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.
Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things SUP related.
I want to go paddle-boarding in
Aquabatics sells a wide variety of gear and equipment for different paddle sports.
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Plan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.
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Bruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.
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Located in Fernie BC the Canyon Raft Company offers anything from scenic floats to whitewater rafting, making it suitable for all.
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Explore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
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Located between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.
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Experience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.
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Offering top of the line equipment for sale and rent. Come check us out – Downtown Fernie. BC
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Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Need paddling gear, accessories or want to rent a paddle board? Find all it all plus more at Escape Route in Whistler BC.
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Float Golden offers the most affordable paddle board rentals throughout Golden.
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GearHub sports offers a wide variety of watersports gear and equipment for rentals or sale.
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Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
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Kamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!
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For over 20 years the Kootenay Raft Company has been offering adventurous whitewater rafting trips in Kimberley BC.
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Connect with nature while paddling along the coastline of the Great Bear Rainforest with guided tours from Norm Hann Expeditions.
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Located on Heffley Lake in Kamloops BC, Paddle Surfit is the perfect place to relax and escape the city with SUP and kayak rentals.
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Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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Rocky Peak Adventure Gear has a great retail selection of different paddle sports gear & equipment.
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Scoop Lake is the perfect wilderness get away where you can explore over a dozen lakes on a paddle board.
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Located on the Arrow Lakes, Scotties Marina is a fully serviced marina that also provides some watersports rentals.
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Squamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.
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Explore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
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Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
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Whitewater Rafting is a unique way to experience Fernie. You’ll enjoy breathtaking sceneries in our high quality 8 seater rafts as you navigate through carved canyons, and over Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids.
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Valhalla Pure in Squamish BC is a great outfitter store that has a wide variety of gear options and even clothing for paddle sports.
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From sea kayaking Howe Sound to rafting the rapids of Golden’s Kicking Horse River, the province of British Columbia offers something for every kind of paddler. But it’s important to know how…
