Experience The Fun Of Moab Paddleboarding

Moab paddleboarding should be on everyone’s bucket list. Cruising down the Colorado River around Moab while stand-up paddleboarding is a one-of-a-kind experience. 

If the wind is flowing upstream, sections of the Colorado River are so tranquil that you will almost come to a standstill. The colossal red rock walls and adjacent natural beauty are breathtaking. Check with a local expert before embarking on your first float, as some sections contain intense whitewater. Here’s your ultimate guide for a fun Moab paddle-boarding experience.

Stand-up Paddleboarding at Moab Adventure Center

Admission	Fees
Adult (13+)	$115
Youth (10-12)	$94

Stand-up paddleboarding on the Colorado River is one of Moab’s most picturesque, relaxing, and rewarding excursions. It’s also definitely one of the best things to do in Moab, Utah. The journey begins at the Moab Adventure Center, where you will be fitted with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) before a 20-minute drive to a sandy shoreline along the river, where you will launch.

On the shore, your guide will provide a paddle and paddleboard before giving you brief on-land and in-water instructions. With a 10-to-12-foot-long Surftech paddle board from the Moab Adventure Center, most people can master stand-up paddle boarding within minutes.

You may glimpse a bighorn sheep, a great blue heron, or a climber ascending the rock walls along the river’s edge as you paddle past towering sandstone cliffs. Your guide will provide all necessary assistance, instruction, and geological insights. As you float down the river, you’ll have time to paddle, swim, or simply recline on your back in the sun.

You’ll be able to refuel and rehydrate at the end of your trip. Once your group has reached the river’s takeout site, pack up the paddleboards and equipment before returning to Moab.

Stand-up Paddleboarding at Paddle Moab

The Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) trips by Paddle Moab depart from the shop in the heart of Moab, Utah’s adventure town. You will be picked up and taken on a cruise to the Colorado River, where you will be surrounded by tranquility, serenity, and towering red rocks. 

Following a brief journey to the river, the staff will discuss safety. You will receive SUP instructions on land and practice on the water. Once everyone is at ease, your group will proceed down the river for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Flatwater Fun

Admission	Fees
Adult (16+)	$85
Youth (10-15)	$75

Flatwater Fun is a paddleboard excursion on the Colorado River suitable for families. This is a trip on calm water, so there is no need to concern about rapids. As you canoe down the river, towering sandstone cliffs will surround you. As you float, paddle, and swim downstream, the excursion borders Arches National Park. The guides will discuss the local area and why Moab, Utah, is such a unique location.

Splish N’ Splash

Admission	Fees
Adult (16+)	$85
Youth (10-15)	$75

The most popular trip at Paddle Moab. The Splish N’ Splash excursion suits all abilities and adds action. With a small guide-to-guest ratio, it is as if you have a personal guide instructing you on river running techniques. 

On this journey, you will encounter four sets of waves and a number of enjoyable river features.  This is a fun section that will get you soaked. Paddling is both challenging and enjoyable for novices and seasoned paddlers.

Whitewater SUP

Admission	Fees
1 person (16+)2-4 people allowed	$100

The Whitewater SUP is for experienced paddlers only.  Class II whitewater is a breathtaking excursion in the “Fisher Towers” section of the Colorado River. You will paddleboard along Onion Creek, Professor Creek, Cloudburst, Rocky Rapid, and Whites Rapid. 

Whitewater SUP is the journey for you if you want to learn the skills necessary to start with it. It combines the positive aspects of stand-up paddleboarding with whitewater!

Rental and Ride Package

For rent	Fees
2 boards and a shuttle up the river	$165
Each additional board	$45

Stand-up paddleboard rentals in Moab, Utah, are now considerably more convenient. The Rental and Ride Package by Paddle Moab is an unguided excursion suitable for those who have SUP experience and a sense of adventure. 

The company can assist you with logistics if you wish to navigate the river but need a shuttle vehicle. They can meet you at Lion’s Park, just two miles south of Arches National Park, on the Colorado River’s banks. You board the van, and they will transport you up river road for up to 12 miles. Paddles, boards, and PFDs are provided. The van will transport you up river road and leave you off, after which you can paddle down the beautiful Colorado River at your own pace. 

When you return to Lion’s Park via the river, your vehicle will be waiting. Then, you must secure the boards to your vehicle with the provided straps and return them to the store in town. Feel free to take as much time as you desire. Relax and appreciate paddling down the river!

Moab Paddleboarding Highlights

The Colorado River is an extraordinary stretch of water that winds its way through seven U.S. states. While SUP has many incredible sections along this impressive river, you might be interested in the 44-mile stretch known as the Colorado River Scenic Byway. This river segment offers a one-of-a-kind paddling experience; high, golden-orange walls line the riverbanks, and the river is only 40 meters wide in places, so you’ll feel completely immersed in the breathtaking surroundings.

From Moab, there are multiple options to paddleboard on the Colorado River aside from the tours mentioned above. You can take a shuttle bus to your selected launch point and effortlessly paddle back downriver until you reach Moab. Or, if the shuttle is not your thing, you can drive out Route 128 and park on the side of the road, then paddle upstream and float back to your launch point. 

Both options are excellent if you have an inflatable paddle board, as you can quickly inflate your board, enter the water, and carry your equipment while you explore. You can also paddle upstream from Moab and return to your vehicle while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The best time to attempt to paddle in the Colorado River Scenic Byway is in the spring or at the height of autumn, when you will experience more agreeable, manageable temperatures and be able to capture colorful photographs along the way.

Regardless of which departure option you select, this entire section of the Colorado River is ideal for paddling.

Join A Moab, Utah Paddle Boarding Excursion Today

Embarking on a Moab, Utah, paddleboarding expedition promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of natural wonder. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, tranquil waters, and abundant opportunities for adventure, Moab stands as a haven for paddleboarding enthusiasts of all skill levels. 

The rhythmic dance between paddle and water, guided by towering red rock formations, creates a harmony that lingers in memory long after the journey concludes. So, whether you’re seeking a serene escape or a thrilling escapade, don’t hesitate to set forth on your Moab paddleboarding excursion today. 

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