Paddleboarding, also referred to as SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), is a great way to explore Arizona's many lakes and rivers. Not only is it a fun and challenging workout, but it's also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take in the scenery. Here are some of the best places in Arizona to paddleboard.

Before we go into places, I would like to let you know that Outdoor Master has reliable paddle boards that you can get at affordable prices and even with free shipping from time to time. So, check them out now to see what deal they are offering today.

Without any further ado, let's start with the first place.

1.Lower Salt River

The Lower Salt River is a great place for a beginner to intermediate paddleboarder. The river is gentle and has beautiful scenery. There are also many places to stop and take a break.

This place is relatively calm and there's plenty of wildlife to see. You may even spot some bald eagles!

Paddleboarding here is also a great way to cool off in the summer heat, as the water temperature is usually around 70 degrees.

Other activities that can be done here include swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

Fish species that can be found in the Lower Salt River include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish.

2.Lake Powell

Located in Northern Arizona, Lake Powell is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. It's also a great place to paddleboard!

This man-made lake is huge, so there's plenty of room to explore. The scenery is also stunning, with red rocks towering around the lake.

The water is usually very calm. However, there can be some waves if there's a boat nearby.

This is a great place for swimming, fishing, and kayaking as well.

Fish species that can be found in Lake Powell include channel catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and bluegill.

3.Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake is a great place for all levels of paddleboarders. The lake is small, so there is nowhere to be lost.

This is a great place to see wildlife, as deer and other animals often roam around the lake. The scenery is also beautiful, with towering pine trees and mountains in the distance.

The water is usually calm, but there can be some waves if there's a motorized watercraft nearby or high winds.

This is a great place for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited.

Fish species that can be found in Lynx Lake include Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and White.

4.Lake Havasu

Located on the border of Arizona and California, Lake Havasu is a man-made reservoir that's a popular destination for camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and more.

Fish species that can be found in Lake Havasu include bluegill, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, striped bass, redear sunfish, crappies, and flathead catfish

It's also a great place to paddleboard! The water is usually calm and there's plenty of room to explore.

There are also many places to take a break, including beaches and restaurants.

This is a great place for all levels of paddleboarders. However, the water can be quite warm in the summer months.

5.Lake Mohave

Located in Arizona and Nevada, Lake Mohave is a reservoir on the Colorado River. The lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, kayaking, wakeboarding, jetskiing, waterskiing, fishing, and of course paddleboarding.

There are many different species of fish that can be found in Lake Mohave including largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, crappie, rainbow trout, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and striper.

Fishing tournaments are held in some months of the year and there are public boat ramps located around the lake.

Swimming is allowed in many places of Lake Mohave and there are several beaches located around the shoreline. Be aware that there are no lifeguards in the park.

The lake also has a waterpark called Cottonwood Cove that you can visit.

Camping is available at Lake Mohave in several different campgrounds.

6.Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is a reservoir located in central Arizona. The lake was created in 1911 by the Roosevelt Dam and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States.

The lake covers 21,493 acres and has nearly 128 miles of shoreline. Roosevelt Lake is a popular destination for swimming, water-skiing, fishing jet-skiing, and general boating recreation.

There are many different species of fish that can be found in Roosevelt Lake including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel, and flathead catfish.

Fishing tournaments are events that you should know about their presence in order to check the place out when they are present or avoid them.

There is a boat ramp that can make launching your paddle board an easier task.

Swimming is allowed from a number of places on Roosevelt Lake and there are miles and miles of beaches located around the shoreline.

I don't know about the lifeguards' presence, so swimming at your own risk is something to keep in mind.

Camping is available at Roosevelt Lake in several different campgrounds.

7.Verde River

Located in central Arizona, the Verde River is a great place to paddleboard and explore. The river is home to a variety of wildlife including red-tailed hawk, belted kingfisher, common black hawk, peregrine falcon, southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagle, and golden eagle. 

The water is murky in some places, due to the dirt nature I think, but it's clear in others.

The Verde River is also a great place for fishing (in some sections), paddleboarding, and kayaking.

There are many different species of fish that can be found in the Verde River including smallmouth bass, catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

Camping is available along the river in several different campgrounds.

8.Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is a man-made reservoir located in the Tonto National Forest.

It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Phoenix and 20 miles southwest of Payson, Arizona.

The lake was created by damming Canyon Creek for flood control and water conservation.

It is a popular spot for recreation, including hiking, camping, picnicking, biking, and scenic drives. 

It is also a good place for paddle-boarding, as there are many inlets to explore.

The wildlife in the area includes white-tailed deer, foxes, roadrunners, and others. There are also many birds, including waterfowl, gulls, wrens, osprey, ravens, raptors, sparrows, warblers, geese, willets, and spotted sandpipers.

Other activities that can be done in the area include horseback riding, ATV riding, and picnicking.

Swimming is allowed only in the designated three parks. Fishing is also allowed in designated areas with a valid Arizona fishing license.

9.Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake is a man-made reservoir located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It is approximately 30 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona.

The lake has clean and clear water.

The common wildlife to expect include birds, squirrels, deer, elk, skunks, and bears.

The lake was created primarily for recreational purposes.

It is a popular spot for recreation, including camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, non-motorized boating, and camping.

It is also a good place for paddle-boarding and kayaking, as there are many inlets to explore.

Swimming can be done in the lake and I don't think there is a defined beach area.

10.Lake Pleasant

Located just outside of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is a great place to paddleboard when the weather is suitable.

There are many inlets and the scenery is beautiful with the mountains in the distance.

The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert mule deer, javelina, and mountain lions.

Besides paddleboarding, other activities that can be enjoyed at Lake Pleasant include fishing, camping, scuba diving, stargazing, moonlight scorpion hunting, dinner cruises, and kayak tours.

