Your guide to (S)tand (U)p (P)addleboarding in Cola
A few warm, sunny days in a row and our inner-waterbaby is begging to come out. And as much as we love cruising Lake Murray in a boat, sometimes we can appreciate a peaceful float on a paddleboard – you know, for balance.
So where can you paddleboard around Columbia? Do you need your own gear? Do you have to be an expert? How much does it cost? We did our research (with help from y’all), and came up with a guide.
Rentals + lessons
California Republic | 3072 Hwy. 378, Leesville
🏄Rentals – $25-$40 (depending on size of paddleboard) for 2 hours; half-off for ladies night on Thursdays; $60/day for 2 all-day board rentals at a drop-off location of your choosing
🌊Lessons – all rentals comes with mini-lesson on land; or attend 2018 Paddle Camps in June and July (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Lake Murray Boating | 1602 Marina Rd., Irmo
🏄Rentals – $19 per hour (2 hour minimum)
Paddle South Outfitters | 140-D, Amicks Ferry Rd., Chapin
🏄 Rentals – $40 per day ($30 per day for additional days added); rentals include life jacket, whistle + paddles; free delivery within 15 miles if rental fees are $100+
AquaFun Boat Rentals Tours and Watersports | 220 Jakes Landing Rd.
🏄Rentals – $25 for 1 hour; $35 for 2 hours; $45 for 4 hours (the best value); $65 for a full day
🌊Lessons – $40 for a 2 hour guided sunset tour; also offer happy hour tours + “That Dam History Tour,” which is all about the history of the Lake Murray Dam
Riverside Golf and Recreation Center | 1600 Garner Ln., Columbia
🏄Rentals – $20 per hour; $50 for the day
Whitecap Stand Up Paddle Boarding | Lake Murray, Lexington
🏄Rentals – $25-65 for half day (and depending on board style + delivery/pick-up)
🌊Lessons – $65 per person (1-2 people) or $55 per person (3-5 people) for 2 hour guided excursions – includes equipment + instruction
River Run Outdoor Center | 905 Gervais St., Columbia
🏄Rentals – $60 for the the day ($20 for each additional day added)
🌊Lessons – $240-300 for group guided tours at Congaree National Park or down the Congaree River – includes equipment + shuttle
SUP yoga classes
A Pinch-a Yoga | 90 minute sessions | $35 per person; $25 per person if you BYOB (bring your own board); private + instructional sessions also available
Chapin Yoga Center | Follow their Facebook or Instagram pages for updates + announcements on the new schedule
Fit Columbia | Every Monday, June - August | $250 for the entire series; $40 single visit (includes board rental); $32 single visit (BYOB)
Paddle at your own risk
Already a pro and have your board ready to go? Hit up these local bodies of water for a DIY session.
“Personal favorite is down Saluda River to the Broad River” –@taylor360
“Dreher State Park has some great coves to explore on a SUP.” –@martybrack
“Rosewood Landing” –Jane
More spots we’ve seen people take their boards:
Photo by @littlebrowndoodle
Congaree River
If you’ve never SUP’d before, we highly encourage you to try something new this summer. Several of y’all recommended the Lake Murray Paddle Club for paddle partners – and we heard they have weekly paddle + pint night on Lake Murray. (I totally joined the group so I could get the DL on the next meet-up). 🏄🍺 They also host an annual paddle race that benefits the Special Olympics Paddle Team of S.C. 💙
Water you waiting for? Go book your paddleboard rentals + SUP yoga classes.
And if I can do it, anyone can do it. | photo by @samjoking_
–Sam
