Saturday, August 5, 2017

The Perfect Places to Paddleboard in Minneapolis

While you can’t paddleboard in Minneapolis for a few months of the year, it should be no surprise there are some good spots in the state. When it’s hot, you have over 10,000 lakes to choose from, after all.
With so many lakes to SUP in Minnesota, you could never hit them all. Luckily, we dove in and found the best spots. We paddled all around the state during the summer months and enjoyed as many lakes as we could.

SUP in Minneapolis

And what did we found after so many hours of paddle boarding? The five best paddleboard spots in Minneapolis. Here they are:

Lake Minnetonka

Via http://www.derrickmonroe.com/

  • Lake Minnetonka

If you’re in the Minneapolis area, there’s no better places to paddleboard in Minnesota than lake Minnetonka. Why? Because the lake offers easy access to everything you’ll need and some stunning views.

Just a short drive from downtown Minneapolis, this lake offers smooth waters, great views, and convenience. You’ll definitely want to check out Wai Nani here. The outfitter may be the best we’ve come across throughout the United States.

Wai Nani offers paddleboard rentals, sales, lessons, yoga classes, social happy hour paddles, and so much more. No matter your SUP in Minneapolis needs, these guys have you taken care of.

The Chain of Lakes

Via http://travel.usnews.com/

  • The Chain of Lakes

Another ideal paddleboard excursion near the big city is the Chain of Lakes. Around Minneapolis, you’ll find four main lakes – Calhoun, Isles, Cedar, and Brownie. These lakes form a chain around the city near Uptown. Combined these four lakes off a 13-mile loop around the city.

This paddleboard adventure is ideal for beginners or paddlers just looking to relax. The best place to start is at Lake Calhoun. Here you’ll find a solid rental outfitter Wheel Fun Rentals. They do a great job and make SUP boarding in the chain of lakes simple.

Lake Nokomis

Via http://www.boomsbeat.com/

  • Lake Nokomis

A lake less traveled – if you’re looking to paddleboard away from the crowd, then Lake Nokomis is ideal. Here you’ll find little boat traffic, a stunning beach entry point, and great views. If you don’t like waves or motors around, this could be the best SUP spot for you.

The lake annually hosts some paddleboard races and events, which can be a lot of fun for paddlers of all ages. If you’re looking for rentals at Lake Nokomis, check out Hoigaard’s. The outfitter does a solid job here.

The Mississippi River

Via https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/

  • The Mississippi River

Surprisingly cleaner than one would expect, you can SUP in the Mississippi River near Minneapolis. There are several access points all across the Twin Cities, and the views from the river ensure you’ll see downtown like never before.

For rentals and tours on the river, make sure to check out Stand Up MN. The unique paddleboard organization great pricing and a unique experience on the MIssissippi. Highly recommended.

White Bear Lake

Via http://www.twincities.com/

  • White Bear Lake

Another absolutely ideal paddleboard spot in Minneapolis, White Bear Lake features amazing views, smooth waters, and a location close to the city. For many in North Minneapolis, this spot has become their preferred place to paddle.

While there aren’t as many amenities as other lakes, you can still find a solid sales and rental company here. If you need anything SUP related at White Bear, make sure to check out Hi Tempo Water Sports.

Paddleboard in Minneapolis

Due to the plethora of lakes near by, you have options when wanting to SUP in Minneapolis. A lot of them! For spring and summer months, the city can hold its own with the other top SUP cities in all the United States.

Happy paddling!

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5 Fantastic Places to Paddleboard in Oregon

While there are a lot of amazing places to SUP in the United States, Oregon may be the best. Sure, Florida has the warm ocean waters and Colorado has stunning mountain views, but Oregon still comes close to the top. Why?

Because Oregon has it all! From stunning mountain lakes, to beautiful river gorges, to pristine ocean waters, to the Bend – you’ll never run out of ideal places to paddle board in Oregon. Actually, the opposite is true.

You may be overwhelmed with all the options as you haul your paddleboard into the northwest. Luckily, we did the research and development for you. After paddling all over this great state, we narrowed it down to our top five favorite places to SUP in Oregon.

5 Fantastic Places to Paddleboard in Oregon

So without further ado, let’s dive in and look at some of the best places to paddle around in Oregon:

Elk Lake

Via http://visitcentraloregon.com/

  • Elk Lake

Talk about picturesque! Elk Lake is the definition of a stunning place to paddleboard in Oregon. Located in the Bend, Elk Lake offers amazing beaches, stunning views, and calm waters in the morning and evening – ideal for paddlers. The views of Mt. Bachelor and the South Sister make this a can’t miss spot on the SUP in Oregon trail.

