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Paddleboard
Get up, Stand up. Stand Up It’s All Right
Stand up paddleboarding has been the world’s fastest growing watersport during the past decade and for good reason: it’s easy to learn, gear is affordable, and you can do it anywhere. British Columbia is no exception. In fact, given its plethora of lakes, rivers, and coastal water routes, the province is one of the best places in North America to SUP. From fast-moving river rapid expeditions, to warm-water lake paddles to coastal island hopping, BC offers something for every kind of stand up paddler.
Another reason stand up paddleboarding is so popular in BC is it allows for excellent viewing of all the surrounding wildlife, both onshore and in the water underneath you. For example, those who SUP on the Columbia River near the interior city of Castlegar are sometimes afforded views of ten-foot-long sturgeon swimming under their feet. And paddle boarders who quietly ply the coastal waters of the Great Bear Rainforest have been rewarded with views of Sitka deer, grizzly bears, and grey wolves. Even those near the province’s largest city of Vancouver regularly see harbour seals, orcas, and otters.
Of course, not everyone on a SUP is interested in going slow. For those with a need for speed, there are multiple races held throughout British Columbia every year including the BC SUP Cup series. There’s also SUP surfing to be had off the beaches of Tofino, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and innumerable waves and rapids to play in throughout the province, especially during the Spring run-off season when the province’s rivers are swollen with snow melt.
Paddle Pros
Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things SUP related.
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Tours, Rentals, Lessons & Retail
Alpha Adventures- Outdoor Adventure Store
Whether in Sechelt, Gibsons, or Pender Harbour, Alpha Adventures offers paddle rentals and more at each location.
BC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to securing long-term public access to British Columbia’s coastline. In partnership with coastal First Nations, we are building, protecting, and promoting a public network of marine trails that supports safe, respectful, and low-impact coastal recreation.
Explore Lake Windermere and the Columbia River through rentals and guided tours. Discover diverse wildlife and enjoy family-friendly paddling adventures.
Far Out Gear Rentals offers a wide range of outdoor adventure rentals and tours, including biking and paddling equipment. Explore BC’s stunning waterways and trails with our top-quality gear.
Hellman Canoes and Kayaks, based in Nelson, BC, crafts high-quality, custom-made canoes and kayaks designed for adventure and durability. Founded by passionate paddler Bob Hellman, this Canadian-owned business offers personalized watercraft for recreational and wilderness paddling, available at their specialized shop.
Kamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!
Klahoose Wilderness Resort offers an immersive eco-experience in British Columbia’s pristine nature, rich in culture and wildlife. Stay in intimate accommodations and explore the land with Indigenous guides.
Norm Hann Expeditions explores the ocean and coastlines of Squamish and Howe Sound: connect with nature while observing a unique and vast ecosystem that’s easy to access.
ROAM Shop, a Nelson, BC-based outfitter, specializes in water sports gear for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Since 2004, this locally owned store has offered top-quality equipment and expert service for unforgettable paddling adventures in the Kootenay’s.
Eleven BC Waterways You Should Paddle For World Rivers Day
The first river I paddled in British Columbia was the Slocan in the East Kootenay. It was, and still is, unbelievably beautiful. Having grown up canoeing the flat-as-glass prairies, I had never…
With over 25,000 kilometres of coastline, 20,000 lakes, and 750,000 kilometres of rivers and waterways, the province of British Columbia is a paddler’s paradise. Whether your preferred craft is a canoe, kayak,…
Every corner of British Columbia offers something special for the visiting paddler, from gliding through coastal inlets to soaking up the sun on warm interior lakes. To help you explore BC by…