Best Places to Paddleboard - California

by MAYI on May 12, 2022

SUP place in Monterey Wharf California

Monterey Wharf

Stand up paddleboarding, commonly known as SUP, is a water sport closely related to surfing. This is an activity that involves the entire body and is highly beneficial to one's health, not only physically but also mentally. The water sport also helps to attain body balance, which helps exercise the legs since you have to keep balance while standing on the paddleboard.

Some people have recorded weight loss since this activity as an exercise. If you have intentions of losing weight, this can be the right answer for you. This water sport is highly recommended for its numerous health benefits. Most people are taking up the sport as a hobby. The amount of fun one gets from this sport is highly addictive.

Fun Experience

It is not advisable for one to go stand up paddling alone, so people come in groups. Currently, California offers people who are interested plenty of options to go paddling. California is among the top leading paddleboard destinations. You can take a tour to paddle and enjoy the sunshine, have an exceptional aquatic adventure, and relax on the sandy beaches, among other activities.

There are waters that will create a friendly environment for paddling boards, especially for beginners. This water sport is related, unlike surfing, where wild waters create excitement. There are multiple spots around California where many enjoy their leisure time. Let us look at a few SUP destinations:

La Jolla Cove

SUP place in La Jolla Cove California

 

La Jolla Cove

If you and your friends intend to go for stand up paddling, consider to visit this site between June and November. During this time of the year, the marine life is flourishing. Stand up paddling requires the waters to be still. This period provides the perfect ambience for the paddling board. As much as it is not advisable to go paddling alone, it is right to consider times when the waters are not crowded. Early fall provides the best opportunity for paddling board.

La Jolla is located in San Diego, which is home to many paddling sites. However, you will fall in love with this specific site. This site is a compact package that will include good scenery, 30 feet depth of clear waters, and leopard sharks, just to mention a few.

Catalina Island

SUP place in Catalina Island California

 

Catalina Island

Catalina has great SUP locations. The spot is an hour long ferry ride away. The best time is between April and May, July and October when you intend to visit. To have the perfect environment for a paddling board, you need to visit Catalina Island in early spring or late fall. Avalon harbour is known for its shoreline, crystal clear waters, and a history that is captivating. The Scenery and marine life cannot be ignored. Catalina Island has the best SUP site on the west coast. There are many paddling spots in Catalina that include:

  • White rock
  • Frog rock
  • Toyon bay
  • Two harbors

Monterey in South California

If you intend to paddleboard in Monterey, it is best to visit between the months o May to October. During summer, most people are crowded here to enjoy the sandy beaches and the sun. The shores are empty before summer and after the summer has begun, which is best to paddle at this time. There are multiple spots most suitable for paddling, with the best launching spots.

There are exceptional spots for paddling in Monterrey that also give breath taking scenes. Get your paddling gear and set ready for a blast and the best time of your life. Some famous paddling spots at Monterey include:

SUP place in Carmel Beach California

 

Carmel Beach

Lake Tahoe

Paddling board is most suitable between the months of April to May and September to November. There is a large crowd of people from July to early September, and you cannot get paddleboard comfortably. Seasons for fewer crowds are from April to May. Lake Tahoe is extensive and provides the right environment for launching and stand up paddling.

Lake Tahoe is located on the border of Northern California and Nevada Lake. It presents every visitor with the right beauty spots. The Lake has clear waters, which is fun to paddle on. Remember, you should not look down when paddling to avoid losing control. Most people who visit the Lake will have beautiful photos to show after the trip.

SUP place in Carmel Beach California

 

Lake Tahoe

Golden Gate Bridge

The beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge attracts more people and is crowded. This is against SUP, where though not supposed to paddle along, the environment should not be crowded. The best paddling time is between July to October, when the waters are less crowded, unlike in August.

The best view is of the Golden Gate Bridge while on the paddle when paddling here. One can also enjoy the northern shoreline. Paddleboard expeditions will lead you to the main paddling areas that are away from the bay. There are secluded beaches where you can take lunch as people paddle there. If you may not have paddling company, a sunny day will allow you to meet people on paddleboards just to have fun.

Mission Bay

Mission bay is popular for a lot of activities, including SUP fishing. There is minimal wind, and the waters are very calm. This can be the best place for anyone learning how to paddleboard. Calm waters are most suitable for beginners. If you have little or no experience, this is the spot you should be.

SUP place in Mission Bay California

 

Mission Bay

Coronado Island

Launching is easy while paddling board on Coronado Island. On the island, there are soft waves that will allow you to enjoy the gliding. You can take a short walk from the Coronado Bridge to get to Coronado Island. There is a good environment for learning about paddling boards. There are no rocks beneath, which is safe for your board.

Santa Barbara

It can be challenging when surfing on rough waters, especially for beginners. It takes time to paddle efficiently. The waters at Santa Barbara will provide you with the best learning still waters. If you wish to paddle and do not have a board, you can rent one since there are many places.

Apart from the paddling board, many things keep one excited, like the sea lions that light up. They are found across the beach.

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is a time full of people paddling. This will create the best learning opportunity since they paddle with professionals. You can also get social at such an event. At first, it may be surprised seeing people in the company of their dogs while paddling board. If you wish to enjoy the sunset, meet new people and make friends, this is the right place you ought to be.

Klamath River

Rivers are known to be famous for riding kayaks. The new water sport requires waters that are still with minimal tides. A river will create this environment and give comfort by being stable. It would be best to have stability and calm waters to remain on top of your paddling board. Though the waters are in motion, they are not likely to force movement on the paddleboard.

Big Bear Lake

SUP place in Big Bear Lake California

 

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake prides itself on 22 miles shoreline, highlighted by the six marinas along the beach. People who have the chance to paddleboard on this lake are lucky to have a view of the pristine mountains while on their paddling boards. The environment created relieves one of stress and relaxes the mind.

Choosing where to visit as you consider a paddling trip, you need the information above. You can have a paddling trip to learn more about the hobby. Water paddling board is a refreshing and rejuvenating sport, and most people get interested in the fun they see others having. Learning will remain challenging if you never try.

As a beginner, it is essential to know the right paddle board for you. You are advised depending on your weight and height. This is the most basic equipment for this water sports activity. Without it, you are not likely to learn anything.

It is essential to take note of the weather during the season you are paddling. This minimizes falling off and climbing back onto the paddling board once more. If you are a beginner, look for a guide article, and you will get all information you need.

When learning to stand and be stable on the paddleboard, it is necessary to get wet most of the time. Calls for flexibility of getting wet many times. You are not alone, and every other profession is where you are. It is essential to learn how to fall when on a SUP. If you resist a fall, you may get hurt by your paddleboard. Falling off is normal since you are still in the learning process. Keeping your confidence high directs towards improving SUP skills. The secret here is to have your eyes look at the horizon to retain the balance. Once you lose balance, get ready and fall.

Looking for SUP buddy in California? Join our SUP Facebook now!

MAYI

She/her. Other than outdoor sports enthusiast, nothing else define me as a person. let's connect! mayi@outdoormaster.com



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