Elk Lake Resort and Marina make renting all things aquatic easy, while also providing great amenities. If you need to rent a paddleboard at Elk Lake, this is the only place you’ll need to check out.

Cannon Beach

Via http://traveloregon.com/

  • Cannon Beach

If you’re looking to SUP in some saltwater, then Cannon Beach may be the best paddleboard in Oregon location for you. While you won’t be in the big waves on the Pacific here, you’ll find smooth channel waters and cruising creeks a great time. You may even be able to paddle around “Graveyard of the Pacific” – a passing where 2,000 ships have sunk.

For rentals and tours in the area, get in touch with Clatsop Paddle Company. While they’re pricey, they seem to offer the best services in the area – an area that is world-class with regards to paddle boarding.

Devil’s Lake

Via http://host.madison.com/

  • Devil’s Lake

If you’re looking to paddleboard in Oregon and get some great Instagram photos, than Devil’s Lake is absolutely ideal. Featuring crystal clear water and mountain views, you’d be hardpressed to find a more picturesque location.

As you paddle around here, you’ll be able to see numerous trout and aquatic life below you. The water is shallow and cool throughout the year, even on hot summer days. For rentals, you can check out these guys.

The Deschutes River

Via http://visitcentraloregon.com/

  • The Deschutes River

One of the smoothest paddleboard spots in Bend, Deschutes River offers numerous take off points and calm waters. The easiest being Drake Park located in downtown Bend. With scenic views extending for miles on end, the location is ideal for beginners looking to enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Rentals are also easy here. There are a variety of rental companies in Bend, including one of our favorites – Tumalo Creek. They rent paddleboards along with nearly every other aquatic equipment you could think of.

Portland Paddleboard

Via https://portlandpaddle.net/

  • Portland Paddleboard

While the big city of Portland, Oregon may not seem like a paddlers’ dream, it’s easily accessible for many nature enthusiasts and offers a variety of waterways to choose from. For many residents, the Willamette River is ideal. Located next to downtown, the river offers smooth waters and stunning views of the city and nature alike.

If you’re looking to rent a paddleboard in Portland, make sure to check out Portland Paddle. The company offers rentals in the city, along with a plethora of paddleboard tours all over the stunning state of Oregon.

Paddleboard in Oregon 101

These are five of our favorite places to Paddleboard in Oregon. But the state offers so much. With miles of coastline, endless lakes and rivers, and more – you’ll never get bored paddling in this scenic state.

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4 Perfect Places to Go Paddleboard in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is certainly not known as a paddleboard hotspot. The weather is pretty horrific at least 7-8 months out of the year. There’s no amazing beaches or crystal clear lakes in the area to paddle around.

For most, Washington, D.C. is not a place to paddleboard. However, the area has quickly become a popular paddle place due to the sheer number of tourists D.C. sees every single summer.

When combined with fit locals looking to enjoy some exercise outdoors, it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy paddling in our nation’s capital. While we don’t recommend going to D.C. solely to paddle around, like we would in a place like Key West, there are still some amazing SUP spots in Washington, D.C.

4 Perfect Places to Go Paddleboard in Washington, D.C.

So let’s dive in. Without further ado, here are four absolutely amazing places to SUP in Washington, D.C.:

Kenilworth Park

Via http://www.chesapeakebay.net/

  • Kenilworth Park

Located a few minutes from downtown D.C. – you’ll find Kenilworth Park and Anacostia River. While not super popular as of yet, the place offers a laid-back spot to paddle around and enjoy outdoor adventures near the big city.

The 700-acre park offers a number of waterways and inlets that ensure private padding and tons of wildlife. If you’re looking to stay away from the crowds, this could be the place place to SUP in D.C. for you.

There aren’t any rental areas that we found at the national park. Your best rental bet is to check out Boating in DC, as they do a great job of covering the whole area.

Potomac River Rapids

Via http://www.travel-experience-live.com/

  • Potomac River Rapids

If you’re looking for a tough SUP challenge in D.C., then the Potomac River Rapids are calling your name. Here you’ll find river rapids that make paddling difficult. This is only a spot for experts to check out.

