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.
Canoes are an age-old watercraft, great for longer adventures, more people and more gear. Canoes will be larger and heavier than kayaks, but more stable and slower. They’re also easier to move around in and adjust your sitting position. It requires just a few basic paddling skills to get started.
YAMPA RIVER
With the Yampa River running right through downtown Steamboat, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, are engrained in the town’s DNA. With many of the shops located either on or within walking distance of the Yampa River, it's possible to grab your water toy and be on the river in minutes.
STAGECOACH RESERVOIR
Stagecoach Reservoir, a 765-acre reservoir located about 25 minutes from downtown is a great option for paddlesports, offering on-site rentals at the marina. Stagecoach has a small beach and other non-motor boat areas where paddleboards, kayakers, and canoers can enjoy the no-wake zone.
PEARL LAKE
Enjoy beautiful views in a serene mountain setting at Pearl Lake, a small, calm lake that doesn’t allow motorized watercraft. About 45 minutes from Steamboat, Pearl Lake offers SUP rentals, picnic areas, and walking trails for a perfect day-long adventure.
- 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!
