The sunny weather has arrived and this beautiful time of year makes getting outside extra exhilarating. One of our favorite activities to take advantage of warm weather is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Lake Tahoe is an idyllic setting for both beginners and experienced paddlers with its crystal-clear water and the views of the surrounding Sierras. We’ve put together some local spots to rent or buy a SUP, where to get out on the lake, and where to unwind après-paddle with views of Lake Tahoe. Let’s dive in!
Get your SUP
Photo: Wild Society
It probably won’t come as a surprise that Tahoe has plenty of spots to rent or buy SUP gear for a day on Lake Tahoe. Kings Beach’s Adrift Tahoe is “Tahoe’s Original Surf Shop” with a curated selection of SUP boards for rent or purchase plus all the gear and sun protection you need. Another stop in Kings Beach is Wild Society which is the first clear SUP rental company in the area and offers exciting guided SUP adventures.
Heading out on the water along the West Shore? Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard has you covered with rentals, retail and (calling all beginners!) lessons. If your crew needs to grab some boards and hit the lake, Willard’s Sport Shop offers SUP rentals including paddles, life jackets & whistles. With three locations along the west shore – Homewood, Sunnyside & Sugar Pine Point State Park – West Shore Sports offers rentals and retail to get you out on the water.
Time to Paddle!
Photo: Sugar Pine State Park via Jesse Bradford
Now that you’re all set up it’s time to get out on the water! While there are countless spots to launch your SUP, did you know that there are SUP “trailheads” on Lake Tahoe? The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a 72-mile route with public launch and landing sites. One especially beautiful launch spot is Sugar Pine Point State Park. You can SUP and then relax on the beach or head out on the miles of hiking and nature trails.
Ready for something new? Try SUP Yoga! If you have a group of friends that want to give it a try, call Tahoe Adventure Company for a custom SUP tour and SUP yoga lesson. When summer arrives, Mountain Lotus Yoga in Tahoe City offers SUP Yoga 7 mornings a week. Along Lake Tahoe’s north shore, Tahoe Waterman offers SUP Yoga classes in Carnelian Bay.
Après SUP
Photo: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
After a day of paddling, you might be ready head back to your vacation rental with a view. Or, maybe you want to make a stop for an après beverage by the water? Some lakeside warm-weather après spots we love are grabbing a drink on Sunnyside’s fantastic deck or ending the day with a Chambers Punch at Lake Tahoe’s oldest bar, Chambers Landing. If you want to relax with the sound of running water, après at a riverside deck. River Grill in Tahoe City has fantastic outdoor seating and live music or lounge by the Truckee River at River Ranch Lodge.
