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With its breathtaking natural spaces, it’s no surprise that Texas makes for a beautiful paddleboarding destination. Whether you’re looking to explore a paddling trail, an immaculate lake, or maybe even an island, the Lone Star State can off you truly beautiful sights. Now, grab your lifejacket and get ready to explore these five awesome spots atop a paddleboard!
Texas paddlers, consider starting at the Upper Guadalupe River along Nichol’s Landing Paddling Trail for a three to six-hour ride through differing terrain. The rapids change throughout different sections of the trip, providing for an always interesting adventure.
Lady Bird Lake offers a flat-water oasis in downtown Austin, Texas. The water level remains constant throughout its 11 miles, as no motored boats are allowed on the water. Rowing Dock, also in Austin, provides stand-up paddleboard rentals and regular events, such as College Day, Yappy Hour, Full Moon Paddles, and more.
Grapevine Lake, near Dallas/Fort Worth but located in the northern part of Grapevine, Texas, has three access sites, along Meadowmere Park, Lakeview South Park, and Oak Grove Park. Depending on water level, wind speed, and your route, paddlers can expect to spend anywhere from one to six hours on the water. Paddlers often stop to fish for Florida largemouth bass. Rent your paddle equipment from the Grapevine Parks and Recreation department directly, or Recreational Equipment, Inc.
Lake Travis, near Austin, Texas, has 18,930 acres of surface area flowing in from the Colorado River. Tons of events are always happening in restaurants and businesses along the lake, including Margarita Monday, Buy One Get One Free Burgers, and the like. Rent your equipment from Lakeway Marina for only $15 per hour.
Home to Joe Cerdas, one of Texas’s top paddleboarders, Galveston Island is a perfect location to get your paddling feet wet. You can paddle almost anywhere around the island, since the surf is never too high. Keep in mind, Galveston is often buffeted by wind, so make sure you have your balance. Rent your equipment from SUP Gulf Coast on 29th and Seawall Boulevard, or choose mobile delivery. Each rental comes with a thorough introductory lesson to get you up and going. According to the Galveston website, SUP Gulf Coast’s “paddle boards are designed to be used in flat water and in surf. It works well with Galveston’s ever changing beach conditions.”
