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10 Best Places in California to Do Stand Up Paddle Boarding ( SUP )
In this post we will discuss the 10 best places in California to do stand up paddle boarding. Even though summer is coming to a close, there are plenty of days of sunshine left to get out on the open water with your paddle board. Stand up paddle boarding is a relaxing and exciting sport. You can go out for a leisurely paddle or take to the waves for an extreme sport adventure.
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is similar to surfing in that some people catch waves. As opposed to sitting until they ride the wave, SUP involves users paddling while standing to propel through the water. You balance yourself on the board while paddling through the water to gain momentum.
There is hardly any better location than California to get started in SUP. In this article, we will discuss the top ten places in California to do stand up paddle boarding. Also places to take out your paddle board and get riding. Next time you want to paddle out. Check out these places and put them on your list to visit and SUP.
The 10 Best Places in California To Do Standup Paddle Boarding:
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Mission Bay
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Lake Tahoe
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Catalina Island
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Monterey
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Golden Gate Bridge
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Coronado Island
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La Jolla Cove
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Santa Barbara Harbor
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Redondo Beach
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Klamath River
1. Mission Bay & Beaches In San Diego
Known as one of the world’s largest human-made salt bays. Mission Bay is perfect for sitting back and enjoying SUP fishing. It is enclosed on three sides so the waters are calm on windy days. It is an ideal location for beginners.
There is also a big community of SUP yoga classes. Mission Bay also offers excellent scenery since there are many gorgeous homes along the coast. It is one of the greatest locations and places in California to do stand up paddle boarding.
Best Paddle Board (SUP) Rental In Mission Bay
2. Lake Tahoe
Everyone has heard of Lake Tahoe. It is one of the top destinations in Northern California. It sits on the border of Nevada and is arguably the most transparent water you will find. It rivals the Carribean for water. However its evergreen trees and tall mountains surround it.
Lake Tahoe is one of many places in California to do stand up paddle boarding. It is also a great spot to paddle out if you are looking for clear water where you can see the beautiful boulders below. The best time to visit Lake Tahoe and avoid the crowds is November through March. Lake Tahoe happens to be one of the sought after places in California to do stand up paddle boarding.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in Lake Tahoe
3. Catalina Island
This island is located just off the coast of Southern California. It is only accessible by ferry so you may need to plan if you are going to bring your paddle board with you. Catalina is part of a 22-mile stretch of the archipelago. It is one of the best spots for exploring coves.
The many coves and harbors available will allow you to paddle peacefully and enjoy the marine life. You should also check out the island’s history while you are there. Which is vibrant and exciting.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in Catalina Island
4. Monterey
Monterey is the central Californian gem for camping and paddling. It is close to many of the best spots to experience the beautiful scenery of the central region. It is packed with visitors in the summer months. So we recommend exploring a bit before or after summer to avoid crowds.
Monterey has many coves to explore. We also recommend bringing along your camping gear so that you will be able to experience everything this area has to offer.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in Monterey
5. Golden Gate Bridge
There is nothing quite like viewing the Golden Gate Bridge from your paddle board. You will get to view the mountainous region of the North while also seeing San Francisco’s skyline in the background. It is one of the best places in California to do stand up paddle boarding.
There is one main launch point for SUPing near Horseshoe Cove. Keep in mind that the water near the bridge itself can become choppy on some days.
Check the wind and currents before heading out. It can also be a busy spot for boating so keep an eye out for other people around you as you SUP.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental by the Golden Gate Bridge
6. Coronado Island
The island is a prime location near San Diego for launching your SUP board. It is also an excellent place for SUP surfing. It offers short reeling waves to get you gliding across the water in no time. The island is just a short trek across the Coronado Bridge.
SUP surfing is perfect for beginners as well since there are no rocks beneath. Mostly sand bar breaks so it is safer for you and your board. We also recommend to enjoy some of the other calm harbors in the area.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in Coronado Island
7. La Jolla Cove
California is teeming with places to paddle out, but La Jolla Cove is one of the best. It offers a diversity of areas for different skill levels. It has incredible scenery with beautiful water clarity. You can see into the water from your paddle board up to 30 feet down!
The water clarity allows you to see many different types of marine life. If you are looking for a place that will enable you to view fish, coral, and sharks, then this may be an excellent spot for you to check out.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in La Jolla Cove
8. Santa Barbara Harbor
The waters of the Santa Barbara Harbor are calm and protected. It is ideal for beginners who are looking to get in a workout while paddling. There are also many places to rent a board if you don’t have one.
You will enjoy many sea lion sightings along the coast. You can always hear them barking so you will be able to spot them easily. You can also catch a glimpse of Stearns Wharf. There are plenty of fantastic boats sitting in the harbor. This is a great place to enjoy SUP while taking in the scenic environment.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in Santa Barbara Harbor
9. Redondo Beach
If you are a social paddler then this is the best spot for you. It can tend to get crowded at certain times of the year but this spot holds one of the most substantial SUP communities around. If you are looking to take out your board and meet people, then this is a fantastic spot.
You will also see numerous people SUPing with their dogs. Redondo Beach currently holds the record for most dogs on a SUP! It is an ideal location to meet new friends, paddle, and enjoy the sunset.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental in Redondo Beach
- Dive n Surf Rental Center
- Tarsan Standup Paddle Boarding
- Paddle House
- Hui Hui Standup Paddle Board Rentals
10. Klamath River
Being the only river is on our list. Especially if you want to experience river SUPing. This is the best choice for you. The Klamath River winds through some of the most beautiful territories in Northern California. You can experience serene and forested areas while paddling your way down the river.
The Klamath River sits just north of the Oregon border so you will see evergreen trees, changing leaves, and many other natural landscapes.
Best Paddle Board (SUP ) Rental by the Klamath River
Final Thoughts On Places in California to Do Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Whether you are a SUP surfer, beginner, expert, or just wanting to try something new. California offers the best paddle boarding in the United States. With this guide, you will be able to find a spot that is perfectly suited to you.
So get out there and get paddling!
Checkout Our Standup Paddle Boarding Product Reviews!
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