Paddleboarding is a relatively simple and comfortable way to get up close to the marine life and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The calm and isolated waters of Santa Barbara Harbor are the most popular destination for stand up paddleboarding (or SUP).
You can free your mind and relax from your everyday life during a SUP-Yoga class. An ideal spot for this activity can be found at Marina Del Rey, Mother’s Beach. An evening paddle adventure is another great way to relax and enjoy the water trip. Night tours are usually organized on Fridays and Saturdays, from June till September at Newport Beach’s Back Bay. Glittering led lights from the boards create an unforgettable atmosphere and allow you to see the marine life in a completely new way.
SUP in San Diego can be another great adventure. Starting from one of the Coronado bays, you can paddle around the magnificent 76 m bay bridge, which connects the island with the mainland. Amazing panoramic views together with giant military ships are the highlights of the trip.
SUP is popular in every part of the state, in Southern and Northern California. There are lots of popular SUP locations in the North, like Sausalito’s Richardson Bay, Tomales Bay, Bolinas, Fremont’s Quarry Lake Regional Park, Foster City’s Leo J. Ryan Park, Alameda’s Crown Beach, and Livermore’s Del Valle Regional Park. One of the most popular is Lake Tahoe. Wednesday Night SUP Racing Series and other annual events make this place a true SUP hot spot.
Practical info
When is the best time to go paddleboarding in California?
In California, paddleboarding is best enjoyed from May through September due to favorable weather conditions. The water is usually calm, clear, and mild, but the weather forecast should be checked since it may change rapidly. Wearing the right gear, such as lightweight and sun-protective clothing, is vital. Additionally, staying hydrated during hot summer days is necessary to avoid heat exhaustion. Show more
Where are the best locations for SUP in Southern California?
Southern California has several perfect locations for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) enthusiasts. Among them, Huntington Beach provides a fun atmosphere, including racing events and epic waves for advanced SUP enthusiasts. While San Diego's Coronado bays offer amazing views while exploring the 76m bay bridge. If seeking a serene environment, Santa Barbara Harbor's marine life spots are ideal. Long Beach is a favorite spot for night tours with LED lightings on SUP boards. Show more
What is SUP-Yoga, and where can you try it in California?
SUP yoga is a challenge that blends stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and yoga to test balance and improve strength while enjoying nature and tranquil surroundings. SUP-Yoga enthusiasts have many California locations to pick from, such as Crown Beach in Alameda and Richardson Bay in Sausalito. Other locations include Marina Del Rey Mother's Beach, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. These locations offer a peaceful environment for an unforgettable experience. Show more
Where can you go for a night paddle adventure in California?
Newport Beach's Back Bay is where those looking for a unique and unforgettable paddleboarding night adventure come. Night tours are usually available on Fridays and Saturdays from June to September, featuring an incredible light show from LED lights attached to the SUP boards. Paddleboarding in the night also presents a new way to see marine life, unique to this adventure. It creates a memory that lasts a lifetime. Show more
What special events or races are held for paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe is a famous location for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP); thus, numerous races and festivals are held annually. Among them is the Wednesday Night SUP Racing Series, which is a summer competition between skateboarders of similar levels and ages, ensuring both safety and fun. For a more entertaining event, the annual Ta-Hoe Nalu Festival hosted there features worldwide participants and a fantastic lineup of music and entertainment. Show more