Many a local has taken to SUP river surfing in the Potomac Rapids. If you have SUP and surfing experience, feel free to check it out. For those less experienced, you’ll definitely want a guide before you embark on this SUP adventure.

If you’re looking for lessons or a guide for this SUP spot in D.C., then we recommend checking out Paddle Stroke SUP.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Via http://larrysramble.blogspot.com/

  • Theodore Roosevelt Island

If you’re looking for a specific spot to paddle in D.C. while being close to all the attractions like the White House, then you’ve found it. The Theodore Roosevelt Island is a great place to place around on the Potomac River near downtown D.C.

While there are no rental outfitters on the island, you can bring your own board. If you’re looking to rent, then Boating D.C. has rentals available from their Key Bridge Boathouse location. You’ll have to paddle across the river with this option – which can be quite busy at times.

Lake Barcroft

Via https://www.youtube.com/

  • Lake Barcroft

For those looking to get a little further away from the city, you can check out Lake Barcroft just a little outside Arlington, VA. The small lake can be packed on weekends, but during the week you’ll find smooth waters ideal for paddling around.

If you’re in the area and looking for a rental, you could be out of luck. There aren’t too many outfitters. Your best bet is to hit up Paddle Stroke SUP, again. They service Lake Barcroft, and always do a great job.

SUP in Washington, D.C.

If you’re looking to paddleboard in our nation’s capital, you’re in luck. There are a few fantastic SUP spots in Washington, D.C. You’ll just have to look a little harder to find them here. If you can only choose one, then check out Theodore Roosevelt Island. Happy paddling!

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4 Perfect Places to Paddleboard in Dallas

Paddleboard in Dallas may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of this big city in the great state of Texas. That’s fine and dandy, but you should know that DFW hosts a plethora of solid SUP spots.

While there’s no oceans around Dallas, you’ll still find amazing nature, lakes, and rivers. There’s more than enough places to paddleboard in DFW. Plus, the weather is absolutely fantastic year around, so you won’t have to take a break from your paddling.

Perfect Places to Paddleboard in DFW

So, let’s dive into it. Dallas has a number of SUP spots. Here are four of our favorites:

Lake Grapevine

Via http://www.lake-grapevine.com/

  • Lake Grapevine

An absolutely ideal SUP spot for those in the DFW, Lake Grapevine is easy to get to, offers ideal conditions on certain days, and is an overall popular place to paddle around. Highly recommended for beginners to advanced paddlers in Dallas.

If you’re looking to rent, take classes, or go on tours at Lake Grapevine – then you’re in luck. DFW Surf does a fantastic job offering all things SUP at this lake. They’re a great outfitter who will have you paddling like a pro in no time.

White Rock Lake

Via http://www.whiterockdallas.org/

  • White Rock Lake

Another SUP spot that’s super popular with Dallas residents and tourists alike is White Rock Lake. The lake features stunning nature and calm conditions on the right days. Just know that this spot can get crowded on certain weekends. If you can swing it, come during the week.

For rentals at White Rock Lake, we recommend White Rock Paddle Co. They do an amazing job servicing all paddlers in the area. Just remember to reserve before you show up to the lake, as they’re popular.

Lake Carolyn

Via https://www.flickr.com/

  • Lake Carolyn

Located near Irving, Texas in the DFW Metroplex, Lake Carolyn is another solid SUP spot in the area. Here you’ll find a stunning lake with full paddle amenities, including paddleboard rentals, classes, and lessons.

Another thing we love about this locale is that you can take your board into the waterways around Irving, too. If you’re looking to rent around Lake Carolyn, we recommend you check out SUP NTX. We were impressed with this paddleboard outfitter.

Elm Fork Trinity River

Via http://www.kayakpower.org/

  • Elm Fork Trinity River

Dallas SUP spots primarily consist of lakes, but Elm Fork Trinity River is an amazing places to paddle in DFW, too. Here you’ll find a smooth river that’s been greatly cleaned up in recent years. The spot heads directly into downtown Dallas, but is long enough for experienced paddlers to enjoy a full day adventure.

We’ve found it best to bring your own board to this locale. While renting kayaks is easy here, we didn’t find an ideal paddleboard rental company.

Lake Texoma

Via http://www.lake-texoma.org/

  • Lake Texoma

While not super close to downtown DFW, we found Lake Texoma to be an amazing SUP spot for those looking to venture a little further. Featuring calm waters and stunning sunsets, this spot is near perfect for paddlers looking enjoy a watersports paradise and relax in nature.

