How to Find SUP Launches and Access Points
Finding a place to launch your paddle board can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're in a new area or have never paddled there before. However, with a little bit of research and some helpful tips, you can easily locate great SUP access points nearby.
Ask About Boating, Kayaking, and Canoeing Locations
Even though paddle boarding has grown massively in popularity lately, kayaking and canoeing have been around for much longer. Almost any place where you can launch a kayak is suitable for getting in the water with a paddle board, so if you know someone who does any type of paddling or water sport, they should be familiar with spots that could be perfect for getting into the water with your paddle board.
Once you have identified a ramp or launch site, you should still check the regulations because there are some bodies of water where kayaking and canoeing are permitted, but paddle boarding is restricted. This is sometimes, but not always, the case on reservoirs or lakes that feed the local water supply and where swimming is prohibited.
Search Online For SUP Locations
The simplest way to find places to paddle board is to do a Google Search for “boat ramps near me” or “kayak launches near me” This should lead you to a list of ramps or launch spots where you can get on the water, contact information (if it’s a park or organization with an office), and a map showing their locations. You can also search in Apple Maps (the default iPhone navigation app). We’ve found that the results from Apple Maps are generally less complete that google results, but in some cases it turns up some places that don’t come up on the google search.
Many boat ramps expressly prohibit launching watercraft that are not classified as boats, so some awareness of local ordinances and attention to signage is advised. Concrete boat ramps can be slippery due to algae buildup, so care needs to be taken if using them as a water access point.
Look For GIS Maps Or Other Curated Launch Site Directories
While Google Maps does a decent job of finding launch spots, it is a generalized tool and has its limitations when you are searching for something as specific as a place to get in the water with your SUP.
In many areas, more specific, curated online maps of water access points are available. Check out some examples below, then see if you can find a map online for the geographic area where where you want to SUP.
Here are some examples of detailed water access maps provided by state or regional entities that we have used on our SUP adventures:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Boat Access Map
https://dnrmaps.wi.gov/H5/?viewer=Boat_Access
Maryland Public Water Access Map:
https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=434ab9c6980c4ea2a45f55ca6dcefc8a
Connecticut State Boat Launches:
https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9699e631f86d4ca6aedc9484544f73a1
Colorado (Boatable Waters of Colorado) (Google Map)
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Managed Water Access Sites
San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Map: https://sfbaywatertrail.org/map/
Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map (not interactive): https://visitlaketahoe.com/paddleboard/lake-tahoe-water-trail-2/
We have provided the above examples of water access maps for illustrative purposes, but it is far from a comprehensive list. We suggest that you conduct your own online search for your state or region and see what you can find. Some search strings you might find helpful are "boat ramp map" or "water trail map".
If you find a great water access map for your area, please let us know so we can add it to the list!
Join An Online Paddling Group
Many localities have groups on facebook or other social media where members organize outings and have discussions about paddling. Some are SUP-specific and others are broader to include kayaking or canoeing, or even outdoor activities in general. Participating in these groups present a great opportunity to ask others for their favorite paddling spots in the area or planning outings with like minded people with a passion for paddle boarding.
If All Else Fails, Ask A Local Paddler Or Outfitter
In some places, the choices are pretty limited and you can discover all of your options by simply asking someone who paddles or an outfitter who rents paddling equipment or conducts paddling tours.
Final Thoughts
Finding places to launch your paddle board may require a little bit of research and effort, but it's worthwhile for the amazing new experiences you'll have on the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, there are plenty of resources available to help you locate launch spots you didn't know about. We hope you have great success finding new spots to paddle board using these methods.
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