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Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Victoria BC

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a newer water sport that is gaining in popularity every year. Some people predict it will take over kayaking as far as most popular water adventure activity. Stand up paddle boarding is abbreviated to SUP and uses a surf style board and a long paddle. It has also been described as a cross between canoeing and surfing.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Stand Up Paddle Boarder at Clover Point in Victoria BC

To propel the board across the water, you stand up on the board and paddle like a canoe. Participants can also sit on the board and paddle if desired. Transport Canada considers paddle boards to be a “human-powered pleasure craft” and with that comes requirements to carry on board certain safety equipment. Review the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide for details.

Best Spots to Paddle Board Near Victoria

Gorge Waterway - get a quick lesson and 2-hour paddle with this SUP experience
Thetis Lake - rent SUPs here
Langford Lake
Matheson Lake
Elk Lake
Inner Harbour
Gonzales Beach
Willows Beach
Cadboro Bay
Esquimalt Lagoon
Tod Inlet
Sidney
Brentwood Bay

Paddle boarding on the Gorge Waterway in Victoria BC

What to Wear While Paddle Boarding

Naturally, for the most part, deciding what to wear on a stand-up paddle board is dependent on the weather conditions and your own comfort level. For most people who go out on the ocean or one of the region’s many lakes on a warm summer day, shorts and a t-shirt or bathing suit is appropriate. My friends who paddle on the ocean frequently love these long sleeved paddling tops and neoprene paddling pants. They've got UV protection so you don't get burned and dry quickly. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are highly recommended. Layered clothing and a wind breaker (this one is waterproof to protect from any spray) may be required on cooler days.

Remember that a lifejacket or PFD is required. A lifejacket is your best defence against the cold water and will provide more flotation than most PFDs. Ones made specifically for paddling sports like this one will be the most comfortable. Refer to Transport Canada Getting Started with Safe Boating.

Instruction and Guided Tours

The following local businesses provide equipment rentals, lessons and guided stand up paddle board tours. You can also check here for some of the best deals on outdoor activities.

Blue Jellyfish SUP Adventures

9704 Third Street, Sidney
905-334-7360
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: Yes
Guided Tours: Yes
Sales: Yes

Fairway Gorge Paddling Club

115 – 2940 Jutland Road, Victoria
778-432-3472
Rentals: Yes – SUPs and Kayaks
Lessons: Yes
Guided Tours: No
Sales: Yes – used kayaks

Gyro Beach Board Shop

3840 Cadboro Bay Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 4G2
778-433-9200
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: Yes
Guided Tours: No
Sales: No

Getting comfortable with the board before standing up

Oak Bay Marina (in partnership with Ocean River Sports)

1327 Beach Drive, Victoria
250-598-3369
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: No
Guided Tours: Yes
Sales: No

Ocean River Sports

1630 Store St, Victoria, BC V8W 1V3
250-381-4233
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: Yes
Guided Tours: Yes
Sales: Yes

Pacifica Paddle Sports

789 Saunders Lane, Brentwood Bay
250-665-7411 OR
Canoe Cove Marina, Swartz Bay
250-665-4548
Rentals: Yes – kayak (single and tandem), canoe and stand up paddle board
Lessons: Yes, kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board
Guided Tours: Yes
Sales: Yes

Palli Paddleboards

Near the entrance to Thetis Lake on Six-Mile Road
Book online
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: No
Guided Tours: Yes
Sales: Yes

South Island SUP

273 Richmond Avenue, Victoria BC
778-679-1423
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: Yes
Guided Tours: Yes (with accredited guides)
Sales: Yes

Sports Rent

3-1950 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4N8
250-385-7368
rentals include SUPS, surf gear, bicycles and much more

SUP Victoria

355 Gorge Rd W, Victoria, BC V9A 1M9
778-977-3877
Rentals: Yes
Lessons: Yes
Guided Tours: Yes
Sales: No

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals

6971 W Coast Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0R7
250-664-7794
kayaks, paddleboards and bikes
rentals and tours

Equipment

You’re going to need a stand-up paddle board – either inflatable or hard epoxy/fiberglass - and a paddle. If you are purchasing a board, factors such as portability, storage space, durability, performance and cost will help you determine which one is best for you. Inflatable boards (package deals like this are most economical option) are more durable than a hard board and better suited to people new to the sport. Local companies have just the right equipment and guidance for your skills.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding near Victoria BC in March

Weather

Ideal weather for paddle boarding is air temperature that is warm enough to be out on the water but not too warm that you overheat. Other factors are the water temperature, tides and currents (get tide tables here), wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, lightning and fog.

Victoria experiences very little in the way of lightning and thunder but it is important to get off the water as quickly as possible if you see lightning.

As for our water temperature, the average daily temperature of the seas around Victoria BC range from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 11.5°C (52.7°F).

Before going out on the water, be sure to check the conditions and forecast at Environment Canada. Local water sports enthusiasts head to BigWaveDave for weather information, wind reports, wind predictions and area webcams.

Best Time of the Year to Paddle Board

With our temperate climate, I’ve seen paddlers out throughout the year but the best time to go is April through October, weather permitting.

What You Might See

Harbour seals lounging on rocks on the Gorge Waterway

*Marine life viewing will vary depending on whether you paddle on a lake or the ocean.

Harbour seals
Blue herons
Moon jellies
Oyster catchers
Sea lions
Whales
River otters
Bald eagles