Lake Texoma also offers unique paddleboard fishing opportunities. For SUP rentals and more in the area, check out SUP Texoma. They’ll have everything you need to SUP in the area.

SUP in Dallas!

Featuring some of the premier lake SUP spots in Texas and more, Dallas is an underrated paddleboard destination. If you’re in DFW, grab a board and check out some of the unique nature found in North Texas.

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4 Best Places to Paddleboard in Houston

We’re back in the Lone Star State with another great city to SUP. While not as popular as other places yet, paddleboard in Houston is starting to take off. The mega city is filled with a few unique spots to hit the water.

While Houston doesn’t compete with places like Florida or Colorado in terms of paddle boarding spots, the area certainly has a few places to paddle away. So let’s dive in and check out the best place to paddleboard in Houston.

SUP in Houston

Without further ado, here are the top four places:

Armand Bayou

Via http://www.getoutherehouston.org/

  • Armand Bayou

The Armand Bayou has created a unique paddling trail for those living in Houston. The waterway follows the Armand Bayou Nature Center upstream after nearly meeting with Clear Lake.

Here you’ll have access to stunning views and unique wildlife, as the nature center is tailor-made for paddling. Just be careful! This area is known to be filled with alligators and 10-footers have been spotted by other paddlers.

If you’re looking to rent at Armand Bayou, we recommend you check out Water Sports Clear Lake. The prices are low and you’ll have easy access to the bayou from here.

Lake Houston

Via https://www.meritagehomes.com/

  • Lake Houston

The name says it all. If you’re looking for a calm place to paddle around, Lake Houston may be your best shot. The place isn’t too popular because the waters just aren’t that pristine. Still, it’s worth a paddle day or two.

Just head out to Lake Houston and head to the River Grove Park area. Here you can put your board in the water and start paddling around. Make sure to head over to the island area on the lake.

You won’t want to try and rent here. Just bring your own board and get after it!

Galveston Island State Park Paddling Trail

Via http://tpwd.texas.gov/

  • Galveston Island State Park Paddling Trail

If you’re looking for a dedicated spot for paddlers to get their fix, then this is it. The Galveston Island State Park Paddling Trail offers a lot for SUP board fans in Houston. The park features three different trails between 2-5 miles long.

Each trail offers stunning views of nature, smooth waters, and little other boat traffic. You can relax and enjoy a peace paddleboard experience here. There’s also hiking and camping at this park.

While finding a rental here can be tough, you’ll want to check out Artist Boat. The outfitter occasionally offers guided tours that are said to be legendary.

Buffalo Bayou

Via https://www.houstoniamag.com/

  • Buffalo Bayou

Another dedicated paddlers’ trail near Houston, Buffalo Bayou is 26 miles long and features a plethora of access points along the trail. It starts on the westside of Houston and travels all throughout the downtown area.

If you’re new to paddleboarding in Houston, you may want to check out the Sabine Street entrance. Here you’ll be able to enter the water in downtown and smoothly cruise around for an hour before getting out.

Here you can pay for a shuttle to bring you back to your car after a day on the water. Just check out Buffalo Bayou Shuttle.

Paddleboard in Houston!

Above you’ll find out four favorite places to paddleboard in Houston. The huge city has a lot going for it, and many are surprised to find SUP is one of them. You’re sure to find the ideal spot for your needs. Happy paddling out there!

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Sunday, July 23, 2017

The Best SUP Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) – 2017 Edition

You need one of the best SUP personal floatation devices (PFD) before you ever hit the water. Make no mistake about it! Paddle boarding is fun, but safety should always be a priority.

Wearing a PFD while on your SUP ensures you stay safe on the water. Accidents happen on the open ocean. You could even have an issue at the lake or pond. You don’t want to risk it.

When finding a SUP personal floatation device, safety isn’t the only factor to consider. It’s also essential your new PFD fits well and is comfortable. You’ll be paddling around in the jacket. If it’s uncomfortable, you won’t enjoy your time on the board.

How to Find the Right SUP Life Vest For You

The debate between old-school paddle vets rages on. Some claim the new SUP PFDs are too high-tech and not comfortable enough. They lament for their old school life jackets.

We didn’t know what to expect until testing, as we liked to keep things old school, too. Luckily, there are a number of new, high-tech SUP life vests on the market sure to be comfortable while fitting securely and keeping you safe.