The World's Largest Floating Water Slide was even built here and opened in 2016!

11.Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is another great place to paddleboard that is located in central Arizona, in the Tonto National Forest and is fed by the Salt River.

The views here are breathtaking with desert scenery. 

The blue water of Saguaro Lake is usually calm, making it ideal for paddleboarding.

There are also many fish species that can be seen or caught while paddleboarding, including yellow bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass.

Besides paddleboarding, other activities that can be enjoyed at Saguaro Lake include fishing, camping (accessible only by boat), hiking, and picnicking.

12.Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake is yet another great place to paddleboard located in central Arizona.

This lake is located in the Tonto National Forest and is fed by the Verde River.

The views at Bartlett Lake are stunning with cliffs and beautiful scenery.

The water of Bartlett Lake is clean and clear, making it perfect for paddleboarding or swimming.

There are also many fish species that can be seen or caught while paddleboarding, including flathead catfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, and smallmouth bass.

Besides paddleboarding and fishing, other activities that can be enjoyed at Bartlett Lake include kayaking, boating, and camping.

13.Roper Lake

If you're looking for a place to paddleboard in southeastern Arizona, you can check out Roper Lake.

This lake is located in the town of Safford and is fed by a reservoir on Mount Graham.

The views at Roper Lake are incredible with mountains and trees.

The water is usually calm, making it ideal for paddleboarding.

The wildlife here is also interesting, with many different species of birds.

Besides paddleboarding, other activities that can be enjoyed at Roper Lake include fishing and picnicking. 

There are also many fish species that can be seen or caught while paddleboarding, including channel catfish, eager schools of crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, outsized largemouth bass, and sunfish.

14.Blue Ridge Reservoir

Blue Ridge Reservoir is another great place to paddleboard in Arizona.

Located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, the views here are incredible with tall mountains and evergreen trees.

The water is usually calm, making it ideal for paddleboarding or swimming.

There are also many fish species that can be seen or caught while paddleboarding, including rainbow trout, brown trout, tiger trout, sunfish, and catfish.

Locals recommend fishing before temperatures rise (spring or early summer).

Besides paddleboarding and fishing, other activities that can be enjoyed at Blue Ridge Reservoir include hiking, camping, and picnicking.

If you want to pass the night in this place, you can pitch your tent at one of the campsites that surround the area.

15.Patagonia Lake

Patagonia Lake State Park is located in southern Arizona, about an hour and a half drive from Tucson.

This lake is a great place for paddle-boarding, with its calm waters and stunning scenery.

There is also a variety of wildlife to be seen, including coyotes, bobcats, coues whitetail deer, coatimundi, javelina, reptiles, a large variety of birds, and other mammals.

Other activities at the park include water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking.

Swimming is allowed in any part of the lake except the boat launch areas.

I do not know about any SUP rental shop near this from where you can rent a paddle board, this is why you have to come with your own gear.

16.Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake is a man-made reservoir located in the heart of Tempe, Arizona.

This lake is a popular destination for paddle-boarding, as it offers stunning views of the city skyline and is home to a variety of wildlife.

This lake is also a great place for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, walking, fishing, or picnicking.

FAQs

IS PADDLEBOARDING SAFE TO DO IN ARIZONA?

Yes, paddle boarding is safe to do in Arizona. However, as with any activity, there are always risks involved. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when on the water. Wearing a life jacket is always a good idea, and it is also important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

WHAT PADDLE BOARDS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR BEGINNERS?

There are many different types and brands of paddle boards available on the market.

For beginners, I recommend a board that is wider (but not too much) in order to feel more stable. 

All-around inflatable paddle boards are a great option for beginners, as they are easy to transport and can be used in a variety of different water conditions.

IS AN ELECTRIC SUP PUMP A GOOD INVESTMENT?

If you plan on paddle boarding often, an electric SUP pump is a great investment. Not only will it save you time and energy, but it will also extend the life of the board by keeping things under control in terms of over-inflation if it has the auto shut-off feature.

My recommended electric paddle board pump is Shark II. It can inflate up to three paddle boards in a row, is easy to carry, and is reliable.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO PADDLE BOARD IN ARIZONA?

The best time of year to paddle board in Arizona is during the warmer months. During these months, the water is typically calm and the weather is pleasant.

However, it is always important to check the weather conditions before heading out on the water.

WHAT ONLINE SHOP DO YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

I recommend Outdoor Master for all your paddle boarding needs. They have a great selection of boards and accessories, and their prices are very reasonable.

Outdoor Master also offers free shipping site-wide from time to time, so it is a great option for those who want to save money without losing much on quality. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME FOR PADDLEBOARDING?

It is important to bring the proper equipment and clothing for a paddleboarding adventure. Depending on the weather, you might need a wetsuit or drysuit to keep you warm, as well as a life jacket. You will also need a paddle, of course, and a leash to attach your board to your body.  

Finally, don't forget sunscreen, water, and snacks!

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILE PADDLEBOARDING?

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while paddleboarding:

• Wear a life jacket: It's always a good idea to wear a life jacket when you're on a paddleboard.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what's going on around you, and be aware of any potential hazards.

• Don't paddle alone: It's always best to paddle with someone else, in case you need help.

• Know your limits: Don't push yourself too hard. If you're feeling exhausted, take a break.

• Paddle in safe areas: Avoid areas with strong currents or waves. Stick to calm waters.

• Learn how to do SUP recue. 

That’s all for this article, I hope you enjoyed it.

Before saying goodbye, I would like to let you know that you can always join our Facebook group dedicated to paddle boarding. You can ask the other members if need to and meet other like-minded people.

Thank you for your time.

See y’all.