Places To Go Paddle Boarding Near Me – Free Interactive Map

I know you are always on the lookout for the newest, most exciting spot to go paddle boarding – but let’s face facts here: 

Finding new places to go paddle boarding near me takes quite a bit of time. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler; the research alone can take the wind out of your metaphorical sales if you don’t know what you’re doing – or where to look. Well, I’ve got something incredibly handy for you – an interactive map that may help you decide where to go next.

Granted, you still need some additional resources – but I’ll cover that, too. So, don’t worry about a thing. Let’s get it going!

Interactive Map Of Places To Paddle Board Near Me: How To Use It

Whether you’re searching for great spots to paddle board locally, or want to discover places to paddle in another part of the country, this map is your go-to tool.

Using this interactive map to discover new paddle board spots near me will be pretty simple – I can promise you that. 

You generally have two options when using the map: 

• Let the map load paddleboarding spots near you based on your location 
• Select a location manually to load a detailed overview of the area (this only works for locations marked with a magnifying glass icon) 

If you tap on the little magnifying glass, you’ll either open up more in the same area or see red dots that mark exact paddling spots. You can then click on one of these dots for info about it – such as information about the body of water, instructions on getting there, and the like. 

As for navigating the map, you can use the mouse to move around and the integrated “+” and “-” buttons to zoom in and out. 

I told you it was going to be simple, didn’t I? 

Popular Places To Paddle Board: Where Can I Go Paddle Boarding Near Me? 

Stand-up paddle boarding definitely gives you the freedom to explore so many different places around the world. As long as there’s a body of water nearby, you’re pretty much set and good to go.

But the irony will catch up with you pretty quickly – pretty much the moment you begin planning your trip: 

You can go virtually anywhere – and yet, you don’t know how to decide. 

There’s no need to bring out your globe just yet; there are probably a lot of places worth visiting near you already. Finding new paddle board spots near me is mostly a matter of knowing where to look. 

And with that said, here are a few suggestions to get you started! 

Ocean & Coastal Waters Near Me

Choppy waters and breaking waves will test your balance; there’s no doubt about that. Plus, the seas can be pretty unpredictable – and the conditions can change at any given moment. 

I’m not saying that to scare you. 

Are you up for a challenge? By all means, look up some coastal waters near you and see what comes up. The deep, blue waters have a lot to offer.  

However, I need you to remember that paddle boarding in the open waters is no walk in the park – and safety should be your number one priority. 

Please don’t let my warning deter you, though. With the proper safety precautions in place, stand-up paddle boarding in the ocean can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially during the warmer summer months and early fall. Just be sure to do your research before heading out! 

Lakes Near Me 

Your choice of paddling location can make or break your experience; there’s no doubt about that. And while the sea has a lot to offer, I think we can all agree lakes and other inland waterways offer a calmer and more predictable alternative.

Flat water paddle boarding spots near you are generally safer – making them a perfect place for first-time paddle boarders or beginners who are still developing their SUP skills and paddle stroke. There’s no need to worry about fighting the currents and waves; you can just focus on your paddling technique and balance – and enjoy a peaceful float on a nearby lake.

Plus, there are more lakes than oceans in the world – making them a more practical choice if you’re looking for a paddle boarding destination close to home.

And you will find that the larger lakes, especially in the US and Europe, offer a range of outdoor activities  – from swimming and fishing to hiking and camping, even yoga classes. So, if you’re looking for a paddle boarding spot that also offers other things to do, then an inland lake is probably your best bet and an excellent choice for all the family. 

Rivers Near Me 

Rivers can make any paddle boarding outing a bit more challenging; moving waters always add an element of unpredictability to the equation.

Of course, you’ll discover lots of rivers near you on this interactive map, but you should probably take a second to consider if tackling a river is something you can handle. 

