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Virginia is home to beaches, swamps, rivers and lakes, islands and hidden city waterways. The Commonwealth has a wealth of locations perfect for paddleboarding, no matter where you are in the Old Dominion. Below, you’ll find five locations that’ll make you stand up on the water and paddle on for joy.
Paddle by First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach and see where the first European settlers came to what would become the United States. Stop by Tula Adventure Sports to rent a paddleboard and launch. Tula will also deliver your equipment for a small fee. If you’re not yet comfortable on the water, you can book a private paddleboard lesson with their trained professionals before going out on the water on your own.
The Northwest River Park and Campground in Chesapeake, Virginia, is located on 763 acres and offers year-round boating, fishing, hiking, and more. Launch at Indian River Creek, Baum Road, Smith Creek, or Indian Creek. East Coast Paddleboards near the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake border hosts tours, rents equipment, and sells boats.
Paddling the James River in Richmond, Virginia, is a welcome retreat for many from the rigors of city life in the state’s capitol. Consider stopping by Riverside Outfitters to book a guided flatwater paddleboarding tour, a SUP yoga tour, or a camp. They also offer equipment rentals or the option to buy outright. Paddle the James with friends or join up for one of their events. Email to make a reservation.
You could launch your paddleboarding adventure almost anywhere along the winding Potomac River, but why not start in Loudoun County? Paddle Nova is here to help you get on your way. Sign up for a paddleboard or kayak downstream tour or a kid’s camp. Learn everything you need to know to enjoy paddleboarding on your own. Paddle Nova also offers board rentals.
The New River Water Trail consists of 37 miles of freshwater and is home to bass, trout, walleye, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, carp, flathead, and channel catfish. The surrounding community encourages fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, swimming and paddleboarding. Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke, Virginia, specializes in watersports on the New River. Tangent Outfitters offers half day, full day, and overnight guided trips, shuttle service, lessons, and rentals. In other words, everything you need for a fantastic paddleboarding trip.
