Top 15 Locations for Paddle Boarding This Summer
Written by Kenneth Driscoll
Summer, the most loved season for outdoor activities. Everybody loves to be around beaches and have fun enjoying water sports. For all the water babies, there is an amazing sport which is gaining attention for the past few years i.e. Paddleboarding, wondering how to do it? Let’s take a look.
Paddleboarding is a water sport in which an individual stands on a board and uses paddles to move it. Along with relaxing in the beauty of nature, it gives you a full-body workout.
A rejuvenating experience for all age groups which makes you lose yourself in the magnificent views of the ocean under the crystal clear rays of the sun.
Here is the list of 15 places to soothe your body and mind while paddle boarding.
- Oahu, Hawaii
- Santa Barbara, California
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Bahamas
- Costa Rica
- Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Malibu, California
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Redondo Beach, California
- Black Canyon, Nevada
- Puerto Rico
- Lisbon Coast, Portugal
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
(photo courtesy of @glidesup)
1. Oahu, Hawaii
Adventure awaits at the most preferable location for Stand up paddle boarding also known as SUP. There are ample options to paddle across the alluring seas of Hawaii. Learning and experimenting, both options are available for beginners.
You can head over to multiple places available throughout the location for paddle boarding. Begin your journey by sailing through the big waves of Sunset Beach and smaller waves of Puaena point Beach park, located on North Oahu.
The calm waters of Ala Moana beach make it an ideal destination for the newbies, who are laying their hands on paddle boarding for the first time. Ranked as the best beach in the world, Lanikai Beach is a must-try for all the boarders out there.
The lush green valleys of the place give you a refreshing experience. Considered the birthplace of paddleboarding, one cannot stop the urge to visit this beauty and start right from where it originated.
2. Santa Barbara, California
Number two on the list is none other than the best flatwater paddling destination, Santa Barbara. The gorgeous views of mountains, seas, and the city are the treat to the eyes of the paddle boarders. The climate of the place makes it more suitable for water sports.
One of the most lively paddle boarding locations with mesmerizing scenic views, Stearns Wharf is the perfect place to accompany your paddleboards. The wonderful beauty of Butterfly beach will make you skip a heartbeat and be deemed as the best beach for SUP this summer.
Whether you are a newbie or an expert, you have got lots of options to discover around the area. Located among the entrancing views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is one of the best places to paddleboard in the world.
3. Turks and Caicos Islands
There has been profound popularity for the sport on the Island. A perfect destination to rent a paddleboard and float among the spectacular scenic views of the marine wetlands.
For all the wildlife lovers, Turks and Caicos have lots to offer. The mangroves of Alexandra Natural reserves, Chalk Sound National park, Frenchmans Creek, and Pigeons Pond Natural reserve are the best paddle boarding locations around the area.
The Island allows you to explore the most out of its water and connects you with the aquatic wildlife found in the mangroves and the coral reefs of the ocean.
(photo courtesy of @glidesup)
4. Lake Tahoe, California
The glassy and clear waters of Lake Tahoe make it the most beautiful destination for paddleboarding. The temperature of the water makes it crystal clear.
There are multiple places to explore launching from Emerald Bay, which boasts of a small island in the middle of the Bay which acts as a resting spot for boarders.
The glitzy waters of Carnelian Bay and deep blue tinges of Sand Harbor State Park should be on your bucket list for SUP this summer season.
It has earned recognition for the largest Alpine lake in the world. A great place for the newbies to learn the basics and earn rich experience in the sport.
5. The Bahamas
How about making dolphins your new friends in the calm waters of the Bahamas? Bahamian oceans offer a calm sea which is a prerequisite for paddleboarding.
From Shroud Cay to Harbour Island, these luxurious destinations are suitable for those who are looking for the perfect escape this summer.
Ever seen swimming pigs? No, right? Staniel Cay has a view to the offering, you can feed them on your way through the Cay.
Harbour Island is a perfect destination for luxury lovers adorned with premium restaurants and bars and while you make your way through paddle boards, you might get lucky to meet new dolphin friends.
Make sure to plan your summer trip to the Bahamas for this super adventurous water sport.
6. Costa Rica
Home to world-class paddle boarding camps, Costa Rica is perfect for someone who wants to try his hands on Paddle surfing for the first time.
Located in its surroundings, Lake Arenal provides a spectacular experience to the riders, and the flat water of Tamarindo Beach increases its suitability for Paddling. The calm waters of the Pacific coast make it a perfect getaway for the riders out there.
If you are planning your SUP excursion between any month from June to November, Rio Nosara is your go-to place due to its calm waters during the season.
Paddle your boards along the largest mangrove system in Central America, Coronado Mangroves which is an ideal SUP destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
7. Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
A place popular for its water sports activities, Sayulita is the prime destination for grabbing your paddleboard and delving into whimsical charms of natural beauty surrounding the place.