Here are a few things to look for when buying a SUP PFD:

  • Flexibility: These life vests cannot be rigid. They’re not made for lounging in the water or cruising on a boat. SUP personal floatation devices need to be flexible. You’ll be moving when on a SUP. Your shoulders need space to move. You don’t want a PFD that gets caught up in your armpit all day. Here’s a test: turn your head left and right with the jacket on. If you can see the encased foam fabric, the jacket doesn’t have good flexibility.
  • Comfort: Some of us get addicted to paddle boarding. This means spend 2-4, sometimes 7-8 hours on the water in one day. If you don’t have a comfortable life vest while paddling, you’ll eventually end up miserable on the water. The cut and sizing of a PFD must fit your body size and frame. If not, you won’t be comfortable. The materials are always secondary to the fit.

P.S: It’s tough to find the perfect fit online. You have two options. You can find the perfect model for your needs and order a few sizes. Try them on and then return the ones that didn’t work. Or you can stop into a paddle shop and try a few on. Find one that fits perfectly and then buy it online. You’ll save a ton buying online!

  • Breathability: Going hand-in-hand with comfort, you need a jacket that offers breathability on those hot summer days. You need to feel like fresh air is hitting your skin as you paddle around.
  • Buoyancy: Certain PFDs are all designed differently. Some have front floatation devices, and other put the foam in the back. For most people on a paddleboard, the SUP PFDs with thick back floatation foam work best. We have always preferred the back-loaded models.
  • Easy to Use: You want a life jacket that’s easy to put on and simple to take off. If it’s darn near impossible to take the thing on and off, the likelihood of you using it is low. Typically, you’ll want to find a jacket that offers a front zipper, as they’re easier to operate.
  • Color: Always get a bright SUP personal floatation device. The brighter the color, the easier you’d be to spot in an emergency situation. You can also consider the style points and grab one that matches your paddleboard, too.

The Best Sup Life Jackets – Reviews

There are a lot of life jackets on the market. Many a boat has dozens on board. However, you need a special kind of PFD when you’re paddling away. You need extra space and comfort to ensure you can paddle freely.

With this in mind, here are three of our favorite SUP life vests on the market after a little testing:

ONYX MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest

ONYX MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest

If you’re looking for a SUP PFD that won’t break the bank, then the ONYX MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest should be your first choice.

This ideal life jacket was made with all paddle sports in mind. You’ll find the model has great flexibility and is quite comfortable to paddle in.

Plus, this model only costs around $40-50 – which is an absolute steal when talking about paddleboard life jackets.

If you’re a casual paddleboard fanatic looking for a dedicated PFD to cruise the ocean or lake in, then this ONYX model is the ideal fit. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Astral Buoyancy YTV Life Jacket

Astral Buoyancy YTV Life Jacket

While not at a bargain basement price, the Astral Buoyancy YTV Life Jacket offers a lot of value at $100 per vest. Exceptionally lightweight and stylish, many paddle pros enjoy cruising around in this clean PFD.

The model has a “Torso” lock design that ensures you stay safe while still having a lot of arm room. Plus, the life vest is crazy easy to take on and off. Made with “Rip Stop Nylon” – the jacket is lighter than others on the market.

Overall, I found this SUP life vest to be one of the best we tested. The model offers everything a paddleboard pro could ever want and more. While the $100 price point isn’t dirt cheap, you get a lot of value with this safety jacket.

MTI Adventurer Headwater High Buoyancy PFD Life Jacket

Headwater High Buoyancy PFD Life Jacket

While we’d never recommend this life vest to casual paddlers, the MTI Adventurer Headwater High Buoyancy PFD Life Jacket is the best PDF while cruising in rough waters.

If you plan to paddle on a river or paddle surf in the ocean, then this SUP PDF may be right up your alley. For individuals looking to relax on a board, try a different model.

The MTI Adventurer Headwater High Buoyancy PFD Life Jacket features eight adjustment points to ensure the perfect, custom fit. If there’s one jacket you don’t need to try on before buying, it’s this one.

With low sides to ensure free flowing arm movement, this PFD is exceptionally comfortable while still secure. Sturdy nylon construction ensures this vest is long lasting. There are also reflective panels included to ensure great visibility while in the water.

At over $150, this SUP vest is pricey, but for rough waters – the MTI Adventurer Headwater High Buoyancy PFD Life Jacket is worth the investment.

Finding the Perfect Life Vest While Paddle Boarding

While we all have a budget, you need to be more concerned with comfort, flexibility, and buoyancy when buying on of these life vests. The water can be a dangerous place, and a PFD can save your life.

