SUP, which stands for standup paddle boarding, is the hip and new way to get a great aerobic exercise and enjoy nature at the same time, plus it’s fun. Standup paddle boarding really took off around 2005 even though the sport has been around for years. The great thing about standup paddle boarding is that it can be used as a physical activity or as a leisurely way to cruise the lake at your own pace. There are many places to rent paddle boards in the Pocono Mountains and these places also offer lessons and fitness classes.
Mauka Nalu offers everything you will need to enjoy standup paddle boarding. They are located at the Shawnee Inn and serve the Delaware River area. There are introduction classes for $30.00 an hour where they will teach you to get on and off the board, switch sides and get onto your feet. Mauka Nalu also offers 90-minute fitness classes and 2 and 4-hour tours. Signing up is easy and can be booked online. Also serving the Delaware River is Shawnee River Trips. Shawnee River Trips is now renting stand up paddle boards to serve the Pocono Mountains region. For more information about rentals, click on their website.
Wallenpaupack Boat Tours and Rentals offer their own standup paddle board rentals by the hour and even full day. Serving Lake Wallenpaupack, paddle boards can be rented at this location for $20.00 for 1-hour, $35.00 for 2-hours, $50.00 for a half day and $70.00 for a full day rental. Also on Lake Wallenpaupack is Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina. For rental information, call 870-857-0779.
Explore Lake Harmony by way of paddle board at Pocono Paddle Board and Fitness. All equipment and instruction are provided. Tours, lessons and fitness classes are offered. The Lake Harmony Paddle Tour is a 2.5-hour tour by a certified instructor that cruises around the lake. There is even a 4-hour tour where participants will hike to the Beltzville Waterfall after 45-minutes on the board. For reservations, call 610-742-4403.
For paddle boarding yoga classes on Lake Wallenpaupack, check out Roots Yoga. All equipment is provided or participants are welcome to bring their own boards. Classes begin with an introduction to paddling and will then move into yoga positions. Classes began over Memorial weekend and will continue on Friday and Sunday mornings. A single session with paddle board rental is $40.00 per person. To register for a class, call 570-780-9371.
For a comfortable and relaxing place to stay in the Pocono Mountains there’s no question about it, it’s the Settlers Inn in Hawley, PA. This historic Arts and Crafts lodge sits on 6-acres of land and offers 23 beautiful guest suites for your night’s stay. The property offers an award-winning restaurant, a gift shop in the gardens and plenty of open space to wander or kick back with a cold drink. If you’re visiting the area for the first time, be sure to request a Delaware Highlands Vacation Guide for information on what to do on your trip. The guide is free and shows up in your inbox in minutes. Check it out.
Photo courtesy of Jorn Eriksson