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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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Paddle board rentals
rentals and lessons
Aquabatics

Aquabatics sells a wide variety of gear and equipment for different paddle sports.

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Canoeing on Bowron Lake
rentals
Bowron Lake Lodge

Plan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.

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Bruker Marina and beach
rentals
Bruker Marina & Beach Club

Bruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.

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Whitewater rafting trip
tours
Canyon Raft Company

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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Canoeing with Cariboo Canoe & Kayak Rentals
rentals
Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Explore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.

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Canoeing in the Columbia wetlands
rentals and tours
Columbia Wetland Outpost

Located between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.

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Guide sea kayaking adventure
tours, rentals & lessons
Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions

Experience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.

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retail and rentals
Edge of the World

Offering top of the line equipment for sale and rent. Come check us out – Downtown Fernie. BC

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Rafting on the Slocan River
tours, rentals & lessons
Endless Adventure

Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.

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Escape Route
rentals
Escape Route

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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Floating in Golden
rentals
Float Golden

Float Golden offers the most affordable paddle board rentals throughout Golden.

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Paddle boarding
rentals and retail
GearHub Sports

GearHub sports offers a wide variety of watersports gear and equipment for rentals or sale.

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Canoeing in the wetlands of Golden
rentals
Golden Paddle

Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.

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Paddle board rental
rentals
Kamloops Water Sport Rental

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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tours and rentals
Kootenay Raft Company

For over 20 years the Kootenay Raft Company has been offering adventurous whitewater rafting trips in Kimberley BC.

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Paddling the coastline of the Great Bear Rainforest
tours
Norm Hann

Explore the Great Bear Rainforest with Norm Hann tours.

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Norm Hamm Paddling
tours and lessons
Norm Hann Expedition

Connect with nature while paddling along the coastline of the Great Bear Rainforest with guided tours from Norm Hann Expeditions.

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Paddle boarding on Heffley Lake
retail, lessons & rentals
Paddle Surfit

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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Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser Expedition
tours
Roam Adventures

Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.

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Paddle Boarding with Rocky Peak Adventure Gear
retail
Rocky Peak Adventure Gear

Rocky Peak Adventure Gear has a great retail selection of different paddle sports gear & equipment.

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Paddle boarding on Scoop Lake
rentals
Scoop Lake Outfitters

Scoop Lake is the perfect wilderness get away where you can explore over a dozen lakes on a paddle board. 

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Scotties Marina
rentals
Scotties Marina

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
Squamish Paddling Club

Squamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.

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Kayaking with Squamish Water Sports
lessons and rentals
Squamish Water Sports

Explore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!

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Rafting in Fernie
rentals, tours & lessons
Tunnel49

Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.

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tours and rentals
Tunnel 49 (Mountain High Adventure)

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 Kayak Rentals
rentals
Valhalla Pure

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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Canoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Lakes, Ocean, Paddleboard, Rafting & Rivers

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…

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