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Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – A Unique Way to Play on Water In the Smokies

Stand-Up paddleboarding (SUP), similar to canoeing, involves an oversized surf-style board and a long handled paddle, which you use to propel and steer through the water. Different boards types, shapes and sizes are used depending on the body of water you SUP.

Here in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina we paddle board the Tuckasegee River in downtown Bryson City (bring your own), and the placid water of Fontana Lake. A favorite spot – the finger lake area – is easy to access and there are no boats around to send wakes your way.

Check out these listings for local paddelboard rentals and tour companies.

More fun activities on the water near Bryson City.

What to wear?

  • Carolina Bound Adventures Paddle Boarding

    Address: 87 Depot Street
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713

    Contact Name: Mark Van Osdal
    Email: mark@carolinaboundadventures.com

    Call: 828-569-6699
    Website

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    Are you booking guided paddle boarding and kayaking tours and other adventures while you're here on vacation? Or just looking to rent a paddle board or kayak? Then save your time and sanity by doing it all on one website!  Our adventure planning and reservation concierge service consolidates your vacation research and planning in one place. Visit our website, choose your desired adventures and we’ll make the reservations plus set up your itinerary – it’s that easy! We are on the lake from March 1 to Thanksgiving, but we’ll go out any time of the year, so give us a call.

  • Bryson City Outdoors

    Address: 169 Main Street
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713

    Contact Name: Brett Hackshaw or Ben King
    Email: info@BrysonCityOutdoors.com

    Call: 828-342-6444
    Website

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    Rent a paddleboard at Almond Boat Park to enjoy on nearby on Fontana Lake! Our paddleboards are very beginner friendly and our knowledgeable staff can help anyone stand up on a paddleboard. Guided tours also available. Great fun for the whole family, reserve online or call today to book your trip!

  • The Sunny Day Adventure Co. LLC

    Address: 237 Prince Boat Dock Rd.
    Almond
    NC
    28702

    Contact Name: Jason S. Swafford
    Email: sunnydayadventures@hotmail.com

    Call: 828-772-5890
    Website

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    Other Address:

    Mailing: 151 ½ Sardis Road, Asheville, NC 28806

    With services based on Fontana Lake and accessing all areas of the lake with its 32' pontoon boat, The Sunny Day Adventure Company guides standup paddle board and hiking tours to some of the most dynamic scenery Western North Carolina has to offer.

    • Main photo courtesy Carolina Bound Adventures Paddle Boarding

    What to wear

    All rentals include board, paddle and approved life jacket. It’s advisable to be barefoot and to wear a bathing suit or shorts and tee shirt. Watches and loose jewelry should be left behind. And eyeglasses should be secured with a head strap. You should also bring towels and a change of dry clothes.

    IN OUR BLOG

    Bryson City. A River Runs Through It.

    If you have a paddleboard, don’t overlook the Tuckasegee’s wide, smooth downtown section.

    Bryson City - Swain County
    Chamber of Commerce
    P.O. Box 509
    Bryson City, NC 28713

    Email

    Karen Proctor
    Executive Director

    828-488-3681

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