The most Beautiful Spots to use a iSUP in The USA

Paddleboarding has grown to become one of the most popular outdoor sports in the world – and for those who have wondered why this is, the answer is actually pretty simple. Paddleboarding offers a great way for the entire family to stay fit, and there are inflatable paddleboards that will suit every age and experience level – and many offer exceptional value for money. However, suppose there is one thing that would make anyone take a long hard look at paddleboarding besides building core strength, enjoying the company of friends and family, and getting a great cardio workout. In that case, it is the places that paddleboarding can offer those who want to explore the USA. The simple fact of the matter is that paddle boarding can take one to some of the most scenic spots in the country.

However, there are simply so many of these across the US that making travel plans can be frustratingly challenging – choosing which natural wonder to enjoy is no easy task given the sheer amount of beauty that the US packs into its borders.

So for those who want to make that choice a little bit easier, here are some of the spots that should be on anyone’s paddle boarding bucket list. Choose just one and you will not be disappointed – take an extended trip and you will enjoy scenes of natural splendor that will rival the best in the world.

1. Lake Tahoe, California.

Lake Tahoe repeatedly appears on the wish lists of those who want a paddleboarding experience that has it all. Although this region of Northern California is perhaps best known for its winter ski activities, Lake Tahoe is perfect for a summertime paddleboarding visit. Make no mistake, the waters are not going to offer you a warm embrace – but the cold is absolutely perfect to provide relief from a hot summer’s day. To say that Lake Tahoe is extensive might be a little bit of an understatement – the Lake sprawls across 122,200 acres. Some research on where to stay is in order. That decision should be based on what parts of the Lake you might want to enjoy. Popular spots include Brockway Hot Springs, Zephyr Cove, and Kings Beach. Note that there is gear available to rent from a number of outlets around the Lake – a simple Internet search will provide you with plenty of options.

2. The Florida Keys.

For those who want to be in close proximity to the salt water, the Florida Keys and its mangrove swamps are a wonderful place to haul out the paddleboard and go exploring. The wildlife that can be viewed is simply spectacular. The mangroves act as a nursery for sub-adult fish – and this attracts all sorts of predators in search of a tasty meal. A gentle meander through the Keys will reveal Barracuda, various types of Rays, and, for the lucky, a group of manatees at play, nursing, or feeding. There are also Key Deer (which are endemic to the area) and a variety of snakes that can often be seen swimming in the Mangroves’ waters. The birdlife is also incredibly varied. For nature lovers, the unique experience of paddleboarding the Florida Keys is an experience that should not be missed. There are a number of outfits in the area that offer guided tours of the Keys – and they offer exceptional service to those who really want to get the most out of paddleboarding in this area.

3. Anchorage, Alaska.

If you want to explore one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet and are prepared to pack for some (very) chilly weather, then Anchorage, Alaska should be on the agenda as a paddleboarding destination. The area has become a special favorite with those who favor the stand-up version of paddleboarding, with lakes such as Wasilla Lake in the Matanuska Valley attracting more and more attention. For those who want to be simply blown away by the scenery, then it’s hard to beat Eklutna Lake. Other lakes that are worthy of special mention are Lake Clark (22,000 visitors a year can’t be wrong) and Kenai Lake in the Chugach National Forest, which is a fabulous destination for those who want to combine camping with paddleboarding. There are four camping sites around this 5,590 hectare Lake – each offering differing levels of comfort. Alaska is filled to the brim with wonderful lakes to explore on a paddleboard – some research will definitely pay off in the form of the perfect paddleboarding experience. Keep alert and avoid whales, seals, and sea otters. Niy only is that the safer option – it leaves them undisturbed, where they add to the natural wonder of the area.

4. Lake Powell, Arizona.

If there is one word that describes this lake, it is ‘magnificent’, but the word ‘grandeur’ would also find its way into any sentence that’d describe why it is so popular with those in love with freshwater, paddleboarders included. The setting sun illuminates canyon walls that glow with every shade of red and ochre imaginable, and the calm waters are incredibly welcoming. The Lake boasts secluded inlets and coves in abundance – it is one of those magical places that will provide a feeling of privacy to all who are on its waters; it simply never seems crowded. This is in part due to the fact that it actually stretches over Utah and Arizona and consists of 250 square miles of water. Those who want to explore the Lake would probably find that basing themselves in the town of Page is a great idea. It’s close to two marinas (Wahweap and Antelope) and has plenty of accommodation options.

