or take a leisurely trip through some locks. Here are four sites where you can SUP on the water:
- The Connecticut River flows through Massachusetts and is one of the most popular SUP spots in the country. You can paddle downriver or take a leisurely trip through some locks.
- The Delaware River flows through Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is one of the most popular whitewater rafting locations in the United States. You can paddle downriver or take a leisurely trip through some locks.
- The Ohio River flows through Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Illinois before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The River has smooth waters and great SUP spots, like Cairo Lock and Wheeling.
Can you stand up paddle board in the ocean?
If you’re looking for a SUP experience that takes you to some of the world’s most beautiful and wild coastlines, look no further than the Lake River Ocean.
This body of water is home to some of the best SUPing in North America and offers incredible views of both the ocean and the mountains.
So, if you’re feeling adventurous, give this lake a try!
Can you SUP upriver?
Lake Michigan is a great place to SUP because there are many different areas where you can find a good spot. River access is easily located on the lake’s south and north shores.
There are also plenty of lakeshore spots for finding flat water for SUPing.
The best time to find good SUPing conditions is from early morning until late afternoon when the winds are calm.
Check weather conditions before heading out on the water, as SUPing can be dangerous in high winds or choppy waters.
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How do I know where I can paddle board?
There are many places to paddle board in the Lake River Ocean system! Try looking on Yelp or Google for SUP spots near you to get started.
Once you’ve found a place, research the area before you go, as dangers lurk in the water around every bend.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when boarding:
- Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react quickly if something arises;
- If you’re paddling with others, keep an eye on everyone in case of emergency;
- Be respectful of other users and do not disturb the natural environment.
Happy paddling!
Where is the best place to SUP?
If you’re looking to SUP on a lake or River, the best place may be somewhere you’ve never been before. Here are five unique places to SUP that are sure to surprise and delight:
- The Upper Missouri River – Known for its dramatic waterfalls and stunning scenery, it is a great place to ride a SUP on crystal clear waters. This is a remote location, so be prepared for some wilderness adventure!
- Lake Tahoe – Known for its world-famous casinos and ski resorts, Lake Tahoe also offers some great spots for SUPing. When the lake is high enough, you can find good flat water for riding SUVs. Just be sure to check the weather forecast first!
- Clear Creek – In central Texas, Clear Creek offers excellent flat water, perfect for SUPing. This area is known for hunting and fishing, so be prepared for exciting wildlife encounters while paddling!
- The Chattahoochee River – One of the country’s most popular whitewater rafting destinations, the Chattahoochee River also has some superb flat water paddling spots perfect for SUPing. If you’re looking for a more remote location, this is the place for you!
- The Sacramento River – The Sacramento River flows through the heart of California, and its vast, flat waterways make it a great place to SUP. This is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking, so be prepared for some busy waters.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have a great time!
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Lake, River & Sea – Stand Up Paddle Tours
Lake River is the perfect place to SUP. This 130-mile-long body of water has a variety of habitats, from pristine lakes to fast-flowing rivers, and is chock full of great spots for SUPing.
In addition to being a great place to enjoy the water, Lake River provides easy access to some of the most beautiful and highly-rated SUP beaches in the Southeast.
Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Caney Fork Lake: This small but pristine lake is in Giles County near Lynchburg, Virginia. Caney Fork offers excellent whitewater paddling and plenty of places to launch your board for some unforgettable SUPing.
- Big Sandy Creek: Big Sandy Creek is located in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and offers world-class SUPing on one of the area’s most scenic stretches of water.
- Cedar Creek: Cedar Creek is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and offers a unique mix of Class I-III rapids with stunning scenery. Cedar Creek has everything, whether you’re looking for a challenging ride or an idyllic relaxing spot.
- Cannon’s Creek: Cannon’s Creek is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and offers a wide range of rapids and scenery for all levels of SUPers. Cannon’s Creek is a popular spot for locals and visitors, with easy access to the city and the surrounding countryside.
- Yadkin River: Yadkin River is located in North Carolina and offers a variety of paddling opportunities, from easy beginner runs to challenging Class III and IV rapids. With over 50 miles of flowing water, there’s something for everyone at Yadkin River.
- Newfound Creek: Newfound Creek is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and offers an unbeatable combination of scenery and challenging rapids. With over 40 miles of flowing water, Newfound Creek is a great place to spend a day or two paddling through some of the Southeast’s most stunning landscapes.
- Chattooga River: Chattooga River is located in northeast Georgia and offers Class I-IV rapids for all levels of paddlers. With over 60 miles of flowing water, the Chattooga River is one of the Southeast’s most popular SUP spots.
- Ocoee River: Ocoee River is located in east central Florida and offers Class II-IV rapids for all levels of paddlers. With over 70 miles of flowing water, the Ocoee River is one of the Southeast’s most popular SUP spots.
- Flint River: Flint River is located in northwest Georgia and offers Class II-IV rapids for all levels of paddlers. With over 60 miles of flowing water, Flint River is one of the Southeast’s most popular SUP spots.
- Coosa River: Coosa River is located in Alabama and offers Class I-III rapids for all levels of paddlers. With over 50 miles of flowing water, the Coosa River is one of the Southeast’s most popular SUP spots.
Stand Up Paddle Tours offers a variety of SUP tours, ranging from accessible beginner tours to challenging Class III and IV rapids.
Our experienced guides will take you on a tour that’s perfect for you, no matter your experience level.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Stand Up Paddle Tours has the perfect tour.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a place to SUP on the lake or River? Look no further than our list of the best places to SUP in each state.
From lakeside communities to rugged coastlines, we’ve got you covered.