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While stand-up paddleboarding has been steadily gaining popularity over the last decade, Oregonians have known all along that it’s an incredible sport. Oregon boasts many of the oldest and most well-regarded spots to learn how to paddleboard. Check out five great places to get started SUPing today.
The Deschutes River has calm waters that are perfect for stand-up paddle-boarding. Stand Up Paddle Bend in Bend, Oregon, rents paddleboards for use on the Deschutes River. Paddle the Old Mill Stretch of the river while leaving the board transporting to them, or pick up your rental yourself. Not sure you’re ready to go out on your own? Sign up for one of their introductory classes. All gear is included for a 90-minute group lesson on the Deschutes.
The Willamette River runs 187 miles through Oregon. Gorge Performance in Portland, Oregon, specializes in board sports of all kinds, including surfing, skateboarding, and paddleboarding. For those interested in purchasing a new board, Gorge Performance offers no sales tax and free shipping on most items. They sell paddleboards perfect for flat water, whitewater, performance racing, downwind runs, and surfing. Sign up for SUP lessons June through September. Each lesson starts on dry land, where you’ll learn about your equipment, before getting out on the water.
The White Salmon River covers 44 miles in Oregon and is a popular whitewater rafting spot. If you’re looking to get on the water and need equipment, consider Oregon River Rentals, based in Happy Valley, Oregon. They don’t have a store front to browse—they’re focused on renting equipment and getting you out on the water. They’re able to provide rental equipment throughout Oregon’s many popular paddleboarding sites, with packages starting as low as $30. A few of their suggested destinations include the Lower White Salmon river, North Umpqua River, Waldo Lake, Lost Lake, and Trillium Lake, among many more. You won’t find lessons here, but you’ll find all of the equipment you could ever need, and a cornucopia of good information on their website.
If you’re in Eugene, Oregon, most suggest starting on the McKenzie River for the best experience. Oregon Paddle Sports in Eugene, Oregon, rents rafts, inflatable kayaks, canoes, recreational/touring kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. While they don’t offer classes themselves, their website is a fantastic resource to learn more about community events, laws governing boating in Oregon, clinics, and tips.
The city of Hood River is aptly named for the nearby Hood River. The location couldn’t be more perfect for SUPers. Consider Big Winds in the area for equipment. Since opening in 1987, Big Winds has taught thousands of windsurfing, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons. They offer team sign-ups, gear reviews, stand-up paddleboarding school, junior camps, and private lessons. Check their website for exact locations, updated inventory, safety tips, and more information about one of the largest SUP retailers in the United States.