5. Oahu, Hawaii.

Hawaii has often been described as a slice of paradise. It certainly lives up to its reputation for those who are in love with the saltwater. This includes a growing number of paddle boarders who make their way to its magnificent coastline to enjoy one of the most beautiful settings for water sports in the world.
It’s great for stand up paddleboarding and for those who want to remain seated. Take the trip during summer when the waves are friendlier to paddleboarders. There are other options for those who do not want to brave the sometimes challenging waters of Waimea Bay, including Lanikai Beach, Haleiwa, and Puaena Point. It’s a destination with wonderful attractions for those times when one is not on the water – and exploring the islands is definitely recommended.

There are so many wonderful paddleboarding spots in the USA that any list will definitely miss some of them. Get on the Internet and do some research – there is almost certainly a great spot close to home -or one that will satisfy your wanderlust and thirst for natural beauty. While your on the internet make sure you have the right inflatable paddle board for the job.  Check out PaddlingWaves.com for there full line of recommended inflatable paddle boards.

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Posted on Patrick Stevenson

How To Transport A Stand Up Paddle Board On Your Car

Stand up paddleboards are wonderful, but is it easy to move them around? A lot of people struggle to take these paddleboards to where they need to go on their car. If you are in this type of situation, it makes sense to learn how to transport a stand-up paddleboard on your care as safely as possible.

Here are some of the most important tips that are going to play a role in the process.

1. Use Crossbars or a Rack

Some vehicles are going to come with crossbars, which are ideal and can easily be used for this purpose. Otherwise, you are going to have to buy a rack for your make and model. This will be used to hold the paddle board as soon as you put it up.

The goal is to make sure the rack is in place as well as it needs to be.

A lot of people don’t think about this and that is what holds them back. You need something to hold the paddleboard in place or it is going to be slipping all over the place.

The ideal setup is to have a perfectly fitted rack that is going to hold the paddle board in place for as long as you want it to be.

2. Use Cam Straps

It’s one thing to have the rack in place, but another to ensure the board doesn’t start slipping out of place as soon as you put the board up. This happens a lot, and it is not a pleasant sight at all. The goal should always be to stay patient and make sure you are using high-quality cam straps.

These straps are made for this purpose and are going to hold the board on top of the vehicle. If you are not using one of these straps, the results aren’t going to come, and the paddle board will slip off. This is even worse when it is moist outside, and it has been raining for a while.

The paddleboard isn’t going to stick even if you are using other methods to secure it into place.

3. Always Set Up Waterproof Materials

The idea of using something like this is to make sure you have a way to secure it. It is ideal to think about what you are going to use to hold the paddle board and what is going to be done to make sure it doesn’t slip off.

The issue people tend to have has to do with using the wrong type of materials.

You need to think about your options and make sure the materials are in line with what is required. This means whether it is raining or not, the paddle board isn’t going to move.

If you are regularly thinking about this problem, the paddle board will slip. This happens all the time and it can lead to dangerous situations on the road, which is the last thing you are going to want!

4. Think About the Balance

Balance is key when it comes to something like this.

Since you are going to be setting up the paddle board on top of the car, it makes sense to stay as patient as possible with the balancing process.

The idea of balancing means to ensure you are putting it in the middle of the vehicle. This is one of the biggest issues people deal with and it is not a good spot to be in.

Stay patient and ensure you are focused on having it centered before putting on the straps. If you don’t do this, it may swing to the side even with the straps on!

5. Go for a Short Test Drive

Have you taken the time to see whether or not your setup is in line with what is required?

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t think about going for a test drive with the paddle board in place. This leads to average results that are not going to work out as intended.

You have to make sure a test drive is taken around a safe part of the neighborhood at different speeds. This will let you see whether or not the paddle board is in place the way it is supposed to be.

Final Thoughts

Transporting a stand up paddle board on your car comes down to these steps. As long as you are focused on what is needed, you are going to see the transportation process become a breeze. Too many people don’t think about how they will secure the paddle board, which leads to inefficiencies developing.

