Paddleboarding in Sacramento: How to get started in this fast-growing outdoor activity

There’s something about the connection with the water. Standing on a paddleboard, you feel its movement underneath you and have to react accordingly, balancing yourself to avoid falling off, and paddling to get where you want to go. There’s a similar feeling to surfing, only instead of crashing waves propelling you forward, the pushes and pulls of your paddle get you moving.

“Absolutely do it,” Russell Moran, a stand-up paddleboarding instructor at the Sacramento State Aquatics Center at Lake Natoma, said when asked what he would say to people thinking of trying the growing recreational hobby for the first time.

Stand-up paddleboarding, also called SUP, has seen a spike in popularity in recent years since the pandemic, allowing people an opportunity to get outside and enjoy time on the water after being forced to spend so much time in their homes. Whether it be on a quiet lake — where Moran would suggest most beginners learn — down a river or even the ocean, stand up paddleboarding offers a unique experience each time out.

According to research from website Reportsanddata.com, the U.S. market for the sport in 2021 was estimated at $1.44 billion with an annual growth rate at more than 9%, which means its popularity could come close to doubling by 2031 if it continues on its trajectory.

“Leading economies in North America and Europe invest millions of dollars in these organizations to organize these leisure activities and the complimentary training sessions provided by sports pros. ... This industry is drawing newcomers, such as customers, suppliers, and distributors, due to these qualities,” the site wrote.

The appeals of SUP are straightforward. It provides a good core workout while allowing people to get outside and enjoy the scenery offered by bodies of water. It can also be challenging, depending on the conditions, and test skill.

Some advanced paddlers are taking on rapids down rivers, including the South Fork of the nearby American River. Others are practicing yoga on their boards, maximizing their core strength while staying in posture despite being less stable on the water.

For the more casual paddlers, it can also offer an opportunity to bring their dogs along to ride with them, but make sure they wear a PFD (pooch flotation device) or doggy life jacket.

Pick the right paddleboard

Lessons, like the ones taught by Moran at the Sac State Aquatic center, can be a good place to start. Another is figuring out the types of places you want to go paddling, which dictates what type of board you should buy. There are more aggressive boards for advanced skill levels and more stable boards for those breaking into the sport.

“There are tons of different boards you can get,” Moran said. “There’s a tour board, with a tipped bow (allowing for more speed and less stability). There’s an all-around board that has a much more rounded bow. It’s used for anything you really want on the lakes.”

Another key to the rise of the sport’s popularity is the inflatable paddleboard, which is far easier to store and transport than traditional boards made of fiberglass. After all, most paddleboards are 10 to 11 feet in length and would require trucks or roof racks to transport, while inflatable boards can be packed into travel bags and inflated on site.

“They’re so versatile and so compact,” Moran said. “Nowadays, they’ve got these pumps that you can plug into your inflatable at the correct PSI and shut it off. You plug it into your car. It makes it very user friendly.”

Most inflatable boards are all-around boards which are designed more for calmer bodies of water. But a company called NRS, which also makes rafts and kayaks designed for white water adventuring, also makes inflatable paddleboards designed for more aggressive use. They also have models designed for fishing. Their range runs from $495 for a youth model and $725 for their premium versions.

Like any other industry, the best way to buy a board would be to talk with an expert and do research to figure out the exact type of board you would need. Some boards designed for calm waters wouldn’t handle the ocean well, and some tour boards designed for speed might not be best for beginners looking for something stable in calmer conditions.

The same is true for paddles. There are different types and sizes for different conditions. NRS suggests a paddle eight inches longer than your height for whitewater paddling, and 10 inches longer than your height for touring, racing or yoga. Some paddles are adjustable in height.

Life jackets are always a good idea, and are often mandatory. A dry bag that can protect phones, wallets and keys could also come in handy.

Where to go

Moran said one of his favorite places for paddling is Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe. Beauty and scenery aside, he mentioned how calm the water was because it’s somewhat protected from the rest of the lake and its traffic. Considering your experience and skill level is important — and beginners should consider avoiding places with boat traffic because of wakes and choppy waters.

“Choosing a place that best suits your ability, obviously, if you’re just getting into the sport, go to five-mile-an-hour lakes or five-mile-an-hour reservoirs,” he said. “Loon Lake (a reservoir in El Dorado County) would be a wonderful place. Do your research. I would recommend five-mile-an-hour lakes or paddle-only lakes.”

Lake Natoma, where Moran teaches, is considered an ideal place for beginners, though it can be crowded in the warmer months. More advanced paddlers might consider the Sacramento River or American River off the parkway, but they should be prepared to deal with currents. Slab Creek Reservoir, Folsom Lake, Lake Berryessa and Jenkinson Lake are also good options.

Tips for beginners

Moran noted some paddlers are better off sitting on their knees as they get comfortable on the board and the feeling of being on the water. Standing up, after all, challenges core muscles and balance. It takes getting used to.

Going from sitting on your knees to standing up also takes practice. He offered some tips.

“When you’re just starting out, first you have to start out on your knees,” Moran said. “On every single paddleboard, there’s a handle in the middle of your board. You want to use that handle as your midpoint. Your knees are going to straddle that if you’re kneeling on the board. And then when you stand up, you want your feet to replace where your knees were. ... That’s the sweet spot.

“When you’re ready to stand up, you want to shift your weight forward to your knees and on to your hands. You’re almost getting into a push up position, but you’re on your knees. Then you want to bring one foot at a time and replace where your knees were. And once you have both feet straddling that midpoint, you want your feet pointed straight forward and back.

“And when you’re ready, you’re going to shift your weight to your heels. When you shift your weight to your heels, you start to stand up. And when you stand up — this is the kicker right here, everyone falls when they do this for the first time — look forward, find a focal point on the lake or on shore, and stand up and don’t even worry about paddling. Stand up with your back straight and keep your weight on your heels.”

Begin paddling and off you go, enjoying one of the most popular and quickly-growing outdoor sports in the country.