Is paddleboarding hard for beginners?

Paddleboarding is very beginner-friendly, especially on the calm back bays of the Jersey Shore. Most people can stand up and paddle within 10-15 minutes of their first attempt. Start on your knees to get comfortable, then stand up when ready. The wide, stable boards used for beginners make balancing easy. Rental shops provide a quick lesson before you go out.

How much does paddleboard rental cost at the Jersey Shore?

SUP (stand up paddleboard) rentals at the Jersey Shore typically cost $25-40 per hour or $60-100 for a full day. Guided SUP tours cost $50-75 per person and include equipment, instruction, and a guide. SUP yoga classes run $35-50 per session. Multi-hour and weekly rentals often include discounts.

What should I wear paddleboarding?

Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry athletic wear. Most paddlers wear board shorts and a rash guard or athletic top. Bring water shoes if concerned about shells or rocks when launching. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential, plus a hat and sunglasses with a strap. In cooler months (April-May, September-October), consider a wetsuit or at least a long-sleeve rash guard.

Where are the best places to paddleboard at the Jersey Shore?

The best SUP spots are the back bays which offer calm, protected water. Top locations include Barnegat Bay (especially Beach Haven), Cape May Harbor, Stone Harbor (near the Bird Sanctuary), Ocean City's back bay, and the Shark River in Belmar. Avoid the ocean surf unless you're an experienced paddler with a specialized surf SUP.

Do I need to wear a life jacket while paddleboarding?

New Jersey law requires that paddleboarders carry a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) on their board. You don't have to wear it, but it must be on the board and accessible. Children under 13 must wear a PFD at all times. Rental shops provide PFDs with all rentals. Non-swimmers should always wear a PFD.

What time of day is best for paddleboarding?

Early morning (before 10am) offers the calmest conditions with minimal wind. The water is typically glassy and perfect for SUP. Sunset sessions (6-8pm in summer) are popular for beautiful light and cooler temperatures. Avoid mid-afternoon when winds typically pick up. Check the forecast—winds over 10-15 mph make paddling difficult.

Paddleboarding at the Jersey Shore

Stand up paddleboarding on calm back bays, scenic marshes, and protected harbors. The perfect way to explore the shore from the water.

$25-40Hourly Rentals

6+Rental Locations

5Top Paddle Spots

Why SUP at the Jersey Shore?

The Jersey Shore's back bays offer some of the best paddleboarding on the East Coast. Unlike the ocean, these protected waters are calm, warm, and perfect for all skill levels. Paddle alongside dolphins in Cape May, explore the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, or enjoy a peaceful morning on Barnegat Bay.

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Calm Waters

Protected back bays mean no waves, no surf, and glassy conditions.

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Wildlife

Dolphins, herons, ospreys, and more. See nature up close.

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Activities

SUP yoga, touring, fishing, fitness classes, and more.

Jump to:Rentals Best Spots Activities Seasonal Guide Beginner Tips

SUP Rental Locations

Cape May SUP

Cape May

Premier paddleboarding on Cape May Harbor. Calm waters, dolphin sightings, and beautiful marsh scenery. SUP yoga classes available.

Board RentalsSUP YogaEco-ToursSunset Paddles

Hourly:$30-40

Full Day:$80-100

Lessons/Yoga:$45/class

Best for: Wildlife lovers, yoga enthusiasts, sunset photos

Dolphin sightings commonSUP yoga classesCalm harbor waters

LBI Paddleboards

Beach Haven

Barnegat Bay rentals with the best conditions on the shore. Miles of calm bay water perfect for beginners and touring.

Board RentalsLessonsMulti-day RentalsTouring

Hourly:$25-35

Full Day:$70-90

Lessons/Yoga:$60 (1 hour)

Best for: Beginners, families, touring enthusiasts

Calmest bay on the shoreGreat for beginnersMulti-day deals

Stone Harbor Watersports

Stone Harbor

Access to the famous Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary by SUP. Paddle around the 21-acre heronry for incredible birding.

Board RentalsSanctuary ToursLessons

Hourly:$35-45

Full Day:$90-110

Lessons/Yoga:$70/person

Best for: Birders, nature photographers, eco-tourists

Bird Sanctuary accessHerons and egretsQuiet paddling

Ocean City SUP

Ocean City

Family-friendly bay rentals on the back bay of America's Greatest Family Resort. Easy launches, calm water, patient instructors.

Board RentalsKids BoardsFamily LessonsTandem Boards

Hourly:$25-35

Full Day:$65-85

Lessons/Yoga:$50/person

Best for: Families with kids, beginners, casual paddlers

Kid-sized boards availablePatient instructorsCalm bay water

Belmar SUP

Belmar

Shark River inlet paddling for experienced paddlers. Also offers calm bay areas for beginners.

Board RentalsInlet ToursFitness SUP

Hourly:$30-40

Full Day:$75-95

Lessons/Yoga:$65/person

Best for: Experienced paddlers, fitness focused, inlet exploration

Shark River accessChallenge yourselfFitness classes

Wildwood SUP

Wildwood

Back bay paddling near the famous Wildwood boardwalk. Easy access and affordable rates.

