Stand-up paddleboarding is as close to walking on water as you’ll ever get. It’s an experience unlike any other water sport and if you haven’t tried it yet or just want an opportunity to get out with others, weekly paddleboard nights in the Muskoka River are the way to go.
If you’re new to the sport, 101 Paddleboarding is hosted by Paddle Canada SUP Instructor Tara Kinden every other Wednesday night until mid-September. Tara gives hands-on instruction to teach you how to get on the board, and how to balance and maneuver. Then the group goes for a paddle starting at the Town Docks behind Algonquin Outfitters.
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- Paddleboard instruction begins on the dock
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- Starting out kneeling helps you to find balance
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- Hooray for paddleboarding!
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- Once you can maneuver while kneeling, you can learn how to stand
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- Paddleboards are more stable than you might think
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- Once you’re up…
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- …you’re ready to go!
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- Paddle Canada SUP Instructor Tara Kinden is your guide
The next 101 Paddleboarding night is July 20 at 6pm. Pre-registering is recommended to reserve your spot (register here) and participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to get organized. The $40 registration fee includes equipment rental from AO (paddleboard, paddle and lifejacket) and instruction.
The Thursday night SUP’R CLUB is a social opportunity for SUP enthusiasts. Photo: Totem Juice Company
For slightly more experienced paddleboarders, Algonquin Outfitters and Totem Juice host a social paddleboarding tour – the SUP’R CLUB – every Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 throughout the summer. There is no instruction, although experienced paddlers are on hand to offer tips. Bring your own board or rent one for just $20.
You can rent a paddleboard any time, of course, and head out on your own. Or skip straight to buying your very own – AO includes a lesson with Tara to ensure you’re comfortable with your new toy (subject to availability).
Photos: Randy Mitson, Algonquin Outfitters
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In my mind I’m still trying to find the huge advantage of a SUP over say a canoe, or maybe a sailboard.
If you want the freedom and thrill of moving over the water at speed a sailboard is good. If you’re good and the area lends itself to the sport a kite board is better but this area is not much of a mecca for this sport.
Maybe I’m just too old to appreciate this new sport.
Great photos of what looks like an awesome sport!