Best Lakes For Paddleboarding This Labor Day

The best Labor Day activities are those spent outdoors, so it should come as no surprise to learn that one of our favourites is a SUP adventure. Whether you have a taste for alpine waters surrounded by mountains or prefer vast desert reservoirs, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best lakes for paddleboarding on your very own Labor Day SUP adventure.

Lake Tahoe

The scenery doesn’t get much better than Lake Tahoe, which is why it’s topping our list of best lakes for paddleboarding this Labor Day. As the largest alpine lake straddling the California/Nevada line, Lake Tahoe brings together famous blue waters and an abundance of shoreline, beaches, forested land, and the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. As a result of being such a large body of water with many access points, you'll have plenty of options to start your SUP trip depending on what type of paddleboarding experience you'd prefer. Whether you'd like to take a leisurely paddle for a few hours in one of the many bays and coves or attempt a multi-day expedition on sections of the 72-mile Lake Tahoe Water Trail, you're sure to find something for you on one of the country’s best lakes for paddleboarding.

Lake George

If you're celebrating Labor Day with a bit of paddleboarding in the Northeast, Lake George is a popular spot, and one of the best lakes for paddleboarding you could ask for. Located in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lake George measures approximately 32 miles long and is surrounded by dense woods.

Paddleboarding is very popular at Lake George, with multiple public launches and various SUP rental shops located nearby. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore all of the hidden bays and coves, or just find a remote section of the shoreline and enjoy a relaxing paddle.

Lake Powell

If you want something entirely different for your Labor Day paddleboarding excursion, why not try Lake Powell? Lake Powell is situated within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and this massive reservoir is famous for its red rock canyon walls, secluded coves and endless side canyons. If you’re looking for a location that allows for plenty of exploration in tighter waters, Lake Powell is the place to go.

A paddleboard allows you to access these areas via narrow channels of the lake that would be difficult, if not impossible, to reach using other types of boats. However, don't forget about the heat! This is a desert environment, and proper sun protection along with plenty of water is absolutely necessary.

Lake Jocassee

If your idea of a Labor Day getaway is to escape into nature, then Lake Jocassee should definitely be on your list. Situated in the lower Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake is surrounded by woodland and lends itself perfectly to a more leisurely paddleboard experience, as well as plenty of other outdoor Labor Day activities.

One of the main reasons that paddleboarders love Lake Jocassee is due to the waterfalls and small, cove-filled shoreline that abound. Bring enough snacks and drinks in a roll-top dry bag, and you can easily spend a full day exploring!

Lake Michigan

One of North America's Great Lakes can provide a whole new world of paddleboarding experiences. There is a multitude of unique paddleboarding locations around Lake Michigan. You can expect to find yourself paddling next to sandy beaches, gigantic sand dunes, quaint coastal villages or perhaps the cityscape of downtown Chicago.

Given its immense size, Lake Michigan should be treated as much like an ocean as an inland lake. Wind direction, waves and surface currents can shift quickly; therefore, it is imperative that you check water and weather conditions before setting out.

Lake Chelan

Stretching through the heart of Washington State's mountains, Lake Chelan presents an awe-inspiring backdrop for a Labor Day paddleboarding adventure. Because of its elongated shape, there are boundless areas to discover, whether you are interested in a short, casual paddle near town or an extended adventure farther away from shore. That makes it a strong contender for one of the best lakes for paddleboarding in the whole country.

Flathead Lake

If wide-open water and breathtaking mountain vistas appeal to you as a good way to pass your Labor Day weekend, Flathead Lake is more than deserving of its place as one of the best lakes for paddleboarding for you to check out. It provides extensive space for long tours, and numerous bays and shoreline areas lend themselves well to shorter recreational sessions. For more experienced paddlers, Wild Horse Island is an impressive destination; however, longer crossing attempts should only be undertaken during favorable conditions and when appropriate for your experience level.

Don’t forget to check out the vast collection of top-quality paddleboarding gear that we carry at Red Equipment. Our range of high-performance and technologically innovative equipment will ensure that you’re never let down by your gear when you’re out on the water this Labor Day. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our expert team for assistance.