If you ever find yourself having a tough week and just want an easy way to wind down and relax, paddle boarding might be the hobby for you! I fell in love with the sport a few years ago, and it has truly changed my life. Being in the middle of a lake, alone with your thoughts, where no cell signal can reach you, is very therapeutic and tranquil.  

Whether you prefer the intensity of racing or just want to sunbathe on the water, paddle boarding offers something for everyone. It is a great way to refocus your mind: not only is there proven value in being amongst nature, but if you are going out solo, you can give your brain a break and focus on not falling into the water. This sport can be as high- or low-impact as you want, so take your time and have fun. If you don’t want a full-body workout, there’s nothing wrong with sitting on the board and letting the gentle currents and light winds move you along. 

Photo Courtesy of Monique Ardans-Vidaurri 

Denver and the surrounding area host many paddle clubs and rental companies that make getting into the sport a breeze. Many clubs offer races, yoga, and even group meetups. It's a great way to make friends if you are new to an area or just looking for something new to try. If you are looking to get into a group or just starting out, Rocky Mountain Paddle Board has several locations around Denver to rent gear, give safety briefings and lessons, and connect you with other enthusiasts. One of my favorite events they host is a moonlight paddle. They provide all the lighting equipment if you have your own board, or you can choose the package that comes with a pre-set-up board provided by them. It’s like a glow party on the water, with music, food, photo booths, and more.  

Some of my favorite locations around Denver!

Cherry Creek Reservoir 

Photo Courtesy of Camden Caley

This location offers rentals as well as several put-in locations if you have your own gear. One of the best things about this location is that going on a weekday virtually guarantees a calm, tranquil atmosphere. There are several parking lots to choose from and one side of the reservoir features a sandbar where you can ground your board and sunbath without worrying about floating into the wake zone. There are also plenty of birds and wildlife there that will come to greet you, really allowing yourself to get lost in nature. The best part about this reservoir is that it is only about a 15-minute drive from Camden Caley and Camden Belleview. Camden Caley has garages available to rent with their apartments which are great for storing your gear and Camden Belleview has storage units for rent on-site which would be great for inflatable boards, so you don’t have to take up room in your closet. 

Chatfield Reservoir 

One of the biggest reservoirs in the Denver area, this location is a beginner paddle boarder’s dream. There are two rental locations located within the park, with one being located right off of a small calm lake adjacent to the main reservoir. Chatfield can get quite windy, so safety gear and a decent proficiency with paddle boarding is highly recommended. Getting your start on the calm side of the lake can help to build confidence as you learn before taking on the bigger water. Located roughly 20 minutes from Camden Highlands Ridge, the state park where the reservoir is located features grills, a concession stand, picnic areas and more for fun for the whole family.  

Photo Courtesy of Levi Vaagenes from Pexels 

The summer might be coming to an end, but it’s not too late to soak up the sun and find out if paddle boarding is right for you. Come tour one of our local Camden communities today to find your perfect apartment, just minutes away from your next adventure on the water.