Where to SUP in Virginia

Virginia paddle boarding, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is a fantastic experience. The state's waterways, including the scenic Chesapeake Bay, the tranquil James River, and the picturesque Smith Mountain Lake, offer paddleboarders a variety of environments to explore. Virginia's blend of coastal, river, and lake settings provides something for everyone, from serene paddles through historical sites to more adventurous outings in the state's beautiful natural parks. Paddleboarding in Virginia is an opportunity to experience the state's charm and natural beauty from a unique perspective.

Now let's discover where to paddle board in Virginia!

Kelpie SUP

New River

City

Radford

Type

River

Best Time

June-September

Fee

Free

City

Radford

Type

River

When To Go

June-September

Fees

Free
The New River, flowing through Radford, Virginia, offers a picturesque paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic river views. As one of the oldest rivers in North America, it provides a mix of gentle currents and challenging sections for paddleboarders of all skill levels. The river's lush surroundings and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal location for exploring nature and enjoying the tranquility of the water. Paddleboarders can expect a memorable experience on the historic and beautiful New River.

Lake Anna

City

Spotsylvania

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

$7 per vehicle

City

Spotsylvania

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

$7 per vehicle
Lake Anna, located near Spotsylvania, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning forest views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Anna's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Back Bay

City

Virginia Beach

Type

Bay

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Virginia Beach

Type

Bay

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
Back Bay, located near Virginia Beach, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning coastal views. The bay provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Back Bay's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Shenandoah River

City

Front Royal

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Front Royal

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The Shenandoah River, flowing through Front Royal, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Shenandoah River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.

Claytor Lake

City

Pulaski

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

$7 per vehicle

City

Pulaski

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

$7 per vehicle
Claytor Lake, located near Pulaski, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Claytor Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Rappahannock River

City

Fredericksburg

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Fredericksburg

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The Rappahannock River, flowing through Fredericksburg, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning river views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Rappahannock River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.

Smith Mountain Lake

City

Moneta

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

$7 per vehicle

City

Moneta

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

$7 per vehicle
Smith Mountain Lake, located near Moneta, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Smith Mountain Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Potomac River

City

Alexandria

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Alexandria

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The Potomac River, flowing through Alexandria, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning river views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Potomac River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.

James River

City

Richmond

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Richmond

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The James River, flowing through Richmond, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning river views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The James River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.

Chesapeake Bay

City

Virginia Beach

Type

Bay

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Virginia Beach

Type

Bay

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
Chesapeake Bay, located near Virginia Beach, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning coastal views. The bay provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Chesapeake Bay's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.