The southern half of Boise is considered the high desert, yet we love our water sports dearly. Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP has become increasingly popular with board availability becoming cheaper and the upkeep of rivers, ponds, and lakes being prioritized. No matter where you live in the Treasure Valley, it’s easy to find a place to SUP that’s less than an hour’s drive.
From Hawaii to Idaho, the History of the Paddleboard
The paddleboard is traced back in Native Indigenous Hawaiian history as a method to easily travel from island to island. With colonization and tourism of the islands in the 20th century, the paddleboard was introduced to modern American water sports.
Originally created from buoyant materials on the islands of Hawaii, now you can find solid, inflatable, or modular paddleboards for sale in the Treasure Valley.
Where to Paddleboard in the Treasure Valley
With the various locations of fresh, pooled water, it’s easy to find free locations to paddleboard in the Treasure Valley. Barring that there are no E. Coli or harmful Algae blooms where you want to recreate, these waters are the perfect place to cool off in the hot summer months. So pack a picnic, don’t forget your sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Here’s our ultimate list of places to paddleboard in the Treasure Valley.
Boise
- Quinn’s Pond
- Esther Simplot Pond
- Boise Cascade Lake (formerly Veterans Memorial Pond)
- Silver Lake
- Boise River
- Discovery Park Unit above the Boise River Dam
Nampa
Emmett
Snake River Area
- Bruneau Sand Dunes
- CJ Strike Reservoir / Bruneau Arm
- Swan Falls
- Celebration Park
- Blue Heart Springs
Lucky Peak Area
- Lucky Peak Reservoir
- Mores Creek
- Arrowrock Reservoir
- North Fork of the Boise River, where it feeds the Reservoir
Where to Buy or Rent a Paddleboard In The Treasure Valley
Need to rent or buy a paddleboard or lifejacket? Here are the best places in Boise and Treasure Valley to buy a SUP. These businesses throughout the valley are great local or reputable businesses to purchase or rent your paddleboard from. Be sure to snag a life vest for riders under 14 years of age.
- Play It Again Sports
- Eco Lounge
- Alpenglow Mountain Sport
- Idaho River Sports
- Hydrus Board Tech
- Corridor Surf Shop & Necessary Goods
- PaddleBoard Idaho
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- REI
- Costco
If you’re looking to make the outing into a proper adventure, check out our list of the 5 campgrounds within driving distance from Boise. Many of these spots are right next to a lake, meaning you can take the paddleboarding experience into the Idaho wilderness.
5 Camping Locations Around Boise