Stand Up Paddleboarding
Hiking, biking, kayaking: When you think about getting outdoors in Alaska, you probably think of these traditionally popular sports. Well, surprise! You can now add the sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to the list of great Alaskan adventures. And it’s absolutely something you should try: it’s the #1 most popular fastest-growing water sport in the world!
What Is It?
For those of you who aren’t entirely familiar with this new-ish sport, here’s the lowdown. The paddleboard is a long, flat board that (as the name suggests) you stand on, and then use a kayak-like paddle to control your speed and direction. Paddleboarding is incredibly versatile, since the board is easily transportable and you can take it on flat water (small ponds or lakes), rivers (gentle or rapids), and oceans (calm coves or surf). And while its popularity in Alaska is relatively new, the sport’s been around for more than a decade, in places like California, Hawaii, and Australia.
Why Try It?
- First off, it’s super fun! Many people who try it once are hooked. Here are some more reasons:
- It’s super easy. Almost anyone can do it, and most people are up and paddling within an hour. (And most SUP outfitters provide beginner lessons for nearly all ages and abilities on specially designed boards.)
- It’s a great whole-body workout. You’ll work your core as well as your arms, legs, feet, and back--and at the same time get a cardio workout that helps with balance. But (bonus!) it’s so much fun that it won’t even feel like a workout.
- Instead of sitting at eye level, like with a kayak or raft, you’ll have a higher vantage point, which lets you take in the surrounding vistas and wildlife in a very different way. You’ll be able to see farther, and in clear waters, deeper.
- Once you get the hang of it, you can even go fishing from your board!
Isn’t It Cold?
Well, paddleboarding may be a more obvious activity in warm-weather destinations. But that’s what makes it so unique up here. And while there’s plenty of chilly water in Alaska, most SUP outfitters supply their clients with either a dry or wet suit (and a dry bag for personal items), so you won’t be cold. Plus, some smaller inland lakes are generally warm from mid- to late summer, so you won’t even need that extra layer.
So what are you waiting for? Give this great sport a whirl in Alaska and see what all the fuss is about! If you're looking for more than a tour, book into Orca Island Cabins in Humpy Cove, a quick boat ride from Seward. There you'll have access to stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks all from your private yurt.
Show Map
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Guided kayaking tours and kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board rentals at Byers Lake in Denali State Park. Denali Southside also offers trailhead shuttle service along the 25 miles of hiking trails of Kesugi Ridge.
Embark on an unforgettable paddling adventure in Alaska with AK Paddlesports! Nestled just outside Anchorage, this family-founded company offers a vast selection of top-quality watercraft, including paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes, available for rent by the day. Experience the convenience of equipment delivery and pick-up, allowing you to spend more time exploring Alaska’s scenic lakes.
Take a boutique, small-group kayaking trip with experienced guides at Liquid Adventures and get close to glaciers in kayaks or paddleboards while looking for whales and other marine mammals. You can even combine your adventure with a jetboat, helicopter, or wildlife cruise. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Alaska!
Glacier trekking, kayaking, ice climbing, and other activities are even more special when combined with a spectacular helicopter ride through Alaska’s dramatic scenery. Thanks to key partnerships with other experienced Alaskan tour operators, Palmer based Outbound Heli Adventures is able to coordinate seamless outings of a lifetime! And, they pride themselves on offering the most amount of flight time with their excursions.
In the winter, Powder Hound is filled with all kinds of the latest ski equipment in toddler to adult sizes. You can ski in and out, and will find boots, ski, jackets, goggles, helmets and more. Skiers may howl when the snow leaves, but Powder Hound can deck you out with essential items that will keep you comfortable and busy all summer. They offer all types of bike rentals, from hybrid style touring bikes to all mountain and downhill bikes. You ...more
This tour operator offers guided kayaking tours and kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board rentals at X Lake in Talkeetna Lakes Park. Denali Southside will provide you with everything you need to enjoy your tour or rental, including the highest-quality gear. While on the water, look for trumpeter swans, loons, river otters, beavers and moose. On clear days, you’ll get stunning views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range.
With snow-capped peaks and towering trees all around, you’ll set off onto the calm waters of shimmering Kachemak Bay in a thrilling way — paddling a standup paddleboard. These long, wide, sturdy boards are built to handle the waters of Alaska, and no experience is necessary. Go with your own private group; an experienced guide will be right there to offer instruction and fun tales of the area. Or rent a board and explore this stunning area on your ...more
Paddleboarding becomes a truly unique sport in Alaska, especially when you have the opportunity to glide across bright blue pools on a glacier! And that’s exactly what you can do when you go glacier paddleboarding with Alaska Helicopter Tours. Enjoy a 15-minute scenic flight then set off on a serene paddle across crystal-clear water. No experience necessary!