6 Reasons to Go Stand Up Paddleboarding Around Vancouver

There's something thrilling about paddling around on glassy water at 5:00 am-- especially if you have plans to get a coffee and donut after. But maybe you’re not a morning person? Then there’s something truly magical about standing on water after work at 5:00 pm-- especially if you have plans to grab a beer and watch sunset after.

 Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUPing around Vancouver is an awesome way to enjoy the water and nature that surrounds the city. It’s also a fun way to discover BC’s spectacular lakes and waterways. Not only is it great exercise, but it’s also an activity that you can do while social distancing.

 But be warned: once you try SUPing you might just get hooked. There’s nothing wrong with falling in love with that feeling of sliding and gliding on water while immersing yourself in the outdoors. Here’s 6 reasons to get on a Stand Up Paddleboard and start exploring around Vancouver.

Photo credit: Holly Mandarich, Upsplash

1. Change your perspective of our beautiful city.

If you bike to work downtown or commute via Sky Train, you are familiar with many picturesque views of Vancouver. With the stunning mountains, beautiful beaches and city skylines there’s no denying that Vancouver is easy on the eyes! But have you been Stand Up Paddle Boarding around Science World or Jericho Beach? Have you seen these city views from the water? It’s time to get on a SUP and see the city from a whole new angle.

2. Studies show that being on or around the water decreases stress levels.

 Have you read the book Blue Mind written by Wallace J. Nichols? He’s a researcher in California who studies the effects of water on the mind. This book explains how “water can calm our overactive minds while it imbues our senses.” What the heck does that mean? It’s a science-y way of saying that humans instinctively want to be near a beach, lake, river or any kind of body of water because it is relaxing and calming to our busy minds. Get on a Stand Up Paddleboard and get moving to paddle that work stress away!

Photo credit: Yasin Hosgor, Unsplash

3. Because you’ve already hiked the Grouse Grind and biked the Seawall a million times and it’s time for a different kind of workout.

 Stand Up Paddleboarding is a great workout that you can do outside. The hiking and biking around Vancouver is exceptional BUT isn’t it time you tried something new? Shake up your routine and get on a SUP to challenge yourself. It’s a socially distanced, full body workout that recruits all the major muscle groups as well as your abdominals and core muscles. The best part of a SUP workout is that it’s outside, on the water and since you’re having so much fun it really doesn’t feel like a workout!

4. You might see a seal or sea otter!

 There’s loads of seals, sea otters and other wildlife in the water around Vancouver. Keep your eyes open for them and make a game out of it! Whoever sees a seal first gets an ice cream. Yes, that means whoever did not see the seal first must buy the ice cream. (Ok if you want to substitute “beer” instead of “ice cream” that’s fine too!)

Hey lil buddy! (photo credit: Fred Heap, Unsplash)

5. There are TONS of spots to Stand Up Paddle Board around Vancouver and the surrounding areas.

 Ok we are going to name a few places in Vancouver that are the usual suspects- Kits Beach, Jericho Beach, English Bay and False Creek. But we also have to mention some less familiar spots within an hour of Vancouver- Deep Cove, Cates Park, Barnet Marine Park, Bowen Island, Porteau Cove, Buntzen Lake and Belcarra Park. There’s so much water to explore in the Vancouver area and being on a SUP is an excellent way to see it all, especially some places that might be overlooked.

6. WASSSSSSSSUP

 Last but not least, you can finally say WASSSSSSSUP to your friends and really mean it!!!

 Without a doubt Vancouver is a beautiful city surrounded by water and nature. It’s a city with a thriving outdoor lifestyle that includes hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. But don’t forget about Vancouver’s inlets, lakes and beaches. SUPing around Vancouver is a wonderful way to explore and encounter the unique landscapes and wildlife in the area. Not to mention it’s also a fun, challenging and socially distanced workout that is a great way to release stress!

 All Access Adventures rents out Stand Up Paddleboards and delivers them to your location. This rental includes PFDs, paddles, and dry bags. They are inflatable SUPs which means that they are easily inflated and deflated to make travelling with them a breeze. You can pack them into your car for road trips or even take them with you on the bus and Sky Train. We also offer trip planning suggestions and tips. We are here to help you organize your next Stand Up Paddleboard adventure around Vancouver!

 Check out the Gear Rental page of our website www.allaccessadventures.com/gearrentals for SUP rentals in Vancouver and for more information. See you on the water!! 

Photo credit: @deee.cee

 Written by Sea.E.O Sarah a.k.a Captain Sleddy April 11, 2021