Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) in Alberta
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is the perfect way to get out and enjoy nature. I started stand-up paddle boarding 5 years ago. Being a natural born travel planner, I spent a lot of time figuring out where to go and how to have the best SUP experience. Here is all the information you need to get started SUP around Alberta.
Getting Started with Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
The best way to get started is to take a beginner lesson. In an hour you will be able to stand up, get comfortable, paddle, and turn the board. It looks a lot harder than it is. If you do fall, it’s only into water so it is a lot less risky than a sport like mountain biking.
There are longer, more advanced courses if you want to learn more advance stand-up paddle boarding, but a beginner lesson is fine if you’re looking to go out on calm lakes and enjoy a few hours on the water.
Places for Beginner SUP Lessons
Calgary: University of Calgary
Banff and Canmore Area: Bow Valley SUP and Surf
Edmonton: Kinsmen Sports Centre
Jasper: Translucid Adventures Inc.
SUP While Travelling
If you are travelling and want to give paddling a try, most places have lessons or a tour for beginners that includes a lesson. On a trip to London, England last year, we did a fun SUP tour on the canals. We were the only people in the group that had stand-up paddle boarding experience. Everyone was able to get up and enjoy the experience.
Private lessons or guided tours are also excellent options when traveling. We had memorable experiences in Pender Island, British Columbia, and Huatulco, Mexico. Not only did we learn new skills, but we also got to interact with locals and capture great photos!
Getting Equipped for Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
The main barrier to SUP is the equipment, but rentals are widely available. You can find local long-term rentals for a day, weekend, or longer trips, and popular paddling spots often have rentals at the boat launch.
Edmonton SUP Rentals
- You can rent stand up paddleboards right on the river with River Valley Adventure Co.
- Paddle the North Saskatchewan River with a shuttle and rental equipment from Edmonton Paddleboarding.
- Longer term rentals are available with Anahola Board Company in Ardrossan or within Edmonton at Totem Outfitters and Gritty Knots.
If you want to buy a paddle board in Edmonton, I highly recommend Easy Rider. They have a good selection of hard boards and inflatables, and their staff are knowledgeable. We have purchased two hard boards and two inflatables there. It is a great, locally owned store.
Calgary SUP Rentals
- The University of Calgary and Sports Rent have longer term rental equipment.
- EVT offers lower priced stand-up paddle boards to buy or rent. This is a great option for beginners or casual paddling out at the lake.
Banff and Canmore SUP Rentals
- Banff Canoe Club is right in Banff and you can launch straight into the river.
- Bow Valley SUP and Surf and Wilderness Equipment have longer term rentals.
Jasper SUP Rentals
- The Boathouse at Jasper Park Lodge.
- Translucid Adventures is right on Lake Edith Beach.
- Get Fit Rentals has longer term rental equipment.
What to Look for in the Perfect Place to SUP
Size Matters
The best places for beginners to paddle are smaller lakes and rivers that do not allow motorized boats. Size matters because of the wind. You can stand-up paddle on larger lakes if it is not windy but if the wind picks up and the water gets choppy, paddling is more challenging and far less enjoyable.
National Parks
Motorized boats are banned in most lakes location in national parks. There are few exceptions, such as Maligne Lake in Jasper and Lake Minnewanka in Banff. This leaves a lot of great options for stand-up paddle boarding in these beautiful locations.
Facilities
It is not necessary, but a boat launch or a dock make it easier to access the water with your stand-up paddleboard. If there is a campground at the lake, there is a high likelihood of a boat launch or dock being available.
A dock is easier to use because you can drop the SUP in the water and climb on. With a boat launch, put the SUP in the water backwards (so the fin goes in first) and wade in until the fin is not hitting the bottom. Then you can climb on the board.
Bathrooms are useful and a firepit is nice if you want to make a day of it.
Finding Great SUP Locations
- Google maps – I look at the area I’m interested in and search for small lakes, then search the name to see if there are facilities. I have found some great hidden gems this way!
- Go Paddling is a great app with recommendations, details, and reviews from other paddlers.
- Internet search for blogs and articles (like this one!) that provide recommendations for great paddle spots. I always do an extra search on go paddling or other sites for additional information before I choose a spot.
Equipment Recommendations
Try Before You Buy: SUP might not be for everyone, so renting or taking a lesson first is wise. Alberta’s paddling season is short, but it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the good weather.
Hard vs. Inflatable SUP:
- Hard Boards: More stable but require a roof rack for transport. Paddles can be surprisingly expensive, starting at around $100.
- Inflatables: Convenient for storage and transport but less stable and require effort to inflate. Often sold as a kit with a bag, pump, and paddle. Electric pumps designed for SUPs are available.
I began with an inflatable board from Costco, upgraded to a hard board, and eventually added quality inflatables. Selling the beginner board helped fund these upgrades.
Enjoy the Adventure
I hope you feel encouraged to get out on the water this summer and try stand-up paddleboarding! More information for beginners is available here. Get a dry bag, pack some drinks and snacks, find a quiet place to pull up on shore or just put your feet on each other’s boards and drift.
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