Sayulita beach is fit for paddling your way through its calm water. There is a specialized SUP camp for kids hosted around the area. Sayulita boasts a whole lot of SUP community and talent pool.
Serene weather, warm waters, and aquatic wildlife make you fall in love with it over and over again. Paddling in Sayulita is suitable for all age groups. Just make sure to follow the safety protocols.
(photo courtesy of @glidesup)
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Have you ever given a thought to the idea of what are you missing out on if you haven’t tried paddleboarding yet? Then why wait, head over to the beautiful beaches of Lauderdale for the unique experience.
The stunning views of Fort Lauderdale beach make it the most preferred SUP location among the locals and the tourists. Set amidst the wide water canals, Colohatchee Park must be the top pick on the paddlers' list.
A rich experience of warm weather, plentiful sunshine makes it the most preferable location among the riders. Lauderdale has a plethora of exquisite waterways and beaches which gives it the recognition for the most popular tourist destination among the riders.
9. Malibu, California
Malibu boasts one of the topmost locations for paddleboarding. The striking views of Escondido beach and the breath-taking aura of Paradise Cove make Malibu the perfect place for the riders to enjoy the long rides on the gentle waves.
Riders planning for a long journey should make their way through the flat waters of Latigo Point. Opacarophiles can experience beautiful sunset paddle, launching from Point Dume in North to Surfrider Beach in South.
Malibu is an incredible experience for all the rookies. Take it to the top of your bucket list this summer.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
The safe environment of Cape Town allows a paddle boarder to practice their skills freely. Located among the iconic setup of the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, the place leaves you awestruck with its beauty.
Camps Bay offers exquisite aqua views to its riders which is also ranked as the most favorite SUP destination. For a daredevil inside you, waves at Muizenberg invites you for a life-changing experience.
From November till April, the calm weather enhances the suitability for Water sports. So wear your costume and apply sunscreen to dive into the exhilarating beauty of Capetown while paddling.
11. Redondo Beach, California
Being SUP friendly, Redondo Beach located in South Bay provides the ultimate experience to the riders. There is a next-level experience in watching the aquatic life beneath your feet.
Launch your paddleboards from Moonstone Park and by making your way through Saltwater seaside Lagoon where you can take a refreshing dip in the glittery waters, find your spot at Redondo Beach Marina and Harbor.
For someone new to the world of paddleboarding, the beach has ample expert groups to help you learn and earn rich experience in the sport.
12. Black Canyon, Nevada
Surrounded by the pristine location of the Colorado River, amazing scenic views, natural hot springs develop an urge to ride the area on your paddleboard.
For nature lovers, there could not be anything more beautiful than the Black Canyon situated in Nevada. It is also ranked as the most exotic SUP location in the world.
Hot springs, caves, cliffs expose a wide variety of audiences to its beautiful environment. Black Canyon is the finest blend of adventure and preserved beauty of nature.
Paddleboarding and sightseeing go hand in hand while experiencing SUP. It’s a great place for singles as well as families to gain real insights into nature.
(photo courtesy of @glidesup)
13. Puerto Rico
For all the water babies out there, Puerto Rico is an unforgettable experience for each one of the paddleboarding lovers. There are several rentals in the place from where you can rent your ride and go paddling in the relaxed environment.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Laguna del Condado, a lagoon known for its tranquillity. The glittery waters of Isla Verde excite you with the life inside the waters if you choose to plan your SUP in the nighttime.
The lush mangroves in the lagoons are treating the eyes of anyone who is planning to soothe his soul into the rich spells of nature. This is the place where night paddleboarding is angelic.
So whenever you plan to try your hands on paddle boarding in Puerto Rico, make sure to do it in the night for an awestruck experience.
14. Lisbon Coast, Portugal
Serene landscape adorned with exhilarating views of nature, the coast is a perfect choice for tourists this summer. So, pack your bags and book your tickets to this beautiful part of Portugal where you can find yourself among the surreal and enchanting coasts to make your moves on paddleboards.
Surrounded by magnetic waves, Carcavelos beach is a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts. The Bay of Cascais challenges your skills with the storm winds, challenging wave conditions, and huge bumps in its path.
No matter whether you are someone with full experience or a newbie, the coast is a provider of all the amenities required to get a full life experience of paddleboarding.
15. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Paddleboarding is an old sport that has gained hype in these few years and is gaining more and more popularity among the visitors of Myrtle Beach.
Set your paddle boards in motion along the astounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The flat waters of the beach make it a hotspot for newbies and experts of SUP.
The area offers solo or group rides for people of all age groups. Pack the bags of your entire family and take them to this never-experienced before view. Let me assure you they will thank you for this!
Conclusion
So, what’s the wait for? Grab your tickets, visit any of your favorite places and choose your board for a breathtaking experience like never before.
Following the pandemic, the restrictions are a requirement for each visitor since the places have opened after a complete one-year lockdown. So, along with having a bone-chilling experience, make sure to be safe.