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From Bear Lake to Lake Powell, there are a lot of bodies of water in Utah, which logically makes local water recreation prolific. This is a good thing. But, for habitual landlubbers, this abundance of options also makes choosing a water sport feel like choosing from a 20-page menu at a dim sum restaurant.
For the indecisive newbies, here is a chef's recommendation: paddleboarding in Utah Valley. Paddleboarding has gained immense popularity in recent times as it is affordable, inclusive and flat-out fun. Utah Valley is home to numerous places fantastic for paddleboarding.
What's SUP?
SUP stands for stand-up paddleboarding. It's a common acronym for the activity that will be used in the rest of the article.
SUPing, at its simplest, is pretty self-explanatory: you stand up on a floating board and move around using a paddle or pole. There are records as old as 3,000 B.C. of people all over the world practicing some form of the sport, according to SUP World Mag. The records don't specifically indicate whether or not they had a rad time, but that's self-explanatory, too.
The modern version of SUP came from Waikiki in the 1940s, when a local sought an alternative to surfing as he no longer could get up and down on his board, says the magazine. Today, SUPing is much more than a variation of surfing, with sub-disciplines that include: racing, touring, yoga, and fishing.
Why you'll love paddleboarding
Perhaps you're already an avid adventurer taking full advantage of the playground that is our state. Why add yet another hobby? Great question. Here are three (of the many) reasons you should take up SUPing.
First, it's an inclusive activity. The costs to start are minimal, as board rentals start at about $20/day. Also, the learning curve is not that steep, meaning the whole family can enjoy it. And location will never be a problem as you can SUP just about anywhere there's water.
Second, it's good for your health. The paddling provides physical benefits, like the fact that you use so many core muscles in your body to stabilize you, says kingsofadventure.com. The calming water and picturesque backdrops are instant boosts to your soul, as evidenced in this 2014 study.
Last but not least, it is a blast. Think surfing, but family-friendly, more accessible and with better views.
Where should I go?
As previously mentioned, SUPing can be practiced in many, many places around the state. Some of the best spots are in Utah Valley, where there is variety in scenery, water-body type, and skill level required.
Here are seven favorable options, but there are many others through Utah Valley.
Highland Glen Park | Highland
The lake at Highland Glen Park is the perfect way to get your feet wet in the world of SUPing. It's a great (and safe) place to spend a Saturday practicing your paddling. Bring a picnic and take some time to enjoy the other park amenities while you're at it.
Manila Creek Pond | Pleasant Grove
Located on the very east side of Pleasant Grove, the Manila Creek Pond is a great place to keep it PG in PG. Like the lake at Highland Glen, it offers fantastic mountain views and a safe practicing spot for beginners/families. Plus there's a fun little beach where kids can play and TikTok-obsessed teenagers can relax.
Tibble Fork | American Fork Canyon
Up American Fork Canyon are many treasures — in fact, the road itself is a treasure. Seven miles up is Tibble Fork, a reservoir with beautiful blue water and breathtaking views. It's also considered beginner-friendly as it is small and usually not too windy. No motorized watercraft are allowed either. The only downside is the reservoir can get crowded, so early mornings and weekdays are your friends.
Bonus: 15 minutes up the canyon is Silver Lake Flat, which is larger and more secluded than Tibble Fork. You need to travel past a dirt road to get there so AWD/4WD is recommended.
Payson Lakes/Maple Lake | Nebo Loop above Payson
These smaller water bodies are perfect for paddleboarding and they also offer impressive mountain scenery. Camping is available if you want to spend a whole weekend enjoying cool mountain sunsets and sunrises as you float on a tranquil lake. The Maple Lake turnoff is first and Payson Lakes is just a little farther up the canyon.
Utah Lake | Everywhere
Utah Lake is huge and has many access points. Mountain views are replaced with vibrant, expansive sunsets and virtually any water activity can be done there if you feel the need for variety. Water and power hookups also make Utah Lake a great destination to spend the entire weekend — or longer.
Lower Provo River | Near Sundance Resort, Sundance
Floating down the Lower Provo can be a thrill for more experienced paddlers due to the small rapids and whitewater. Inflatable boards are recommended, and life vests and leashes are non-negotiable. Start by the boat launch near Deer Creek Dam and exit at Vivian Park.
Wayne Bartholomew Family Park | Springville
A three-acre pond with a large beach area, Wayne Bartholomew Family Park offers amenities like changing rooms, concessions and pavilions. Parking permits are required from May1-Sept. 30 and must be purchased by phone or internet. Signs are posted with the phone number and website.
Explore all of your Utah Valley options
These are just a handful of places you can SUP in Utah Valley. To learn more about the expansive list of options, visit Explore Utah Valley's website.
