What we’re about
Some of our members are brand new to paddle boarding, while others have significant experience. We get together once a month, April through October for day paddles on local rivers and lakes. And we host, at least one, paddle in camping trip per year.
If you do not own your own SUP, there are a few companies in Asheville who rent SUPs by the day. These include, Wai Mauna and French Broad Outfitters. It can be helpful to rent a few different types of boards before deciding which type of board you would like to purchase.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- SUP on Lake Fontana and Enjoy Beautiful Wildlife Along the Water1942 Old Nc 288, Bryson City, NC
For this excursion, we will paddle a quiet section of Lake Fontana. I love this area of the lake because there are few boats and I always see many different kinds of wildlife. There are bathrooms at the boat launch. The drive is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Asheville. Feel free to use the comments to arrange carpooling. I am hoping the GPS is linked correctly in this post, however, you might prefer to use this address in your GPS, just to be safe. 1942-2450 Old Nc 288, Bryson City, NC 28713.
It is a good idea to bring a PFD (life vest), water and food. If you need to rent a board, Wai Mauna and French Broad Outfitters have daily rentals. We will meet at the put in at 12:00 and shove off by 12:30. We will paddle for about and hour or so into the lake and then turn around and come back to the boat ramp.
There are some nice restaurants and breweries in Bryson City. We might choose to have a meal together after paddling.
Release of Liability:
The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms - SUP Paddle In Camping at Lake James Intermediate Level (or paddle and not camp)2229 Lake James State Park Rd, Nebo, NC
For this excursion, we will meet at Patty's Creek Access at Lake James State Park. 2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo, NC 28761 This park is about an hour drive east on route 40 from Asheville. Paddle In camping means the only way to access the campsite is by boat or SUP. You will need to bring all of your gear on your SUP. You might consider putting your bedding and clothing in dry bags so it does not get wet.
This is an intermediate level paddle because there are several boats at Lake James that create wakes. If you have never SUPed before, these wakes can be hard to navigate. You have the option to sit down on your board during the waves.
Technically check in time is 4:00 PM. We will paddle from 2:00 to 4:00 before loading our camping gear. Then come back to the parking lot to get our gear at 4:00. This will also allow people choosing not to camp to join us only for a paddle. We will meet in the parking lot Patty's Creek Lake James State Park at 1:30 PM and shove off for a paddle at 2:00 PM. When we check in at the office, they will ask you to put a parking pass in your car.
If you are camping, make your reservation at Long Arm Boat in Camping Area 2 at this Reserve America Link. Campsites are already booking up so please reserve ASAP. There is a bathroom at this campground. The online registration will ask for your boat type. You can select "canoe/kayak". The cost is $12 per night plus a $6 fee. I have reserved campsite L15 Long Arm Boat in Camping Area 2 for both Friday and Saturday nights because I may go a day early. Please post your campsite number in the comments.
We can set up camp at 5:00 PM and prepare dinner. You are invited to eat together as a group. You may want to go on a paddle after dinner, totally up to you. In the morning, you are free to do whatever you prefer. And then we can meet up for a community paddle around 11:00 AM.
If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to message me directly.
Release of Liability:
The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms
