Vancouver’s Latest Fitness Trend

Vancouver can now add one more item to its long list of outdoor activities: stand-up paddleboarding. The good news? It’s exactly what you think it is. Once you can balance on the paddleboard (beginners start by kneeling), it’s smooth sailing.

With its roots in Hawaii, stand-up paddleboarding has gained popularity recently because it’s accessible, it offers a low-impact, full-body workout, and there’s a tranquil, meditative quality to the exercise.

We’ve compiled a list of retail and rental locations to get you started. All you need is water, a paddleboard, a paddle…and the will to get wet. Happy gliding!

Paddleboarding equipment for purchase is available at:

Mountain Equipment Co-Op various locations. Mec.ca.
North Shore Ski and Board 1625 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-987-7245. Northshoreskiandboard.com.
Vancouver Pacific Boarder 1793 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano, 604-734-7245. Pacificboarder.com.
Airtime Boardsports 3671 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano, 604-734-9463. Airtimeboardsports.com.
Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak 352 Lynn Ave., Deep Cove, 604-987-2202. Deepcoveoutdoors.com.

Lessons and rental equipment are available at:

Jericho Sailing Centre 1300 Discovery St., 604.224.4177. Jsca.bc.ca.
Deep Cover Canoe & Kayak 352 Lynn Ave., 604.929.2268. Deepcovekayak.com.
Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre various locations. Ecomarine.com.
Windsure Adventure Watersports 1300 Discovery St., 604-224-0615. Windsure.com.

Where to Paddleboard:

Vancouver: Jericho Sailing Centre, Spanish Banks, Locarno Beach
West Vancouver: Stearman Cove, Sandy Cove, West Bay Park, Fisherman’s Cove (and really anywhere there’s water!)

For stand-up paddleboarding events, races, and fitness sessions check out Paddlesurf.ca.