If so, do some additional research and gather info about water levels, the width of the river, the possibility of encountering whitewater rapids, and river hazards  –  all of which can make your paddle board experience more difficult, and some rivers maybe be better suited to the more experienced paddleboarder

The number one rule is: 

Know what to expect when you launch your SUP into any moving waters. 

How To Find The Best Paddle Board Spots Near Me?

Now, here’s where deciding where to paddle board near me gets even more convenient: 

I’ve gathered some valuable resources for you here. So, whenever you’re in doubt, you can turn to these for guidance and suggestions – which, as I’m sure you’ll agree, is a lot more convenient than typing “places to go paddle board near me” into your browser every single time. 

Department Of Natural Resources 

Yes, starting with the basics – I mentioned the good, old-fashioned Google search a second ago – is generally a good thing. And it will undoubtedly help you get started. 

However, it can be time-consuming and, at times, even overwhelming. 

So, here’s my first suggestion: 

Check out the official Department of Natural Resources website of the state where you plan to go paddle boarding next. 

Each US state has a DNR website, and even though some will be more informative than others, you should still be able to find essential information about paddle boarding spots near you. Plus, they typically provide additional resources regarding safety and water conditions and basic info about public waterways and the state’s licensing requirements. 

In short, you’ll get some of the essential parts of your trip planned out.

Local Paddling Clubs & Associations 

One thing I’ll never get tired of repeating when it comes to go-to advice for beginner paddlers is: 

Don’t be afraid to socialize and meet people within the paddle boarding community. 

You’re not the only one looking to discover new places to go paddle board near me – and maybe there is someone in your area who is typing that same phrase into their search bar as we speak. 

You two would make great paddling buddies – if only you knew about each other. And that’s kind of the point I’m trying to make here: 

Paddling clubs and associations exist for a reason, and they are an immense source of help and information. Everyone will gladly help you out and recommend the best places to go paddleboarding. 

“Where do I find local paddling clubs, though?”

Sometimes it’s as easy as doing a quick Google search – but there are also websites dedicated to helping you. The ACA, for instance, has a paddle club finding service!

The International Surfing Association also has a pretty great directory you can go through if you need additional information. 

If all else fails – although I doubt it will – you always have Facebook groups and online forums. Believe me; these are gold mines when it comes to information on paddling and happy-to-help paddlers. 

Specialized Apps: Go Paddling App

There are plenty of apps and sites you can take a look at when picking out a nice spot for your trip. You shouldn’t underestimate the power of Google Earth, for instance. 

But the one I would wholeheartedly recommend here is the Go Paddling app. 

It’s completely free to use, and it can help you discover more than 25,000 locations in the United States – while also providing info such as directions to launch sites, details about each spot, and the option to add a new paddle boarding location for others to discover. 

And yes, it’s available for Android and iOS users, by the way. So, be sure to check it out!

Our Free Interactive Active Map – Powered By Go-Paddling

Now, how about we actually get to what I’ve been raving about all this time – our interactive map powered by Go Paddling. 

You might call me biased here, but let me tell you: 

This map is everything you need to pick the best paddle boarding spots. 

Paddlers from all over the world keep adding useful info to it – and you’ll have access to all of it free of charge. 

It’s essentially the desktop version of the Go Paddling app, so it works in a similar way: 

You’ll be able to discover more than 35,000 paddling spots just by navigating the map. Plus, you can zoom in and out on different areas, check out info left behind by others – and track down the perfect places to go paddle boarding near me. 

Features & Uses

The first feature I’d like to highlight is actually my favorite one – and that’s the “Add A Location” feature. I’ve already talked about it – but let’s do a quick recap:

Suppose you discover a new paddleboarding spot on your adventure. In that case, wouldn’t you want to add them to the existing database of over 35,000 paddling locations? 

Paddlers sharing info with other paddlers – that’s how Go Paddling’s impressive database came to be. And that’s why the app makes our lives so much easier. 

It’s simple: 

If you’re at a location that doesn’t seem to be pinned on the map, just use the “Create Location” button, fill out the form, and help out the next person using the app.

