Want to Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding?

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While kayak rentals have been relatively easy to find in Fairfield County for many years, we are lucky to have many options to rent Stand Up Paddle Boards (aka SUP) in our area.

I first tried SUP with my friend off Cove Beach in Stamford (she owned them) about 15 years ago and was thrilled to find that many of my favorite kayak rental locations had added SUP to their offerings the following summer.

Want to try it? Check out one of these options.

For obvious reasons, I never bring a camera out when I do SUP, but here is my friend Kristen, loving life (okay, this is France but you get the point-it's beautiful!)Longshore Sailing School, Westport

Longshore is one of my favorite places to kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard as it is relatively calm, quiet, and great for beginners. Rentals for SUP are available, and reservations are recommended.

They also offer free lessons/tours on Saturday mornings! If you are not a Westport resident, ask which parking lot you need to park in when you call to reserve (free).

This is a go-to outing for my mom and I at least once a summer. You can travel through some pretty inlets if you go at high tide. We always pack a picnic for afterward!

Norwalk Sailing School, Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk

This Norwalk beach rents kayaks, SUPs, and other equipment at the sailing school in the corner of the parking lot behind the softball fields. Reservations are recommended. Rentals for SUP, single, or double kayak are $20/hr.

Beach parking passes are required. Go early before boat traffic creates more wakes than you plan for.

Young Mariners Foundation, Harbor Point, Stamford

Proceeds from rentals through the Young Mariners Foundation go to programs for underserved and at-risk youth in Stamford and Greenwich. This is the second year of this program offered by the newly built Harbor Point boardwalk. Single kayak and SUP are $30/hr, and double kayak is $40/hr. They also offer season passes and lessons.

I’ve been here several times with friends and coworkers, and based on wind and currents, we found it easy in one direction and quite difficult on the way back. Ask about wind speed and how long it should take to get back so you can plan ahead.

Downunder Kayaking, Rowayton & Westport

Downunder offers various programs and rentals, including guided tours, lessons, kayak/yoga, Paddlefit classes, kids’ parties, corporate outings, and more. SUP rentals are $30/hr, while kayaks have a two-hour minimum ($45 for single or double). Downunder also offers package deals and season passes.

I’ve visited the Rowayton location several times, and 5 Mile River is perfect for beginners. Afterward, enjoy lunch or snacks at Rowayton Market and sit outside on the patio or down the street at Pinkney Pond Park.

Greenwich Sailing School, Tod’s Point, Greenwich

Tod’s Point is a beautiful spot! The beach, the walk/running/biking path, and water rentals make it a great place to spend the day. Rentals for SUP is $20/hr, double kayak is $22/hr, and single kayak is $18/hr. Reservations are recommended.

Fairfield Board Company, Fairfield

Fairfield Board Company offers Stand Up Paddle rentals and lessons. Rentals are $20/hr and can be rented for full days and multiple days.

Candlewood Stand Up Paddle Board Company, New Fairfield

Candlewood SUP offers SUP rentals, SUP yoga classes, and Paddle Fitness classes on Candlewood Lake. Rentals are $25/hr. SUP Yoga and Paddle Fitness are $50/class.

Have you tried Stand Up Paddleboard? Where did you try it, and how was your experience?

2 COMMENTS

  1. About 6 years ago my husband and I were out on our boat and we saw a guy doing this. We had no idea what he was doing. We thought he was nuts. He told us he was from California and that this is something they’ve been doing out there for years. Him and his wife have become good friends of ours over the years. They live in Norwalk now. You can thank him for bringing the sport of SUP to Fairfield. Stef Serafin his name.

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