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Stand-up paddleboarding, often referred to as SUP, is really catching on in Oklahoma. There are a quite a few places that rent paddleboards if you want to try the sport out before purchasing one yourself. All it takes is an understanding of the basics and a little bit of balance! Here are five great locations where you will find rentals and a place to put your board in the water for a day of fun.
You can rent paddleboards with Riversport Adventures at Lake Hefner, and there are a lot of different places to put your equipment into the water. You’ll need to have your city boating permit to put your paddleboard in the water, and there’s no swimming. Sail boats are allowed on the lake, but you won’t have to worry about water skiers. Experience the beautiful Lake Hefner from an entirely new perspective.
Broken Bow Lake has to be one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma. There are many watersports which take place in the lake, because the water is crystal clear and the weather is delightful throughout the year. PaddleSUP rents kayaks and paddleboards, if you need one, and there are plenty of places to camp and put your board in the water. The swim beach off Coyote Drive has easy access to the water.
Oolagah Lake is just a few miles northeast of Tulsa, and it has over 29,000 surface acres of water. It’s a great place for SUP, and SUP Oklahoma is probably the closest rental location. They also offer lessons and classes. There are 11 parks and many designated swimming beaches along the 209 miles of shoreline. You’ll find lots of camping locations to spend the weekend at the lake, enjoying all Mother Nature has to offer.
Grand Lake is a premier spot for all types of watersports, and paddleboarding is taking off. Grand Lake SUP offers rentals and classes near Afton, Oklahoma, but the location they leave from often changes. Mornings and evenings are excellent times to enjoy the water on a paddleboard, not just because it’s generally a little cooler, but the view of the sunrise and sunset are just stunning when you’re on the lake. There are many places to put your equipment into the water, not just on the Afton and Grove side of the lake, but also in Ketchum and Langley.
With more than 100,000 surface acres of water, Lake Eufaula is a paddleboarder’s dream. There are 800 miles of shoreline to paddle with many boat ramps around the lake for easy access. Either of the state parks, Arrowhead or Lake Eufaula State Park is a great place to find easy access to the water. The Grave Creek access site near Checotah is a great channel for paddlers, but it can be a little spooky when you’re on your own. The area is well-shaded and low enough that the big boats don’t use the water except possibly to access the lake.
