Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing sport around the world right now for good reason. It’s easy, there’s a low learning curve, and most people can jump on a board their first time out with no previous experience or lessons. It’s also a great family sport because parents can take turns out on the water while the children play at the beach.

Once you build up a bit of confidence, you can also start taking the kids out with you on your board. School-aged kids and teens will be able to try paddling by themselves on a shorter board making SUP a great sport for the whole family to participate in together.

Before you head to your first beach, you’ll need to get yourself equipped with a board, paddle, and PFD. Fortunately SUP boards can be rented at many beaches throughout English Bay.

Stand Up Paddleboarding in Metro Vancouver:

English Bay Beaches

Hadden Park – This park has a nice beach area on the ocean and is a popular spot for SUP within the protected waters of English Bay. Try SUP Yoga or take an intro lesson through Stand Up Paddle Vancouver. Visit their website for more information on class schedules and pricing.

Jericho Beach – To experience fitness in true west coast style, sign up for a SUP fitness boot camp class at Jericho beach through Windsure Adventure Watersports. No SUP experience required and a full rental package is included in your class fee. For more information on rentals, intro SUP lessons, or SUP fitness boot camp, visit Windsure’s website.

Kitsilano Beach – Near the north end of the beach you will find Vancouver Water Adventures. Great for SUP on the beach to enjoy paddleboarding from the beach, they also do SUP Yoga, Paddle Fit, tours, and provide lessons and rentals

Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Home to the Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre, this is the perfect location to start a scenic paddle up the Indian Arm Fjord surrounded by Vancouver’s coast mountains. Rentals and lessons are both available at this location along with SUP yoga classes and SUP kids camps. For something truly spectacular, join a sunrise guided SUP tour and see what it feels like to paddle on water as smooth as glass. For more information on classes, SUP yoga, guided tours, and weekly SUP races, visit the Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre website.

Rocky Point Park, Port Moody

At the very end of the Burrard Inlet is the beautiful Rocky Point Park, a popular destination for boaters and paddlers! With calm waters and beautiful views, this is a great spot to try paddling. If your looking for tours, lessons or camps, Rocky Point Kayak is the place to go and they also have you covered for all equipment rentals.

I hope you have fun on the water as a whole family this summer trying a new sport that’s easy and fun!