There are plenty of great places to paddle board in Houston, Texas. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, there's a spot for you.

Check out my list of the best places to paddle board in Houston.

Before I go into my list of places, I would like to let you know that Outdoor Master offers reliable paddle boards at affordable prices with free shipping and great deals from time to time. Check their online store now to find what is available.

Without any further ado, let's get into the list:

1. Buffalo Bayou

This place is perfect for those who want to explore the city from a different perspective.

There are many different launch spots along the bayou's 26 miles length, so you can start your paddle anywhere you like.

You may think that the water in this place is dirty, but it is not the case. The water color is due to the red clay making Houston’s land.

Among-st the paddle board rental shops I know about near this place is Buffalo Bayou Kayak, which makes renting a paddle board an easy thing.

If you are looking to paddle board through the main areas of Houston, I will highly recommend you this waterway.

2. Lake Houston

Another wonderful place for paddle boarding is Lake Houston.

Places from where I recommend you start your paddling session include River Grove Park.

Just note, since this place often has people enjoying the water on motorized water vehicles, you should always stay aware of your surroundings in order to stay safe.

To my knowledge, there are no SUP rental shops you can rent your paddle board and gear from near this place, so it is better to come fully packed.

If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful paddleboarding experience while enjoying the city skyline, Lake Houston is one of the places you have to consider.

3. Trinity Bay

This place is located east of Houston, and it's a great place to paddle board.

The weather is usually good in Trinity Bay, so it is a great place to fish all year round if you can do it. The most popular time to fish here is during the fall months when you can catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder.

There are many different launch spots around Trinity Bay and multiple paddle board rental shops in this area, do your research online before to know which rental shop is the best for you.

4. Mcgovern Lake

McGovern Lake is a great place to paddle board in Houston. The lake is located in Hermann Park, and it's a popular spot for many kinds of water activities. There are plenty of places to launch your paddle board, and the lake is large enough to explore.

Kids under 12 and seniors over 65 can practice catch-and-release fishing in this place.

I don't know about a rental shop available near this place, so it is better to come with your own paddle board and gear.

5. Armand Bayou

The Armand Bayou offers incredible views along the trail and is a great place for nature lovers.

Just remember, the wildlife here includes gators, so stay careful and aware of your surroundings.

Amongst the SUP rental shops that I know about in this place are Kayak Shack Texas and Kemah Kayak.

6. Kemah Boardwalk

Located on the southeast side of Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is one of the most popular tourist spots in Houston.

This place offers a lot more than just paddleboarding, but it's still a great place to go for a paddle.

What many people are not aware of, is that there are many inlets that let you access the bay from Kemah.

There are several paddle boarding rental shops near the Kemah Boardwalk, so you won't have any trouble renting a board.

For unique guided tour experiences, you can check with Kayak Shack Kemah for a night fireworks tour or a sunset tour.

7. Galveston Island

Located Southeast of Houston, Galveston Island is a great place to paddle board, and it's only about a one-hour drive from Houston's downtown.

There are many places to launch your paddle board, but one of the most popular spots is Stewart Beach.

Another great spot is East Beach, which is a bit more secluded than Stewart Beach.

If you are a beginner SUPer, I recommend you paddle along one of the three main paddling trails (that varies in length from 3 to 5 miles long) because they are closer to the bay and much calmer.

If you are an experienced SUPer, head to 37th street, 51st street, and 61st street for challenging waves.

There are several paddle board rental shops on the island, so you won't have any trouble finding one.

On the ocean, be careful of the painful jellyfish.

8. Lake Conroe

This place is located north of Houston and it is a great place to paddle board all year long. 

Fishing is also a popular activity here. Amongst the fishing species, you can find largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, hybrid striped bass, and bluegill.

There are many different launch spots along the lake's shoreline,

There are many places to launch your paddleboard, but one of the most popular spots is at April Sound Marina.

Just be aware that the marina can get pretty busy on weekends, so try to come during the week if you can.

There are numerous rental shops around the lake, and some of them may offer lessons for those who want to learn how to paddle board.

If you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle with your family or friends, this is the place to go.

Make sure to bring your mosquito repellent because the bugs can be quite pesky here.

9. The Woodlands

The Woodlands is a suburb of Houston, and it's a great place to paddle board. 

This place is perfect for those who want to paddle in a more serene environment.

What I like about this place is its large parking space and the docks you can launch your paddle board from. It is also a beginner-friendly spot because this place has no tides or crazy currents.

SUP rental shops are common in this area, so you won't have any trouble renting a paddle board.

Check out Riva Row Boat House and Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts if you're looking to rent a paddle board.

The recreation amenities like shops, playgrounds, and restaurants make exploring The Woodlands by paddle boards an enjoyable experience.

10. San Marcos River

Located between Houston and Austin, this place is a great place with excellent views.

The water here is clear, making for some great views, and has plenty of shade along the way while you're paddling.

There are many different launch spots in San Marcos.

If you're looking to do some camping and paddle boarding, this place has many places nearby.

Just be aware that there are many different rental shops in this area, so make sure to do your research before renting a paddle board.

11. Sheldon Reservoir

This place is located northeast of Houston and it's another paddleboarding place to consider in Houston.

The surrounding trees are simply stunning, and the water is calm, just be aware of gators.

Fishing is also a popular activity here. Amongst the fishing species, you can find largemouth bass, bluegill, channel & blue catfish, and crappie.

There are many different launch spots around Sheldon Reservoir, but one of the most popular ones is at Caney Creek Marina.

Just be aware that the marina can get pretty busy on weekends.

Paddle board rental shops that you can rent from are the ones in the Houston downtown area.

