While searching for the best paddleboards is a great endeavor, even the best equipment means nothing if you don’t have a great location to use it. Here you can learn about some of the most popular locations for paddle boarders and what makes them so great. Regardless of if you use a PathFinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddleboard 9’9” or a 12’6” Surtech Lard Bark Tuflite Paddleboard the locations highlighted here are going to more than exceed your needs and expectations.
Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
There is no question that Hawaii is a surfing mecca, which also means that it is not really surprising that it is also one of the top destinations for paddleboarding. There are quite a few great spots for this activity on the island of Oahu, with Sunset Beach being at the top of the list. On the north shore, you will find some of the biggest waves on the planet during the winter months. As a result, this location has hosted some of the biggest and most popular surfing competitions in the world.
However, during the hotter months of the year, the water is calmer, which makes it the ideal destination for paddleboarding. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can even paddle your way to Waimea Bay, which is a four-mile trip. For beginners, a great location is found at Hale’iwa Beach Park and called Puaena Point.
Santa Cruz in California
If you are in Northern California, then a great location is Santa Cruz. While the water is somewhat colder regardless of what time of year it is, the wharf offers the ideal paddle boarding location for beginners. Even though you are going to have to share the area with sea lions, kayakers and surfers, you can enjoy some amazing wildlife while on the water, including whales.
Another great spot to try is the Santa Cruz Harbor, where you can also receive guides, lessons and purchase boards and gear, like the ONYX MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest and some of the best inflatable SUPS available today. If you are a bit more advanced with your paddle boarding capabilities, then Steamer Lane offers more options and a bit tougher environment.
Bali
If you are looking for the ideal year-round destination for paddle boarding, then Bali delivers. This location offers you a constant supply of glassy and consistent waves that are ideal for more advanced paddle boarders, as well as beginners. You can also avoid the larger crowds if you visit the less-visited beaches such as Balian and Medewi.
The Turks and Caicos Islands
Paddle boarding here will allow you to see the amazing turquoise waters and beautiful sea life swimming below your board. The calm, clear waters found in Grace Bay are the ideal area, with visitors to Alexandra Resort even being able to use the properties stand-up boards at no charge. For a more adventurous outing, take your board to Big Blue Unlimited and see a different side of the island when you paddleboard through the mangrove swamps and in the open shallows.
Lake Tahoe in California
Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear waters have offered amazing and unparalleled opportunities for those who are into recreational paddle boarding adventures. The breathtaking and natural beauty offered by this location is easily appreciated through this sport. The North Shore is the perfect location with glassy and tranquil waters and you can see as far down as 70 feet early in the morning. You can enjoy any spot on the 72 mile shore and the best time to go is in the morning or evening.
Perth in Australia
If you surf in Australia, you try to catch the big waves found on the New South Wales beaches; however, if you are a paddleboarder, you need to head to the biggest city in the western part of Australia – Perth. The flat and beautiful waters of Swan River are ideal for newbies who are trying to hone their technique and increase their confidence. Another location that is visited by many who enjoy this sport is Cottesloe Beach.
The Bahamas
There is over 120 miles of shoreline in the Bahamas and over 700 islands that are all surrounded by clear, tropical and calm waters. A great place to try out your Solstice Stand-Up Paddleboard 10’8” is at Abacos, which offers you a full beach and marine experience. If you are heading out to Nassau, you can also enjoy some time on your board in the water with sea turtles and schools of fish. Another location to consider for SUP is Great Exuma.
Costa Rica
While this is another location that is popular with surfers, it is also becoming more and more popular for paddle boarding. This is especially true for the tourists who don’t want to have to spend a week of their vacation just learning how to catch a wave. In the Guanacaste region, Playa Danta is one of the best destinations, and Jaco is ideal for those seeking seclusion for their time on the water.
Key West in Florida
Florida is the ideal place for any type of water sport you may want to participate in. You can visit the island chain and ride your board with the tradewinds at your back to cover longer distances. If there is no wind to help you along your way, your board can be used as a platform for fishing or just to enjoy the quiet waters. The slow, relaxed attitude found in Key West is great for the slower paced activity and offers you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the area and the marine life.
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