After testing, we believe these to be the best SUP life jackets on the market. Whether you’re looking for the best jacket out there or a quality product at a reasonable price, you’ll find the right jacket for you through the recommendations above.

Happy Paddling!

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5 Best Places to SUP in Florida

Make no mistake about it. Florida is one of the best states to go paddle boarding. Colorado and California can compete, but Florida may still take the cake. There was a reason we did a whole article talking about the best SUP spots in Miami.

But what makes Florida such an ideal spot to paddle?

Well, the nature – of course! Florida offers the ideal natural landscape for all sorts of paddle activities. Surrounded by ocean on almost every side, Florida is filled with calm ocean waters, smooth bays, and fun channels to paddle on. You’ll find harbors and waterways around every corner.

Next, there’s also a number of lakes in the state and mangroves throughout the Everglades. Both of these places make ideal paddleboard spots. Combined with a number of other state parks and it’s easy to see why Florida may be the best state for paddleboard addicts.

5 Best Places to SUP in Florida

To be honest, it was pretty tough to pick only five great places to paddle around in the Sunshine State. Heck, we struggled to just find five great spots in Miami – as there were so many. But we did it after paddling around – a lot. A few sunburns were had, but that’s ok.

So, we threw out Miami spots, as we already covered them, and dialed in on five of the best paddle boarding spots in Florida. Here they are:

Bahia Honda State Park

Via http://vadamagazine.com/

  • Bahia Honda State Park

Talk about ideal for SUP boarding, Bahia Honda State Park offers crystal clear blue waters, a remote location, and only the calmest of waters. Located in the Florida Keys, the park is just a short drive from Miami.

Bahia Honda features islands and is considered one of the best places to go birdwatching in Florida. You’ll also see stunning fish all around while paddling. You can rent kayaks in the park, but they currently do not offer paddleboard rentals. So make sure to bring your own.

Naples Area

Via https://www.naplesarea.com/

  • Naples Area

An upscale community on the beach in Florida, Naples offers the triple-threat when talking about paddle boarding. Here you’ll find calm ocean to paddle in, smooth waterways, and mysterious mangroves to snoop around in. No matter what type of paddling you enjoy, Naples has something for everyone.

While we could give you all the tips in the world for paddling in Naples, we recommend you check out Naples Paddleboard instead. The company offers rentals, sales, lessons, and tours. Anything and everything paddling in Naples can be handled through these pros.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

Via https://fineartamerica.com/

  • Blowing Rocks Preserve

As one of the most beautiful locations in a stunning state like Florida, you know the paddle boarding around Blowing Rocks Preserve is absolutely amazing. As you paddle along the calm waterways here, you’ll be able to take in the island nature from every angle. You can even venture out to where the waves are breaking and see cool erosion holes.

If you’re looking to rent here, be sure to check out Paddle in Paradise. Located near the preserve in Jupiter, Florida – they offer great rates, solid service, and fun tours. You won’t regret it, especially if you get to see some sharks below your board at Blowing Rock.

Indian Key State Park

Via https://www.mustdo.com/

  • Indian Key State Park

About a five minute paddle from the main strip of land in the Florida Keys, you’ll find the deserted island called Indian Key State Park. Surrounded by clear, calm waters the snorkeling and paddling here is fantastic. But the best part? The unique mangrove system that is absolutely ideal for paddling and seeing unique wildlife species.

If you have your own board and have paddled before, then getting to Indian Key isn’t too tough. For those looking to rent or take a tour, we recommend The Kayak Shack. The outfitter offers rentals, tours, and so much more.

Coastal Dunes Lake

Via https://www.stays.io/

  • Coastal Dunes Lake

It’s rare you’ll find a SUP spot where you can enjoy both fresh and saltwater. Coastal Dunes Lake accomplishes that and so much more. Here you can paddle around the lake looking for alligators one minute, then walk 50 feet across fresh sand to the calm ocean and start looking for sharks and fish.

If you’re looking to rent a board and enjoy some adventure here, check out The Rental Shop 30A. As the premier rental company in the area, they offer fast delivery and great rates – truly the best way to enjoy paddling in Coast Dunes Lake.

SUP In Florida

As you can see, Florida may be one of the best places to SUP in the whole world. If you visit the Sunshine State, make sure to rent a board and do a little paddling around. We’re confident you won’t regret it.

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