Best Places to Paddle Board in the US

Paddleboarding during the weekends is one of the best ways to keep fit, reduce stress and enjoy the great outdoors. Fortunately, the US has breathtaking beaches, picturesque lakes, and challenging rivers to meet all your paddleboarding needs. 

But this also means finding the ideal location to suit your paddleboarding activities can be challenging.

Therefore, in this post, we’ll go over five of the best places to paddleboard in the US to make the search easier.

We’ll review places suitable for diverse paddleboarding activities and those that have natural beauty and watersport facilities. Plus, we’ll analyze locations that are safe for beginner paddleboarders and those that would satisfy the demands of a seasoned paddler.

Afterward, we’ll share a few tips and tricks to help you find your ideal SUPing spot.

So, let’s see what makes these locations so exceptional!

Florida Keys, Florida

Diverse SUPing spots & scenic beauty!

The Florida Keys on Florida’s central Atlantic Coast have an irresistible charm for any paddleboarder. With 17 miles of fine-grain sandy beaches, beautiful islands, and magnificent mangroves, this location has everything a watersport enthusiast would like.

Moreover, the Florida Keys offers multiple spots suitable for different SUPing activities.

For instance, Fort Taylors State Park beaches are great places to enjoy your leisurely paddleboarding sessions. Also, these locations have calm ocean waters, so they are safe enough for new paddlers.

On the other hand, Stock Island will greet you with clear waters filled to the brim with marine lifeforms. However, to safely take in its earthly atmosphere while paddling, you must be an intermediate or veteran paddleboarder.

But if Adventure is your goal, you’ll fall in love with Islamorada. Here, you’ll meet baby sharks, and if you venture into the mangroves, you may spot an alligator or two. Thus, you must prepare the proper gear before exploring its waterways.

Additionally, almost all of these spots have available paddleboard rentals, so you won’t have to worry about missing SUPing gear.

As such, the Florida Keys is a must-visit location for paddleboarders in the US.

Verdict:

The overall best paddleboarding location in the US.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Clear waters & beginner friendly!

In the mountains of Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe stands as one of the cleanest and safest freshwater lakes in the US. This alpine lake boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by panoramic mountains.

Especially its calm, clean waters make it an excellent spot for beginner-friendly paddleboarding sessions.

Near Sand Harbor, there are shallow areas of water where you can quickly learn and sharpen your SUPing skills. In addition, if you want to bring your pup along for the paddling journey, you can do so from Nevada or Kiva Beach.

Then, if you’re planning to take your SUP yoga to the next level, Emerald Bay will offer you the perfect atmosphere. Here, you’ll be able to relax and let your stress melt away as you immerse yourself in peaceful nature.

Aside from these, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Fannette Island and Zephyr Cove. Both of these spots are suitable for satiating your wanderlust.

Getting to Lake Tahoe is straightforward since it’s just a short distance from Sacramento and Reno. 

Still, you may want to pack your wetsuits and warm clothing to battle the cold temperature of the lake.

Find out where to rent paddle boards at Lake Tahoe.

Verdict:

Ideal for beginner paddleboarders and SUP yoga sessions.

Hood River, Oregon

Challenging waters & adventure friendly!

Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River, located near the crossroads of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River Gorge, offers a worthy challenge for experienced paddlers. 

After all, it gives paddleboarders quick access to the Columbia River. Here, you’ll get to face the strong wind and currents that’ll surely put your paddling skills to the test.

But, if you’re new to watersports, you may want to remain near the boat basins protected from the river currents.

However, heading out to the deeper waters will present exciting opportunities for veteran paddlers. You’ll get to ride the river rapids or battle the currents to your heart’s content, and it’ll surely improve your SUPing skills.

For those looking for adventure, you can take on a mile-long SUP trip to Wells Island.

Fortunately, Hood River is easily accessible. It’s just an hour from Portland, and you can also get here from Seattle in a short while.

Note that regardless of skill level, proper paddleboarding gear and safety equipment are necessary to paddle in the Hood River.

Verdict:

The best location for seasoned paddleboarders and lovers of extreme adventures.

Sunset Beach, Hawaii

SUP fishing & big wave surfing!

Depending on the time of the year, Hawaii’s Sunset Beach can become the best or the worst place for certain paddleboarding activities. It may not have the irresistible natural beauty like some previous SUPing locations, but activity-wise, it has plenty to offer.

In summer, the water here is calm and teeming with different fish. With a stable enough watercraft or a fishing SUP like the SeaEagle, you’ll have little trouble catching Trout, Blues, Sheep Head, and Spade.

The weather, however, takes a sharp turn in the winter. In this period, if you’re an experienced paddler, you may see and ride the infamous Sunset Rip and 25 ft high waves.

Moreover, the beach is less than an hour from Honolulu so you can get here without too much hassle.

Due to its changing weather, preparing safety gear is essential for paddling sessions near Sunset Beach.

Verdict:

Paradise for SUP fishing and wave surfing.

La Jolla Cove, San Diego

Exploration & tranquility!

La Jolla Cove is the Jewel of San Diego, boasting vibrant marine life and magnificent rocky cliffs lined with native plants. It’ll let you explore the depths of the famed Saven Sea Caves and meet the wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Ecological reserve of La Jolla combines a collection of natural wonders like majestic rocky cliffs and tranquil caves. Exploring its waterways and depths will be exhilarating for paddleboarders of all ages.

Additionally, the Cove is a protected area; thus, it’s filled with marine life. While paddling along its shore, you’ll see sunbathing seals, stingrays, and schools of fish.

You can easily reach this location since the village is about an hour’s drive from San Diego.

Unfortunately, the Cove can get crowded occasionally due to its popularity, and strong waves can occur. So, checking the information on the lifeguard’s chalkboard near the park will make planning your paddling trip much more manageable.

Verdict:

Excellent location for paddleboarders who loves to explore nature’s beauty and enjoy the tranquility.

A Few Tips and Tricks to Finding the Ideal Paddle Boarding Location

Whether you’re going alone or with family, there’s much to consider when looking for a suitable paddleboarding location. But some tricks can help you quickly find your ideal SUPing spot. For instance:

• If you’re new to paddleboarding, a location with calm, shallow waters like Lake Tahoe will offer you safety and better suit your needs.
• For experienced paddlers and swimmers that wish to enjoy the thrill of battling the whitecaps and riding the rapids, locations like Hood River and those with rough winds and waves will put your skills to the test.
• On the other hand, casual paddlers with some experience can head to the Florida Keys or similar areas to try out a wide range of SUPing activities.
• SUP anglers will find plenty of fish to chase and catch in places like Sunset Beach. Also, saltwater inlets and coastal areas offer good spots for paddleboard fishing.
• But, if you’re hungry for exploration and wish to view plenty of marine life, Ecological reserves like La Jolla Cove will meet your expectations.

Regardless of your location for your paddleboarding journey, you can always find better intel from a local paddler or an experienced guide. They can quickly guide to toward the best spot to launch your SUP expedition.

Bottom Line

Choosing an unsuitable paddleboarding location in the US is not uncommon since it has so many available sites. Making this mistake can quickly ruin your weekend, so take your time and choose carefully. 

Once you find the ideal paddling spot, you can enjoy SUPing like never before.

But don’t just take our word for it. Instead, pick a location from the list and bring your paddleboarding experience to the next level!