WasSUP?: A Complete Guide To Paddle Boarding Lake Tahoe

We’re excited for you. Paddle boarding on Lake Tahoe is a true bucket list activity. Between the clarity of the water and the 360-degree mountain views, your stand up paddle experience is all but guaranteed to be a good one. Especially when you start your research here.

Just imagine it. The sun kissing your skin, your paddle cutting through calm, clear waters as you glide across Lake Tahoe, scanning for a quiet, hidden pocket of sand to beach your SUP and take a swim. It’s kinda perfect, isn’t it?

It’s no wonder paddle boarding on Lake Tahoe is a favorite with everyone. From seasoned pros to curious beginners, adventurers to tranquility seekers, it really offers something for everyone.

From paddle boarding tours to SUP rentals, beach launches to inflatable SUPs that you pack along with you, your options for getting on the lake are endless. And of course, when it comes to where to stand up paddle board in Lake Tahoe—there’s a lot to choose from too.

Intro to Paddle Boarding on Lake Tahoe

In general, paddle boarding scores major points when it comes to exploring a new place, staying active and tossing in a bit of adventure while doing it. So, paddle boarding Lake Tahoe? That’s like boss level SUP’ing.

With incredibly pure water, fifty foot visibility and panoramic mountain views, Lake Tahoe is truly a paradise for paddle boarding. Add in easy beach launches, dozens of rental options, multiple state parks and hidden coves, and it’s jackpot conditions.

Whether you’re a total beginner, or an experienced paddle boarder just looking for the best spots to roam, this is the place to be.

The Best Time To Paddle Board On Lake Tahoe

We’ll start at the very beginning. Lake Tahoe is a stunning, four seasons destination. Summer brings bright sunshine and warmth from sun up to sun down, while winter draws in turbulent weather and snow storms. In between, spring and fall offer a little bit of both—with crisp, cool mornings and warm afternoons most days.

Summer (June – August) is the obvious choice for paddle boarding in Lake Tahoe. The weather is warm, the water temperature is at its highest and the long daylight hours also mean you have more time to explore the lake. But, it’s also the busiest time around the lake, when popular beaches are filled to the max and boaters race around the lake.

The high temps also tend to be paired with gusty winds in the afternoons—so the early mornings or sunset evenings tend to have the calmest water and best conditions.

The shoulder seasons of spring (April – May) and fall (September – October) can offer a little more user friendly conditions. The crowds quiet down, paddleboard rentals are still widely available, but the weather is still warm enough to enjoy a calm day on the water.

Winter paddle boarding is for the courageous. The lake, the air, all of it is frigid, and the beaches will be covered in snow. Still, you might see the occasional experienced adventurer brave the conditions for the most epically tranquil Lake Tahoe experience. But we wouldn’t suggest it to anyone less than an expert.

Top Paddle Boarding Spots Around Lake Tahoe

We mean it when we say there really isn’t anywhere around Lake Tahoe that you wouldn’t enjoy paddle boarding. The water itself makes every spot a good one. That said, there are of course some spots that are better than others. And a few all-time locations that just shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for the ultimate paddleboarding experience.

Sand Harbor State Park

This is the one. Just outside of Incline Village on the north side of the lake, Sand Harbor State Park is easily the most insanely beautiful stretch of shoreline in all of Lake Tahoe. You’ve probably seen it before—those photos of Lake Tahoe that look a bit like Tahiti? That’s the place.

In the summer, you’ll need to make a reservation to enter the park. But once you’re in, a spacious parking lot and short walk to the beach make this a great place to launch. You can also rent a paddle board from right inside the park if you won’t be bringing your own.

Shallow waters, clear blue water, scenic boulders and cozy coves are characteristic of the area, as well as lush, pine forest views and sandy beaches.

If you launch on the beach at Sand Harbor, you can head north towards Incline Village along the East Shore Trail and you’ll find plenty of hidden coves. But, most paddlers—kayak, SUP or otherwise—are heading south towards the well-loved Bonsai Rock and the East Shore‘s multitude of hike or boat-in only beaches.

