In the heat of summer, head to the water with a stand up paddle board to get some exercise while finding peace and relaxation on the snow-melt-fed waterways that surround Leavenworth, WA. With Icicle Creek, the Wenatchee River, and Lake Wenatchee all in such close proximity to town, there’s a river environment suitable for everyone.

From the calm slow moving section of Icicle Creek between the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and the confluence with the Wenatchee River across from the Leavenworth Golf Course, to standing surf waves a little further down the Wenatchee River at Happy Wave and Rodeo Hole, stand up paddle boarding around Leavenworth delivers the full spectrum of paddle boarding fun.

A stand up paddle board, or SUP for short, is an oversized surfboard made of foam, fiberglass, or an inflatable rubber material, similar to a whitewater raft. Then, you use a long single-bladed paddle to navigate and propel yourself through the water. There are many makes and models of SUPs including ones made for navigating fast-moving river currents, piercing through lake and ocean swells, surfing whitewater, and even those designed specifically with enhancements for fishing and long distance adventures.

Paddle boarding around Leavenworth is one of the most popular ways to cool off on a hot summer day. With over 300 days of sunshine per year and summertime temperatures averaging in the mid-80’s, the rivers and lakes are the perfect places to be whether it’s an early morning paddle, an afternoon float, or an evening surf session. Observe osprey and eagles perched in the tree tops along the river banks, and flying high above as they search for their next fish meal. Spot deer, otter, mink, and muskrats hanging out along the river’s edge. You might even see one of our resident black bears with their cubs!

If you’ve never been paddle boarding before, there are multiple outfitters in Leavenworth who rent SUPs and all the required gear, as well as provide guided paddle boarding trips for those interested in getting some pointers and an initial lesson.

Besides a leisurely float downriver, an exhaustive paddle upriver, and intense whitewater surfing, SUP yoga is also gaining popularity. Choosing a calm eddy or deeper swimming hole, SUP yoga practitioners strike their poses while adding the challenge of balancing on a wobbly surface on the water. SUP yoga provides an extra challenge and is best enjoyed with friends. Plus, if you fall, it’s a soft and refreshing landing in the water.

Stand up paddle boarding is becoming a way of life in Leavenworth. Try it once, and you’ll understand why. See you on the water!