As summer heats up, head to the water to cool down! Colorado’s rivers and lakes are the perfect playground in summer. From stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to kayaking and canoeing, there’s a watercraft for all ages and abilities. With plenty of places to rent gear and get instruction, adding a day (or two) on the water to your vacation itinerary is a must.
Stand-up paddleboarding (often referred to as SUP), in its modern form, has its roots in Hawaii and was invented out of surfing. The sport started gaining traction in the early 2000’s. Today you’ll find people propelling themselves across ponds, lakes and rivers, from calm water to white water. It’s a fun way to play on the water and get a low-impact, full-body workout at the same time; and it certainly tests your balance. With little instruction, most beginners can stand up and start paddling in short order. And inflatable paddleboards are easy to transport. They fold into backpacks and are easy to inflate.
Kayaking is easier than you might think and a great way to feel stable and glide through the water. Many kayaks can hold more than one person, with sit-on-top options that are great for kids and are the easiest to get into and out of. Or sit-in kayaks that are faster and more agile. You only need a few basic skills to paddle a kayak in calm lake conditions, with the forward stroke, reverse stroke, and sweep stroke for turning. If you’re new to paddling, kayaking is a great option. It can be easier than canoeing, and with inflatable kayaks, easier to transport.
PINEY LAKE
Just 12 miles from Vail, located at Piney River Ranch, this 40-acre retreat is a beautiful must-see lake for a day of paddlesports and adventure. Located next to the spectacular Gore Range, activities include SUP, canoeing, hiking to the falls, camping, and enjoying nature.
NOTTINGHAM LAKE
Located in Avon with beautiful views of the Vail Valley, Nottingham Lake is the place to go for a family paddlesports adventure, with rentals, lessons, and plenty of fun to be had.
SYLVAN LAKE PARK
Located 30 minutes south of Eagle and surrounded by the White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake is a 42-acre lake, attracting plenty of paddlesport enthusiasts. Plan to spend the day or night with plenty of picnic areas, camping and hikers can enjoy more than 7 miles of trails.
If you're headed out to paddle, here's a list of gear you'll need:
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Dry bag for extra clothing, cameras, phones
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Whistle
- Drinking Water
Note: in the mountains, go out in the mornings or early afternoon. Late afternoons can bring rain showers. And, even in summer the water can be cold!