Focus on setting up a good rack and ensure the cam straps are as rugged as they need to be. This is the only way to see appropriate results.

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Posted on Patrick Stevenson

Is There A Paddleboard Ideal For My Weight?

Paddleboarding is gaining inception and becoming famous by the day. Currently, the activity is one of the most undertaken water sports. The situation has increased the variety of these devices to suit every unique demand that users might be having. Well, choosing a paddleboard can be a daunting task. With the numerous types of sellers and designs, there is a likelihood of getting overwhelmed at some point. One challenge that most people face is the weight. You could be wondering how much weight a paddleboard can accommodate. So which paddleboard is ideal for your weight? This concern shouldn’t come from fat people only. Even the tall, short, and thin should ponder on it. The first thing to understand is how much a paddleboard weighs.

How Much Do Paddle Boards Weigh?

The weight of a paddleboard is a vital aspect to consider before making settlements. Averagely, a paddleboard would weigh approximately 30 pounds. A majority of the commonly used designs range between 14 to 40 pounds. Keep in mind that you are likely to find something heavier out of this bracket. Certain factors influence this aspect, and the most known is the raw materials used. Manufacturers selling paddleboards employ various raw materials, including plastic, fiberglass, epoxy, and carbon boards. Models made out of plastic are the heaviest in this category, with the lightest being fiberglass. When making the relevant evaluations, it is vital to have this information in mind. It will guide you further on the next step.

What Size Is Ideal For My Weight?

Although your focus is weight, you must ascertain your height as well. The two factors are vital as they influence the kind of paddleboard you will choose. So what paddle board is ideal for your weight? If you were worried, relax. There is a perfect paddleboard for everyone, regardless of their weight and height. Paddleboarding is an exhilarating activity. However, you can only get the fun you see others enjoy when you choose a suitable device. Otherwise, the exercise might become detrimental by exposing you to safety risks. So no matter how many pounds you weigh, rest assured there’s something in store for you.

Paddleboards move in water when you use your hands or a paddleboard oar. You can do this while sitting, standing in the case of standup paddleboarding, or while lying flat on your tummy. The paddleboards float on water, making it a surface water sport. When you start the activity, both of your hands will get to work to ensure you keep moving. The last concern you would want is to worry about sinking or your paddle board undergoing an accident. The only way to ascertain your safety is by getting an efficient device that can accommodate your weight without exposing you to risks.

SUP Chart.

The SUP chart is the best guidance when you embark on this journey. Before making any decisions, ensure you go through the data. Also, know your exact weight as you will need to make the comparisons. Typically, SUP boards would be 9 feet long. The longest in the series can go up to 13 feet. So with your weight, you can check on where you fall hence choosing a reliable device. Any board that is 9 feet to 10 feet 6 incises is suitable for weight between 50 to 125 pounds. If you consider more, say around 125 pounds to 150 pounds, a paddleboard that is 10 feet 6 inches to 11 feet 6 inches will work accurately. You could be wondering if there is more room; yes, there is; keep checking. Paddleboarders weighing around 150 to 175 pounds should take a device around 11 feet 6 inches to 12 feet 6 inches tall. If you register 200 to 225 pounds, pay more attention to boards 11 feet 6 inches to 12 feet 6 inches. If you opt to take something more significant, it will still serve its purpose. For people who weigh 225 pounds and beyond, their go-to paddleboard must be 12 inches 6 feet.

As seen above, your weight is crucial. Ensure you get the exact figures. Second-guessing is the onset of creating problems for yourself. Another aspect is height. Separating your weight and size during paddleboarding is quite tricky. Your height determines where the center of gravity will be, which further influences stability. A taller person will work best with a bigger paddleboard, while a shorter will require a smaller version. Therefore ensure you ascertain this factor as well. The last and most vital is your level of experience and need for use. If you are a first-timer, ensure you chose something you can handle at least a beginner’s model until you gain experience.

There are numerous designs, brands, and sizes of paddleboards. The availability is a guarantee that anyone can get a paddleboard suitable for their weight. But just like any other commodity, what you spend is what you get. Pay more attention to quality besides all the other discussed aspects.

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Posted on Patrick Stevenson