Emerald Bay

Another iconic Lake Tahoe must-see is Emerald Bay. The deep waters of this glacial carved bay appear, yes, emerald, in color and are framed by mountain peaks. So grandly protected, plus a no-wake boating zone, the waters here are typically more calm than the rest of the lake, making it the perfect spot to take out the paddle board.

Unless you’re boating in with a SUP on board, you’ll want to rent a paddle board at the base of Emerald Bay near the picturesque Vikingsholm Castle. Even though the route down to the beach is a little less than a mile, it is a steep incline—but the effort is well worth it.

Once you’ve got your rental equipment in hand, you’ll launch from the beach and be free to explore all the nooks and crannies of Emerald Bay. Not to be missed is Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island, where you can tie up your paddle board and climb inside the ruins of an old tea house. A waterfall tumbles down on one side of the bay, and ospreys fly overhead, tending to their nests. This spot is truly special.

Zephyr Cove

On the southeast end of the lake, just outside of South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find Zephyr Cove. Here, Zephyr Cove Resort sprawls out along a beautiful stretch of beach, offering everything you could possibly dream of on a mountain escape.

Cabins, camping, restaurants, boat cruises, tours. A marina stocked with every watercraft, pontoon boat and wake boat on the market. They’ve got it all—including stand up paddle board rentals. This detail, plus the nearby parking, easy beach launch and boulder studded shoreline just outside the bay make Zephyr Cove another crowd favorite.

Camp Richardson

While Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay are ridiculously, stunningly gorgeous, they are both more of a full day kind of adventure. If you’re looking for something simple, that’s great for beginners but still has a lot of character, head to South Lake Tahoe’s Camp Richardson.

Camp Richardson is South Lake Tahoe’s de-facto adventure central with campgrounds, cabins, restaurants and bike rentals, plus a marina with boats, kayaks, parasailing, boat cruises and of course, stand up paddle boards.

Yes, it has a bit of everything and it’s location on the southwest side of the lake makes it a great launching point for exploring some of South Lake Tahoe’s beautiful beaches.

Easy to launch, easy to navigate along the shoreline and with plenty to see along the way, you won’t be getting Lake Tahoe’s most unique or spectacular views with this one, but you’ll still have a great day. Camp Richardson is easily the right place for beginner paddle boarders looking for a fun, simple spot to paddle in South Lake Tahoe.

Meeks Bay and D.L. Bliss State Park

Another top Lake Tahoe paddle boarding spot sitting squarely at the intersection of easy and awesome is Meeks Bay. This soft, sandy west shore locale features a wide, sunny beach that’s exceedingly easy to launch from, and a short paddle away from D.L. Bliss State Park.

You can find rentals nearby, or bring in your own SUP. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Lake Tahoe’s west shore is known for pristine natural beauty, with two state parks—D.L. Bliss and Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point—which sit on either side of Meeks Bay. Sugar Pine Point State Park in particular sits just north of Meeks Bay and is an ideal paddling destination.

The shoreline here is quiet, rustic and endlessly beautiful. Exactly the concoction you need for a great day of SUP’ing.

Safety Tips for SUP’ing On Lake Tahoe

The number one tip we send all Lake Tahoe boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders and swimmers off with? Check the weather. Check the wind. What starts out as a clear, calm and sunny day in Lake Tahoe doesn’t always end that way. And the greatest threat to your epic day on the lake? Wind!

Wind equals waves, and waves make a day on the water difficult. As a general rule of thumb, early morning and before sunset are the best times of day for calm waters. Plan your paddle during one of these times, if you can!

Another important safety tip? The water is cold! Breathtakingly so. Wear a life vest, use the leash on your paddle board and don’t venture further from shore than you’d be comfortable swimming. Getting caught out in the lake without a plan b is trouble.

Paddle Board Rentals Around Lake Tahoe

There’s 72 miles of shoreline in Lake Tahoe, and not one inch of it is bad for paddle boarding. Naturally, that means there is an equal amount of rental options, between the marinas, beaches, pick-up and even private drop-off locations.

That said, there are a few trusted paddle board rental companies that people love. Any of these options are sure to support you with friendly staff, great service, all the best tips, safety measures and rental equipment.

