Words and Photos: SUP International Magazine

Guide to Lake Tahoe SUP.

Boards by Starboard.

Early Summer 2024 https://www.sup-internationalmag.com/

Over recent years stand up paddling boarding has become increasingly
popular in the Lake Tahoe Basin. And for good reason. It appeals to a
wide demographic since it can take the form of anything from a simple
way to enjoy a summer afternoon, while hanging out on the beach, to
a long distance downwind paddle. Also, there is the crystal clear water
and mountain views that everyone can appreciate.

Lake Tahoe straddles the California/Nevada border and sits at
6,225ft elevation. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and the
second deepest in the United States. If you are flying into the area the
closest major airport is in Reno, Nevada. Highly packable inflatables,
like the Starboard Zen Roll, can be an option for air travel if you are
flying and want to bring your own board, but there are also plenty of
board rental shops once you get here. It is easy to take a shuttle from
the airport to the lake, but if you want to truly explore the area you’ll
want to rent a car or have some local connections to drive you around.

Early riser

My strategy is usually to get out on the water when others are not. In
the summer that can be very early in the morning or very late in the
day. I also prioritise weekdays over weekends. When temperatures
rise during the summer the Lake Tahoe region experiences a significant
uptick in tourism. Certain well-known beaches can get crowded and
parking can be an issue. If you want calm, glassy water in the summer,
early mornings are your best bet.

For those seeking a bit more excitement on the water, stronger winds
can be timed for a downwind paddle. The prevailing winds in the Lake
Tahoe Basin are from the southwest, so with a simple shuttle it can be
a fun journey to travel west to east along the beaches and let the waves
carry you forward. However, for obvious reasons, this only makes sense
for experienced paddlers and wearing a leash and lifejacket, as well as
the appropriate gear for the water temperature, is essential. SUP surfers
also enjoy the occasional wind driven swell that tends to hit the
northeast corner of the lake during storms. However, this usually occurs
during winter storms and thick wetsuits are a requirement.

Other activities

Lake Tahoe is also known for skiing and mountain biking. Depending
on the season, multi-sport days are a very real thing that many locals
enjoy. After a good winter the snow will stick around in the higher elevations
late into the spring and some resorts have been known to stay
open during weekends into the summer. The trail system in the Lake
Tahoe Basin is always impressive and constantly improving, offering an
array of options for mountain bikers and hikers. Starting the day with a
bike ride or a ski and ending it on the water for sunset is hard to beat.

Off season

My other strategy is to continue paddling during the “off season.”
When cooler temperatures arrive in the autumn, you’ll find significantly
fewer people on the beaches and on the water. Last October I began
working with Starboard SUP and had an opportunity to try out two of
their new inflatables. These boards were ideal to bring to beaches that
were not accessible by car since they come in a very compact backpack
kit. My girlfriend and I also took these boards to other lakes in the Sierra,
whilst camping since they fit easily in our vehicle and keep the roof
box accessible. Most importantly, everyone who paddled one of these
boards was thoroughly impressed with their performance.

Not pictured here is the ultimate option for solitude on the water;
paddling during the coldest months, from November to April. In the
winter I’ve had many days on the water where I’ve looked around and
not seen another soul on the water. When paddling in the off season, it
is essential to stay up to date with the forecast before going out, and to
always wear a wetsuit and life jacket when venturing away from the shore
because the water is extremely cold, and things can go wrong quickly if
you aren’t 100% prepared, even during periods of high pressure.

Picture perfect

As a photographer, I also view paddle boards as a tool that allows me to
access dramatic beaches that do not have trails or roads leading to them
and shoot landscapes when the conditions align. Before venturing out,
I always place my camera in waterproof housing and secure it to the
bungee straps on the board. If I am shooting a sunset or beach scene,
I remove the waterproof housing while standing on dry land and use
a tripod, but it always stays on when I am on the water. These paddle
board accessed images have been taken for various clients and some
find their way into my Lake Tahoe wall art gallery (https://store.davidnbraun.
com/lake-tahoe-landscape-photography)

Overall, Lake Tahoe is an incredible place for a variety of SUP adventures.
Even for long term locals, any day on the board can feel like a
unique experience, depending on the conditions and exactly where you decide to explore.