
How To Paddle Safely in British Columbia
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…
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.
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Whether in Sechelt, Gibsons, or Pender Harbour, Alpha Adventures offers paddle rentals and more at each location.
Learn MoreAquabatics sells a wide variety of gear and equipment for different paddle sports.
Learn MorePlan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.
Learn MoreBruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.
Learn MoreLocated in Fernie BC the Canyon Raft Company offers anything from scenic floats to whitewater rafting, making it suitable for all.
Learn MoreExplore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
Learn MoreLocated between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.
Learn MoreChoose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.
Learn MoreAt CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.
Learn MoreExperience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.
Learn MoreProviding eco-excursions via guided kayaking and paddle board tours, Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions is a great place to reconnect with nature.
Learn MoreOffering top of the line equipment for sale and rent. Come check us out – Downtown Fernie. BC
Learn MoreBook a kayak or paddle board rental at the Eldorado Marina to explore Okanagan Lake at your own pace.
Learn MoreEndless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
Learn MoreNeed paddling gear, accessories or want to rent a paddle board? Find all it all plus more at Escape Route in Whistler BC.
Learn MoreFloat Golden offers the most affordable paddle board rentals throughout Golden.
Learn MoreGearHub sports offers a wide variety of watersports gear and equipment for rentals or sale.
Learn MoreGolden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
Learn MoreExplore the Sechelt Inlet on and kayak or paddleboard with Halfmoon Sea Kayaks.
Learn MoreHope Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals is a great place for rental options so you can explore the local waterways.
Learn MoreRent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.
Learn MoreWith tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.
Learn MoreKamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!
Learn MoreExplore Mayne Island at our own pace with kayak and paddle board rentals or booked a guided kayak tour to explore the beautiful waters.
Learn MoreLooking for a good workout or a relaxing paddle? Book a kayak or paddle board rental with Kelowna Downtown Marina.
Learn MoreJoin the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.
Learn MoreFor over 20 years the Kootenay Raft Company has been offering adventurous whitewater rafting trips in Kimberley BC.
Learn MoreLakeSUP has everything to do with paddleboards with rentals, lessons, and retail available you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Learn MoreWith kayak and paddleboard rentals LakeSurf Premium Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake.
Learn MorePaddle the Powell Forest canoe route with Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Sales & Rentals.
Learn MoreConnect with nature while paddling along the coastline of the Great Bear Rainforest with guided tours from Norm Hann Expeditions.
Learn MoreWith a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.
Learn MoreLocated on Heffley Lake in Kamloops BC, Paddle Surfit is the perfect place to relax and escape the city with SUP and kayak rentals.
Learn MoreRent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.
Learn MoreRent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.
Learn MorePender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.
Learn MoreLocated on Cowichan Lake Pristine Paddleboard Adventures is the perfect place to rent a paddleboard and explore the lake at your own pace.
Learn MoreExplore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
Learn MoreRocky Peak Adventure Gear has a great retail selection of different paddle sports gear & equipment.
Learn MoreSalt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
Learn MoreScoop Lake is the perfect wilderness get away where you can explore over a dozen lakes on a paddle board.
Learn MoreLocated on the Arrow Lakes, Scotties Marina is a fully serviced marina that also provides some watersports rentals.
Learn MoreWith many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!
Learn MoreCreate your own adventure with paddleboard rentals from Shawnigan Surf & Board Co.
Learn MoreSquamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.
Learn MoreExplore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
Learn MoreTunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
Learn MoreWhitewater 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.
Learn MoreValhalla Pure in Squamish BC is a great outfitter store that has a wide variety of gear options and even clothing for paddle sports.
Learn MoreWilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.
Learn MoreFrom 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…