South Lake Tahoe Paddle Board Rental Companies

SUP Tahoe: We’re gonna go ahead and call this the best place to rent a stand up paddleboard in South Lake Tahoe for a few reasons. 1) Rentals go with you and come with everything you need to strap the board to your car. 2) Great location on your way out of town heading towards Camp Richardson, Pope Beach, Fallen Leaf Lake, Kiva Beach, Baldwin Beach, Emerald Bay and the west shore. 3) Super affordable prices. 4) Knowledgable staff who will set you up with the right board for your experience level. Rentals are offered by the day, with inflatable or standard boards available.

South Tahoe Kayak: In the very heart of South Lake Tahoe, South Tahoe Kayak is great for anyone that wants to stay central to town. Paddle towards the Tahoe Keys, past the Upper Truckee River and past a stretch of pristine recreation area.

Action Watersports: A mainstay watersports operator in South Lake Tahoe, these guys are tried and true experts, and have three convenient locations across town. Rent your paddle board from the Lakeside Marina near the casino hotels, from Timber Cove Marina in the center of town or Round Hill Pines just past Stateline.

Kayak Tahoe: Find these guys on all of your favorite South Lake Tahoe beaches! Most importantly, they’re the ones offering stand up paddle board rentals in Emerald Bay, plus at Baldwin Beach, Pope Beach and Nevada Beach across Stateline.

Tahoe Sports: Another great option in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, rent from Tahoe Sports at their Ski Run Marina location for a fun paddle close to everything.

North Lake Tahoe Paddle Board Rental Companies

North Tahoe Paddle: Grab a lakefront, beach launch one-hour, half day or full day rental, or a home delivery, multi-day rental from North Tahoe Paddle. Pros in all things paddling, they carry great equipment and have a super friendly staff. Their Kings Beach location is central to all of north Lake Tahoe.

Clearly Tahoe Rentals: This is the one, guys. Clearly Tahoe Rentals is your premier Sand Harbor stand up paddle board rental option. In addition to paddleboards, kayaks and clear kayak rentals, these guys are absolute experts on the area. So if paddleboarding Sand Harbor is on your bucket list, they’re a great resource.

West Shore Sports: If you want to cruise around the west shore (and trust us, you do!) this is a great rental option. They have locations at Homewood, Sunnyside Marina and Sugar Pine Point. Is the west side the best side? Might be. They also offer a great guide to paddling the west shore!

Tahoe Paddle and Oar: Another awesome Kings Beach option, Tahoe Paddle and Oar offer both hourly and multi-day paddleboard and kayak rentals. They even do the heavy lifting for you, getting the board down to the water, so all you have to do is glide away. Book a multi-day SUP rental with Tahoe Paddle & Oar right here!

Tahoe City Kayak: A Tahoe City mainstay, these guys are experts in kayaks and paddleboards. Grab one at their convenient (free parking!) location and launch from Commons Beach or have them deliver to you!

Tahoe Adventure Company: We love a rental spot where you can paddle out onto the lake right from the beach, and Tahoe Adventure Company offers just that. Centrally located on the north side of the lake, this is a great option for anyone from Kings Beach to Dollar Point to Incline Village.

Tahoe Paddleboard: The one thing your Airbnb is missing? A paddleboard! Get that covered with free standup paddle board delivery and pick-up from these guys. Serves all of north Lake Tahoe.

Paddle Board Tours Around Lake Tahoe

While kayak tours around Lake Tahoe are definitely more popular, there are a few stand up paddle board tour options to check out. Yep, you’ve seen these names before. They’re on our list of rental companies also!

Tahoe Adventure Company: Operating out of north Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Adventure Company offers lots of adventures indeed. From a Beginner Stand Up Paddleboard Tour, to a Sand Harbor Paddleboard Tour to a North Shore Paddleboard Tour with a lunch break, they do it all. And they’re just fun anyways.

South Tahoe Kayak: To help beginners get a hang of things, South Tahoe Kayak offers a one hour paddleboard tour/lesson that’ll help you get your sea legs and check out some local sights as well.

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So, there you have it. A complete guide to paddleboarding Lake Tahoe. Rent a baord and take it wtih you? Book a tour through Sand Harbor? Launch off the beach and tuck into a west shore cove? You really can’t go wrong.