I love the thrill of diving into the storage closet and pulling out the new season’s gear. I tuck winter boots and parkas into the back of “Harry Potter,” our little storage cupboard beneath the stairs. My skis get a coat of storage wax and get tucked in beside the boot bin.
Out come the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) bins with drybags, safety gear, paddle clothes, repair kit, emergency gear, communication devices and more. I have three inflatable stand-up paddleboards (at the moment) that have taken over my son’s closet. The investment in gear, over the years, allows me to paddle anything from quick and easy outings, on nearby lakes, to multi-day SUP expeditions.
Looking at the SUP gear laid out across my living room, I know that I’m ready for my summer adventures of paddleboarding 50 Yukon Lakes.
The season is cooperating nicely already. It’s the earliest that I’ve seen this level of open water. Friends that are racing the Yukon River Quest this year have been canoeing sections of the Yukon River for over a month. I heard reports of kayakers and SUP paddlers stretching their muscles on strips of open water on the Bennett and Schwatka lakes. Despite an intensely overcommitted schedule this spring, I found my window to get out for my first lake paddle.
One down, 49 to go.
Scanning my calendar, I calculate how many hours of paddling could be squeezed into the coming week. Yes, paddle season has begun.
My kids would say that stand-up paddleboarding ranks up there with morning coffee (a.k.a liquid happiness) on a list of things that put a smile on my face. It was a quick transition from newbie to SUP obsessed and planning a whole summer around paddling.
Early on, SUP seemed slightly less accessible. Paddleboards were not yet available in local shops. I didn’t have friends who knew how to SUP or had one to try out.
Today, there are many ways to test the waters. Several local businesses rent SUPs by the day or week. Local tour companies offer guided SUP adventures. Search SUP + Yukon and start exploring the options.
If you’re feeling hesitant about starting, there are ways to make the journey easy and accessible. To learn, pick a warm summer day, a calmer time with little to no wind (often in the mornings) and the warmest lake (Long Lake is always a great choice). By wearing a personal flotation divide (PFD) and leashing yourself to the board, you’ve got backup if you tip. You might feel refreshed and happy to spend the day improving.
Finances don’t need to be a barrier to taking up SUP. My boards are a mix of good-quality, second-hand and huge-sale-price purchases. My favourite paddle is a treasured gift from co-workers. Every season, I set a budget and make a few strategic purchases.
This week, as I dig the boards and gear out of storage, I think about how great a summer this could be for an introduction to SUP. There are many options to help get started, and dozens of lakes to explore in our wilderness backyard.
Happy paddling, and see you on the water.
More from the 50 Lakes series
Taagish Méné (Tagish Lake)
Łʼèx Hîni Shâk Âyi (Rose Lake)
Chu Cho (‘Big Water’) — Little Salmon Lake
Dòon Chúu — Fisheye Lake
A Lake With A Big Sky Vibe
Äshèyi Mǟn
Nekhų Män/ Kùsawu.â (Kusawa Lake): The Locals’ Favourite
50 Lakes: Autumn’s magic in every valley
Great Things Can Come in Small Packages
Things Are Really “#$@!” Up!
A Slow Start
