Last Updated on March 15, 2019 by Editor G
If there’s a watersport that’s rapidly gaining in popularity, then it’s certainly stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) the fastest growing sport in the world. Quality inflatable paddle boards can now be bought for under US$500 making the sport more popular. From practising SUP Yoga to paddling with your dog, SUP can offers hours of family fun. However, one of the main reasons why you should go paddling is to enjoy the best of nature such as alpine lakes, mangrove forests, tropical beaches, marine life, and many more.
Therefore, this insightful post will take you through some of the best places to SUP in the world that you should visit.
1. Hawaii
Hawaii is popularly known for its laid back lifestyle as well as the beautiful beaches. In fact, Hawaii is one of the world’s most famous watersport destinations. Recently, this destination has become very popular with paddlers because it’s home to some of the best SUP locations in the world. You’ll actually be spoilt for choice for the best spot to paddle your board as well as rent a SUP board for your adventure. Places such as Oahu, Ala Maona, Kealakekua Bay, Sunset beach, and many others will leave you with some fond SUP memories.
2. Californi
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The California coastline is certainly famous for a reason. The Pacific Coast Highway will treat you to some stunning scenery, delicious dinners, peeling waves, and most importantly lots of paddling spots. You’ll get to enjoy your favorite watersport in some classic spots such as Lake Tahoe, San Onofre, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Santa Cruz, and many more. It goes without saying that this top destination is also filled with very nice 5-star restaurants, luxurious resorts, coastal campgrounds, and dirt parking lots.
3. Bali
Our next top place takes us all the way to Bali, Indonesia. For most riders around the world, Bali is definitely a surfing mecca because this thrilling island boasts of some of the most beautiful coasts in the world. You could choose to go paddling in Kuta beach. This place credited to be the pioneer of surfing in this island, and is comfortable for SUP as well due to the combination of flat rides and rideable swells.
Alternatively, you can visit Nusa Dua or Sanur beaches which have nearer coastal waters perfect for some exciting rides beyond. Western coasts such as Jimbaran Bay and Kuta are less windy making them perfect for flat wave riders.
4. Florida Keys
Florida State is almost entirely surrounded by water and this is one of the main reasons why SUP is flourishing here. That said, Florida Keys boasts of hundreds of launching spots for your paddleboard as well as a rich marine life including stingrays and manatees. You’ll also enjoy the splendid sight of the mangrove forests, Caribbean-like waters, and the generally diverse ecosystem.
Moreover, you can cover long distances using your SUP with the aid of the trade winds. You can even use your paddleboard for fishing, meditation, or SUP Yoga when there’s no wind. All in all, Florida is arguably the most scenic SUP place in the world.
5. New Zealand
What make New Zealand stand up among the rest the availability of abundant wildlife and the exceptionally rich culture. To add on that, the variety of lakes, rivers, beaches, as well as bays surrounded by mountains make it the perfect SUP destination. The subtropical climate of the Northland’s Bay of islands as well as the warm water throughout the year make NZ the best destination for most SUP lovers. Don’t forget to check out the few dolphins or a pod during your ride. To wind up your adventure, visit Lake Wanaka, the country’s fourth largest lake.
6. Turks and Caicos Islands
For paddle boarders, the turquoise waters surrounding these islands are certainly a treat. To make it even better, the calm, clear waters of the Grace Bay are ideal for your favorite watersport. For those who like exploring spectacular backcountry, the Big Blue Unlimited will offer you SUP tours around the archipelago. Don’t forget to check out the mangrove swamps as well as the wading herons and the juvenile nurse sharks just underneath your board as you enjoy your paddling.
7. Perth, Australia
If you’re looking for the best place to go SUP in Australia, head over to Perth. Despite New South Wales being more popular among surfers due its big waves, Perth offers beautiful, flat waters from the Swan River, making it an ideal place for novice riders to hone their skills. You can also enjoy laid-back paddle boarding at the Cottesloe Beach due to its stretch of sand.
8. Washington
There is definitely no better place to go stand-up paddle boarding than Washington State. To begin with, Seattle which is surrounded by both freshwater Lake Washington and saltwater from the Pacific Ocean is a place so hard to beat when it comes to SUP. You can go paddling in Elliot Bay, Green Lake, Lake Union or Shishole Bay.
If you think its ends there, then you’re very wrong. You haven’t visited the magnificent Kenilworth Park for laid-back paddling, Potomac River Rapids, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Lake Barcroft. All these spots coupled with being close to the big city make Washington one of the best places to go paddleboard.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
Apart from being popular for its blessed wildlife safaris, Africa also has an array of waves coupled with beautiful scenery. Because of this, SUP is rapidly gaining in popularity with Cape Town being the leading destination due to its flat water canals and the ocean surf. There’s a variety of places to hire a guide, rent a boat, or even get both, making Cape Town a top place to go paddling. You could try Blouberg and the Sunset beach in the north or the Strand and Muizenberg in the south.
10. Costa
If Costa Rica isn’t on your top SUP destination list, then it’s time to change that. In this tropical country, SUP is seriously gaining in popularity. To start with, Playa Danta located in the Guanacaste region is a popular premier SUP spot that is attracting lots of attention. This secluded, flat-water bay has an abundance of exotic sea life that you could enjoy while surfing or paddling. Also, with water temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius all year round, Costa Rica is truly a paradise here on earth.
The Summing up
All in all, the world is filled with lots of wonderful SUP destinations for you to choose from. However, the above paddle boarding hotspots will give you the perfect blend of nature and wildlife that will make your adventure is a great success. Happy paddling!
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth is currently living and working in Thailand.