If you're looking for a place to paddle board that's not far away from the city, this is a place to think of.

12. Lake Livingston

This place is located a little far away north of Houston, and it's a great place to paddle board for beginners.

The water here is usually calm in the warmer months.

There are many different spots around the lake from which you can launch your paddle board.

Just be aware that the area can get pretty busy on weekends, so try to come during the week if you can.

I don't know about a SUP rental shop available in this area or nearby, so you have to come with your own paddle board.

13. Moses Lake

This place is located southeast of Houston and it's a great place to paddle board.

The water here is usually calmer in warmer months. Fishing is also good in Moses Lake. Amongst the fishing species, you can find Walleye and Smallmouth Bass.

There are many different launch spots around Moses Lake. One of the most popular ones is the Moses Lake boat ramp.

Amongst the SUP rental shops that you can rent your paddle board from includes, Kayak Shack, Explore More, and Galveston Paddleboard Center.

14. Clear Lake

This place is located southeast of Houston downtown and it's a great place to paddle board.

Besides paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and bird watching are popular activities here.

Fishing species include Hitch, Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, Brown bullhead, and White bullhead.

The Clear Lake area is also home to many recreational boats and yachts in Texas.

There are many boat ramps and marinas in the area for launching your paddle board.

There is plenty of parking available near the lake, and there are also two SUP rental shops (Kemah Kayak and Kayak Shack) in the area so you can easily rent a paddle board if you don't have one.

15. Sabine Lake

This place is located on the Texas-Louisiana border and it's a great place for paddle boarding and fishing.

Some of the fish you can catch here are speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.

There are many boat ramps in the area for launching your paddle board.

If you don't own a paddle board, you can rent one from canoe and kayak rental shops near this place like Tack-A-Paw Expedition, Lakes Edge Boat House, or Riva Row Boat House.

Since this lake knows a considering number of boats and other motorized water vehicles, when you are paddleboarding, always stay aware of your surroundings to avoid any collisions.

FAQs

What kind of paddle board should I buy?

There are many different types of paddle boards on the market and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you are a beginner, we recommend buying an all-around paddle board. These boards are versatile and can be used in a variety of different waters. If you are more experienced, you might want to buy a specific type of paddle board for the type of paddling you plan on doing.

For example, if you want to do some racing, you might want to buy a race-specific paddle board.

Where can I buy a paddle board?

Paddle boards can be bought at many different retailers, both online and offline. We recommend buying your board from a reputable retailer like Outdoor Master which specializes in paddle boarding. This will ensure that you get a reliable board that is perfect for your needs.

What else do I need to buy?

In addition to the paddle board itself, you will also need to buy a paddle, a life jacket, and a leash. The paddle should be the right size for you and the type of paddling you plan on doing. The life jacket should fit snugly. The leash should be attached to your paddle board so that you do not lose it if you fall off.

IS ELECTRIC SUP PUMPS WORTH THEIR PRICES?

An electric SUP pump can make inflating your paddle board a much quicker and easier process. Pumps like the Shark II usually come with a variety of different nozzles so that you can find the perfect fit for your paddle board's valve. Electric SUP pumps are more expensive than manual pumps, but they can save you a lot of time and effort in inflating your paddle board.

Can I paddle board in any body of water?

Yes, you can paddleboard in any body of water as long as it is deep enough to float your board. However, some places are better suited for paddle boarding than others. If you are a beginner, we recommend sticking to calm waters like lakes and calm beaches.

What are the best places to paddle board in houston?

Some of the best places to paddle board in Houston are Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Discovery Green. Memorial Park is a great place to paddle board because it has a large lake that is perfect for beginners.

Buffalo Bayou Park is another great spot for paddle boarding because it has a gentle current that is perfect for cruising. Discovery Green is also a great place to paddle board because it is right in the heart of downtown Houston and has beautiful views of the skyline.

Do I need to take a paddle boarding class?

Paddle boarding is relatively easy to learn and you can usually pick it up after a few minutes of practice. However, we recommend taking a paddle boarding class if you don’t like to take risks.

This will help you learn the proper techniques and give you the confidence you need to enjoy paddle boarding.

Do I need to wear a life jacket when paddle boarding?

No, you are not required by law to wear a life jacket when paddle boarding when you are near the shoreline.

However, we recommend wearing one if you are a beginner or if you are paddling in waters that are unfamiliar to you. Life jackets can help keep you safe in case of an accident and they will also help you stay afloat if you fall off your board.

How much does a paddle board cost?

Paddle boards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to two thousand dollars. The price of the board will depend on the brand, the materials, and the features. If you are a beginner, we recommend buying an entry-level or mid-range board that is made of durable materials. You can always upgrade to a more expensive board later on as you become more experienced.

How do I care for my paddle board?

Paddle boards are relatively easy to care for. You should rinse off your board after each use in saltwater and store it in a cool, dry place. You should also avoid leaving your board in direct sunlight for extended periods of time as this can damage the seams.

What is the best time of day to paddle board?

The best time of day to paddle board is in the morning or evening when the water is calm. The sun can be harsh during the middle of the day, so it is best to avoid paddling during this time. mornings and evenings are also the cooler times of day, so you will be more comfortable paddling during these times.

Are inflatable paddle boards better than solid paddle boards?

Inflatable paddle boards have a number of advantages over solid paddle boards. They are much lighter and more portable, so they are easier to transport and store. They are also less likely to get damaged in transit. However, inflatable paddle boards can be more difficult to control in the water and they are not as sturdy as solid paddle boards.

That’s all for this article, don’t forget to join our paddle board dedicated Facebook group to get support and help from our specialist and the other members.

Thank you for reading.

See y’all.