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One of the greatest experiences in Lake Tahoe is to see her beauty while paddleboarding. The serenity of the experience is a mesmerizing combination of the soft sounds of the paddle shifting through the water highlighted by the shifting blues of Lake Tahoe and the scenery that surrounds her.
It may seem like a no brainer to rent a board and head on out, but despite her beauty, Lake Tahoe does have a treacherous side. The water is frigid and can set someone into hypothermia, killing them if the conditions are right. The winds can be mighty ferocious, too, and seemingly can come out of nowhere, causing potential harm to the unaware paddler. Not to mention her size. Although she may only be the 31st largest lake in the United States, combined with her cold water and depth (she ranks 16th in the U.S.), safety is not to be taken lightly.
Luckily, there are amazing paddleboard tour companies spread amongst the shores of Big Blue, giving potential paddlers an easy way to safely feel the peace and joy that comes from paddleboarding Lake Tahoe. Continue on to learn about four paddleboard tour companies that specialize in taking you on amazing adventures paddling the Jewel of the Sierras.
Photo: Tahoe Adventure Company showing off the splendor that is Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Adventure Company
Tahoe Adventure Company is a leading paddleboard and kayak tour operator. They offer three different tours including a beginner's package that teaches you everything you need to know for enjoying all that this amazing sport has to offer, especially in relation to Big Blue. They also have a tour of the north shore of Lake Tahoe as well as Sand Harbor. All tours include the paddleboard and paddle, lifejacket, dry bags, packaged snacks and cold beverages as well as hassle-free shuttle to and from your vehicle for the Sand Harbor excursion. All guides are highly trained and CPR certified, with exceptional knowledge relating to paddleboarding as well as the local natural history and lore. Minimum age is 12 years old.
Photo: Tahoe Adventure Company is certified in fun.
Tahoe Paddle & Oar
Another company that specializes in both kayaking and paddleboarding, Tahoe Paddle & Oar offers both beginner and experienced paddlers an opportunity for an outing with a guide. From high-end instruction to taking tours that guide you through gigantic boulder mazes, their outfit is about having fun. During tours, guides will leave you with interesting tidbits about the history of the lake and the geological history of the area. All equipment is included. Be sure to check out their Crystal Bay tour that will take you by magical natural hot springs while enjoying the scenery of Brockway Bay to spectacular Crystal Bay. The tour costs $125 per person, and there is a two-person minimum.
Photo: The boulder maze offered by Tahoe Paddle & Oar is a surreal experience.
Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard
As the name suggests, Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard is a double water toy outfitter that also plays the role of a masterful guide for Lake Tahoe. They specialize in many fun and innovative tours including a moonlight paddle tour, their Get Up Stand Up Paddleboard Intro Clinic and the infamous WhatSUP West Shore adventure. They also offer basic paddleboard lessons. Weather permitting, their tours run through November, with multiple location starting points around the lake. Tours range in price.
Photo: The Youth Waterman program at Tahoe Watermans Landing offers the gift of self-esteem through learning a new skill in the great outdoors.
Tahoe Watermans Landing
Not quite tours, but along the same vein, Tahoe Watermans Landing offers a phenomenal youth program, Youth Waterman. This unique and dynamic paddling program offers children a way to actively engage with the outdoor water environment while gaining friends, strength and technical skills. Kids will be taught how to do paddle sports, swim and water safety while enjoying the beach life and learning waterman skills. The inspiration for the program came from seeing how much enjoying outdoor fitness improved life in our local community. Wanting to share the amazing role nature and the waterman lifestyle plays in our health and happiness, the Youth Waterman program is all about setting up future generations with success through the fun of paddling.
After enjoying a safe, relaxing and invigorating paddle, be sure to enjoy one of the many events happening around Lake Tahoe. Learn more at either our Daytime or Nightlife pages.
About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
