From our friends at www.lonelyplanet.com
Whether you're after challenging river rides through sharply-hewn canyons, or leisurely quests through virgin rainforests, secluded beaches and tropical lagoons, these nine long-distance stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) destinations promise epic adventures and the kind of fresh perspectives that only a SUP can provide. After all, SUP has not only proven itself to be one of the world's fastest-growing sports, but also a meditative mode of exploration.
The destinations below all have ideal conditions for multiday paddle boarding journeys, as well as local outfitters that can make them happen.
Paddle in the presence of whales while searching for spirit bears in British Columbia © Chris Christie -Perfect Paddles Travel Brief-
Best Time of Year to Visit:
There are a few different destinations in the guide. We will break down the best times to visit each location separately here-
Canada: The Canadian winters are long and cold. Naturally, the best time to visit this beautiful country is during the summer months to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and sunshine. The ideal months would be May to August.
Cambodia: The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, when there is very little rain. During this time you'll see clear blue skies, making it a great time to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the southern coast. Temperatures stay at a warm 68°F year-round.
Belize: The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the country's dry season. Although this peak season draws thousands of tourists, dealing with crowds is an easy sacrifice to make for warm temperatures, clear skies and easy access to the country's top attractions. (www.travel.usnews.com)
Croatia: The best time to visit Croatia is in May and June or September and October when the weather is pleasant and sunny. This makes it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It is also less crowded at these times than the summer months of July and August which are high season and can be very hot, especially in the afternoon. (www.goaway.com)
Brazil: Brazil's summer is Dec-Mar, and winter Jun-Sep - but heat and humidity rise the further north you go. Overall, Sep-Oct is the best time to visit Brazil - avoiding major vacation periods, the chilly southern winter and soggy season in the Pantanal – as well as enjoying cheaper prices. (www.responsiblevacation.com)
England: England gets chilly in the wintertime from September to February. The best time to visit for SUP would be during the summer months when the sun is warm and the rain is sparse. For those hardcore paddlers out there, UK Paddling pros go hard year around. If you want to avoid the tourists and don’t mind the cold, be sure to look up an outfitter or professional to contact before heading that way.
New Mexico, US: Most travelers visit Taos between May and September. Summer means high season with more crowds and higher rates. The best sweet spot months with less tourists and pleasant temperatures at the same time are May until early June as well as late September through October. (www.anytravelstips.com)
Ireland: The best time to visit Ireland is between March and May, and September to November, when it's not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it is in winter. That said, Ireland has a mild, temperate climate and although it's rainy at times, you can visit all year round. (www.audleytravel.com)
Utah, US: Moderate crowds and temperatures in April–May and September–October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. (www.rove.me)
Average Temperature:
This article traverses many different areas with varied climates. To understand the average temperature in each place we recommend heading to a weather site to double-check before booking and deparuture.
SUP Environments to Paddle In
Ocean
Rivers
Lakes
SUP Activity Highlights:
Excursions
Tours
Tours:
The varied landscapes included in this article are a great place to experience a guided tour. Let an experienced guide take you on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful waters off the coast. To look up a tour in your desired area, use our Locations/Activities guide HERE!
Perfect Paddles Deals to Get Your Ready for Your Trip:
RHEOS (Floating) Sunglasses- 15% off with Member Benefits
Duk Gear- 20% off a waterproof cell phone case with Member Benefits
Amphibian Outdoors- Save $20 on your purchase with Member Benefits
Check out more of our gear options HERE!
Interested in any of these extra activities? Be sure to head HERE to find a list of paddle pros in the area and what they offer!
Additional Attractions:
We will be providing one additional activity per location. Of course, there are many great places to see and experience within these cities and countries, we recommend doing a quick search to supplement this article. This is just a starting point!Canada
Vancouver City: Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.
Cambodia
Phnom Sambok Pagoda: Phnom Sam Bok is the cultural and main tourist resort of Kratie province. The resort has good location and assured safety for tourists to visit. Phnom Sam Bok has been arranged as the tourist resort since the Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum time. The special features of Phnom Sam Bok are: - Closed to the western mountain foot, there is a big pond full of clearwater and natural plants. - The mountain has two peak, a dull peak and a pointed peak. On the mountain top, we can view the beautiful scene especially the Mekong River.
Belize
Snorkeling in South Water Caye: Southern Water Caye is a paradise for the underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers. The warm turquoise waters around picturesque South Water Caye are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. At Blue Marlin Beach Resort, You will also enjoy morning and afternoon boat snorkel trips to the reef and nearby islands as part of your Belize vacation, and complimentary kayaks for self-exploration along the inner reef. Exploring the many coral formations of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve is safe and fun for the entire family.
Croatia
Diocletian’s Palace: Diocletian's Palace is an ancient palace built for the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD, which today forms about half the old town of Split, Croatia.
Brazil
Centro Historico: Centro, which includes the areas of Sé and República, is the city’s downtown core, with mainstream shopping malls, hip nightclubs, baroque churches and modern high-rises like the art deco Banespa Building. Cultural landmarks include the lavish Municipal Theatre, an opera house from 1911. Known for its vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows, the Mercado Municipal is a sprawling produce market from the 1930s.
England
The British Museum: The British Museum, in the Bloomsbury area of London, England, is a public institution dedicated to human history, art and culture. Its permanent collection of some eight million works is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence, having been widely collected during the era of the British Empire.
New Mexico, US
White Sands National Park: White Sands is a census-designated place in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. It consists of the main residential area on the White Sands Missile Range. As of the 2010 census the population of the CDP was 1,651. It is part of the Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Ireland
Cliffs of Moher: The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They run for about 14 kilometres.
Utah
Zion National Park: Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike.
-Perfect Paddles Shops/Outfitters we recommend are included under each section-
Buddy Deals: Don’t forget to take advantage of our fantastic Buddy Deals for exclusive discounts for our members! To become a member head HERE.1. Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
The fairy-tale-like Great Bear Rainforest, along the Pacific coast of British Columbia, is the only place in the world where you can find a rare white subspecies of the American black bear known as the spirit bear. Norm Hann Expeditions offers seven-day journeys where you can not only search for the enigmatic creatures but also paddle close to humpback whales and seek deeper connections to the land with the help of First Nations guides. Trips are typically aligned with the annual salmon run to ensure maximum wildlife potential.
