Fitness

6 Ways to Stand-up Paddleboard in Vancouver

Combine surfing with kayaking and what do you get? Plenty of awesome

By Marwa Hassan /

Credit: Flickr/Chris Goldberg

Get on board with this fun fitness trend

Vancouver offers plenty of opportunities to hit the water and have fun, and one of the most awesome ways to enjoy the life aquatic is on a stand-up paddleboard.

A combination of kayking and surfing, this mode of transportation is a great workout and plenty entertaining. Click through for six places to get your SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) on in the city.



Credit: Windsure Adventure Watersports

Windsure Adventure Watersports

If you’re looking for a well-established rental company, Windsure Adventure Watersports has been equipping ocean enthusiasts since 1977 at the Jericho Sailing Center. If you’re already an expert paddleboarder, this is the place to rent  high-quality boards. And if you’re still a novice, you can sign up for either group or private lessons to up your paddle game. Windsure also offers a season’s pass which gives you unlimited access to a whole range of watersport equipment (including 65 stand-up paddleboards), social events and much more.

604.224.0615
1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver



Credit: Ecomarine

Ecomarine

Providing water-sport services in three different locations – Granville Island, English Bay and Jericho Beach – Ecomarine specializes in both stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Not only does its retail store offer a variety of equipment and accessories, Ecomarine also offers rental services as well as lessons ranging from beginner to advanced levels. If you’re looking for a more one-on-one learning experience, private programs are available, too. Here’s the 411 on how to sign up and what you need to bring along.

2014 is a good year to try out SUPing because Ecomarine is just about to start its Guided Tours. There’s a Harbour Tour from Granville Island and a Sunset Tour from English Bay – both cost $49 each.

604.689.7575
1668 Duranleau Street, Vancouver (in the big red boat building on the northwest corner of Granville Island)



Credit: Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak

Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak

Only a half-hour from downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak boasts access to Indian Arm, “a paddler’s paradise” featuring calm waters and spectacular views. Deep Cove provides rental services, lessons and tours among other enjoyable programs. The two-hour intro class is highly recommended for those who have no experience on a SUP board.

And how about getting in downward dog position with an ocean and a few mountains as a backdrop? Yup, Deep Cove even offers SUP yoga.

604.987.2202 or 604.929.2268
Retail location: 352 Lynn Avenue; Beachfront location; 2156 Banbury Road, North Vancouver
 



Credit: WazSUP Blog

WazSUP

WazSUP, Vancouver’s boutique SUP and surf shop in downtown Vancouver, is stocked with high-quality boards available for short and long-term (up to three months) rental. They also offer private and semi-private lessons throughout the week. WazSUP’s aim is to show you how fun and accessible SUPing is.

They also offer guided tours ranging from just a few hours to a full day. One very cool tour to keep in mind is the Sunset Evening Paddle, which features paddleboards that light up in the water.

If that’s not enough, WazSUP also does Flowga, or SUP yoga.

778.588.9557
491 Pacific Street, Vancouver



Credit: Vancouver Water Adventures

Vancouver Water Adventures

With two locations, Vancouver Water Adventures takes you SUPing at both Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach, so no matter which you chose, you can bank on some beautiful scenery. You can rent paddleboards from either location, as well as take lessons – group or private – at both spots. Keep in mind that reservations are required.

Vancouver Water Adventures also organizes group and private guided tours, if you’re looking for even more direction.

SUP yoga lessons are also provided at Kits Beach from Tuesday to Saturday and run for 90 minutes.

604.736.5155

Granville Island: 1812 Boatlift Lane; Kits Beach: The north end of Kits Beach



Credit: Stand Up Paddle Vancouver

Stand Up Paddle Vancouver

A “mobile” company that specializes solely in SUPing, Stand Up Paddle Vancouver takes what it does seriously and is eager to help you enjoy the paddle experience.

They host a variety of programs targeting SUPers of all skill levels.

They also hold several workshops and clinics between the months of June and August for those who are interested in getting their SUP on at cool events and exciting camps and retreats. Make sure you register in advance.

778.833.2445
Where: Visit this page for locations