Knowing that you contributed to the map is pretty neat, too. Sure, you’re not discovering a new world here – but it’s a great feeling, nonetheless. 

Another feature I should mention here is the “Add Your Trip” feature. 

The “Add Your Trip” button allows you to add more info about an existing location or one you’ve added yourself. You’ll then fill out a form about your trip – start and end date, water types and conditions, safety notes, portaging info, required gear, and recommended skill levels. There’s also an option to include photos and videos if you’d like. 

This feature is what makes the map so great: 

You and your fellow paddlers can continue adding to it – and sharing information about different spots. 

Things To Consider When Choosing A Location & Planning Your Paddle Board Trip

Okay, we’re done with the whole “places to go paddle board near me” thing. So, now that you’ve hopefully decided where you’d like to dip your paddle next, it’s time to discuss planning your trip.

Is there anything you need to know? How do you stay safe? What does the law have to say on the matter? 

Let’s start with the basics: 

• Know your limits. Paddleboarding can be strenuous. So, it’s crucial that you are honest about your capabilities, fitness levels, and, most importantly, stand-up paddleboarding experience. Don’t push yourself too hard; choose a location that suits your abilities. 
• Think about accessibility. You’ll have to carry a SUP (and, quite possibly, other gear) to the paddling spot. So, you want to ensure that it’s within walking distance. As for your launch and take-out spots, you should generally go for big and open areas with excellent accessibility. Also, it’s a good idea to double-check to see whether your area has designated boat launches.
• Paddle boarding equipment.  You don’t need much to go paddle boarding – just a SUP, paddle, life jacket, and a leash.  You can either bring your own equipment or rent gear when you get to your destination. Most established paddle boarding spots will offer board rentals, starting from two hours up to a few days, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check.
• Check the weather and water conditions. The weather might seem superb right now – but it could change within minutes. Wind and waves can mess things up faster than you think. So, be sure to double-check the weather forecast and tide predictions – and avoid choppy waters and high winds at all costs.  Also, be extra vigilant around the edges of the seasons. Early spring and late summer are times when you may encounter powerful currents and rapidly changing weather conditions.
• Let someone know where you’re headed. If you’re going for a few hours on the water, then sure, a full-blown float plan isn’t necessary. But it’s always a good idea to let others (friends and family) know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. 
• Watch out for on-the-water hazards. Keep an eye out for things like wildlife, low-head dams, overhanging trees, or low-hanging branches – and assess whether it’s safe to take your SUP for a spin. 
• Check if your insurance covers out-of-state trips. Injuries happen; you don’t want to get caught off guard. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to check the local laws and regulations regarding paddle boarding – which, I admit, can be a bit confusing. 

I’ll try to keep it short and straight-to-the-point, though: 

• Check US Coast Guard’s regulations regarding PFDs and other boating gear. Granted, I believe a personal flotation device is a must regardless of the local laws. 
• Check if you have to register your SUP. This bit can be tricky since different states have different definitions of “vessels” – which may or may not cover stand-up paddleboards. If you plan to use your own board, and do have to register your stand-up paddleboard, the process will be the same as with kayaks. 
• If you plan on going fishing, check the local requirements regarding licenses and special permits. You can discover places to go fishing here. 
• Remember that boating under the influence is a federal offense – and yes, it applies to all watercraft, including paddle boards and kayaks. 

Summary: Where To Go Paddle Boarding Near Me

When it comes to discovering new places to go paddle boarding near me, my number one tip is to use all the available resources – especially those outlined in this guide:  

• Your state’s official Department of Natural Resources website (great for finding public waterways and checking local regulations) 
• Paddling clubs in your area and online forums or Facebook groups 
• Go Paddling app (for Android and iOS) that contains over 25,000 paddling locations
• Free interactive map (powered by Go Paddling) that features more than 35,000 locations in its database 

Use this knowledge to your advantage, and good luck with your next paddle boarding adventure!