Board RentalsLessonsGroup Rentals

Hourly:$25-35

Full Day:$60-80

Lessons/Yoga:$45/person

Best for: Budget-conscious, boardwalk visitors, beginners

Seals (winter), striped bass, ospreys

Best time: Slack tide, calm days

Types of Paddleboarding

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Recreational Paddling

Casual paddling for fun, exercise, and exploration. The most popular form of SUP. Perfect for beginners and families.

Duration: 1-2 hours typical

Fitness Level: Light to moderate

Best Board: All-around board (10-11ft)

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SUP Yoga

Yoga poses on a paddleboard. The unstable surface engages core muscles and adds challenge. Usually done on calm water or anchored.

Duration: 60-75 minutes

Fitness Level: Moderate

Best Board: Wide, stable yoga board

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SUP Touring

Long-distance paddling, exploring miles of coastline and bays. Requires more endurance and a touring board.

Duration: 2-4+ hours

Fitness Level: Moderate to high

Best Board: Touring board (12-14ft)

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SUP Fitness

High-intensity workout on a paddleboard. Intervals, exercises, and paddle sprints. Full-body workout.

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Fitness Level: High

Best Board: Fitness/all-around board

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SUP Surfing

Riding waves on a paddleboard. Requires specialized surf SUP and experience. Only for advanced paddlers.

Duration: Varies

Fitness Level: High

Best Board: Surf SUP (8-10ft)

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SUP Fishing

Fishing from a paddleboard. Quieter approach to fishing spots. Requires stability and fishing-specific setup.

Duration: 2-4+ hours

Fitness Level: Light

Best Board: Fishing SUP with rod holders

Seasonal Paddleboarding Guide

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Spring (April-May)

Water: 50-65°F

Variable weather, warming water, calmer than summer

Pros

+ Fewer crowds
+ Calmer conditions
+ Horseshoe crab migration (May)
+ Spring bird migration

Cons

- Water still cold
- Need wetsuit
- Some rentals may be closed early April

Gear: Wetsuit or dry suit recommended, water shoes

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Summer (June-August)

Water: 65-75°F

Warmest water, afternoon winds common, most rentals open

Pros

+ Warm water
+ All rentals open
+ Best for beginners
+ Long daylight hours

Cons

- Crowded on weekends
- Afternoon winds
- Peak prices

Gear: Swimsuit/rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, hat

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Fall (September-October)

Water: 60-70°F

Still warm, fewer crowds, beautiful foliage

Pros

+ Less crowded
+ Still warm water
+ Fall migration
+ Beautiful light

Cons

- Shorter days
- Weather more variable
- Some rentals close late October

Gear: Rash guard or wetsuit by late September

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Winter (November-March)

Water: 38-55°F

Cold water, limited rentals, for experienced only

Pros

+ Solitude
+ Seal sightings (winter)
+ No crowds

Cons

- Very cold
- Most rentals closed
- Dangerous without proper gear

Gear: Full wetsuit or dry suit required, booties, gloves

Beginner Tips

Start on Your Knees

Get comfortable kneeling first. Practice paddling in this position before standing up. It's totally fine to paddle while kneeling.

Look at the Horizon

Keep your eyes on the horizon, not your feet. Looking down causes wobbling. Focus on a point in the distance.

Paddle on Calm Days

Check the wind forecast. Winds under 10 mph are ideal for beginners. Early morning is usually calmest.

Stay Low in the Center

Keep your feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, centered on the board. Bend your knees slightly for stability.

Use Your Core

Power comes from your core, not your arms. Twist at the torso when paddling for more power and less fatigue.

Fall Safely

When you fall (and you will), fall to the side into the water—not onto the board. The water is safer than the hard board.

First Time? Here's What to Expect

1. Arrive early: Give yourself 15-20 minutes for rental paperwork and instruction.
2. Quick lesson: Staff will show you how to stand, paddle, and turn. It takes about 5-10 minutes.
3. Start kneeling: Get comfortable on the board while kneeling before standing.
4. Stand when ready: When you feel stable, stand up one foot at a time.
5. Enjoy! Paddle around, take photos, look for wildlife. Don't worry about falling—it's part of learning!

What to Bring

Essentials

✓ Reef-safe sunscreen
✓ Water bottle
✓ Swimsuit/athletic wear
✓ Hat with strap
✓ Sunglasses with strap

Nice to Have

○ Waterproof phone case
○ GoPro or waterproof camera
○ Dry bag for valuables
○ Rash guard
○ Water shoes

Provided by Rentals

• Paddleboard
• Paddle
• Life jacket (PFD)
• Leash
• Quick instruction

Paddleboarding FAQs

More Water Adventures

Explore kayaking, surfing, and other water sports at the shore.

Kayaking Tours Surfing Lessons Jet Ski Rentals