Stand-up Paddling Adventures in/and around Clark County, WA

Want to get a get work out and cool off on a hot summer day in Clark County?  Consider SUP, or Stand-Up Paddling. For those of you not familiar with the sport, stand-up paddling entails standing on a long-board and propelling yourself with an elongated canoe paddle.

Stand-up paddling is a good way to improve your core strength and balance - which makes it a powerful cross-training activity.  And the best part - most people will find it relatively easy to get the hang of - especially on flat water. If you want the ultimate challenge, try it in the surf.

Recently, a group of us rented an SUP board and spent the day at Elk Lake , which is about a 45 minute drive from Bend, Oregon. The water in the morning was glassy smooth and made it conducive for beginning paddlers to get their sea legs. In the afternoon, the wind came up and a bit of chop made it slightly more difficult, but certainly doable.

SUP boards should come with a warning - ‘this activity may be addictive.”  Here it is early Monday morning and I’m still daydreaming about water and stand-up paddling. I can hardly wait for the next SUP adventure. In Clark County, Washington there are several options for beginning stand-up paddlers who want to try out the sport.

Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals in/and around Clark County, WA

A good spot to rent SUP boards in the Vancouver and Clark County, Washington area is at Alder Creek,  located in Janzten Beach. You can rent a long-board for a half day for $30, or a full day for $70.

Sweetwood Paddle Boards hosted lessons and demonstrations on Lacamas Lake in Camas during May of this year. You can call Jim at 360-448-3699 for more information about his business and upcoming SUP lessons and demos. 

Stand- Up Paddle Board adventures in/and around Clark County,WA

Lacamas Lake, Vancouver Lake or Battleground Lake would all be good beginning SUP spots. Remember though, it's always a good idea to wear a flotation device, regardless of your swimming ability.

Those of you who are proficient at SUP can test your abilities out in the windy Hood River Gorge area, or in the surf along the coastline of Washington and Oregon. Wet suits, PFD's whistles and a leash are all must-have items to help keep you safe.

Stand-up paddling is a great new sport that is not only fun, but improves your fitness. If you want to get in a good work-out on a hot summer day - consider SUP in Clark County, Washington.

My most recent and excellent SUP adventure at Elk Lake in the Bend, Oregon area.