Best Places to Paddleboard in the United States – New Hampshire 2021
1: Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, with a surface area of 71 square miles, or 45,000 acres. While Lake Winnipesaukee is located at the base of the White Mountains, the water stays quite warm as its surface elevation is just 500’ above sea level. Due to the lake’s large size, you can have a ton of fun going on touring adventures, checking out the over 250 natural islands that are all explorable by foot.
Alternatively, you can participate in the various races, sailing, fishing, and other SUPing competitions put on by locals and visiting university students, including those from Yale and Harvard. Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the most famous lakes in the country and one of the most beautiful SUPing locations in New Hampshire.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 199
Distance to Major Cities: 1 Hour to Concord, 1 Hour to Dover
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
2: Hampton Beach State Park
Hampton Beach State Park is a versatile paddleboarding destination that will satisfy all types of paddlers visiting the New Hampshire coast. If you’re new and wanting to stay close to shore or paddle tranquil waves, paddle inland on the Hampton River for a calmer SUPing experience.
If you want to get surfing or sailing in, head away from the coast to ride some waves or go with the coastal wind. Touring paddlers can explore various small islands and rocks that dot the shore or cut up the creeks and rocks towards Hampton itself to paddle among the commercial district. It can get chilly during the winter, but summer paddling is particularly enjoyable at Hampton Beach State Park.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 200
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Hampton
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
3: Umbagog Lake
One of the warmest lakes in New Hampshire, Umbagog Lake, is attractive to paddlers for several reasons. By checking in with local companies, you can get dragged out across the 7,850-acre lake and start a 3 to 4-day touring journey, following along the shoreline and camping overnight to make it back to where you started.
If you want something that isn’t as intensive, relax and try to catch some fish. Umbagog Lake is packed full of Bass, Pout, and Pike, just a few of the ordinary catches all stocked from the state and local fisheries. Bobcats and Bears are a few of the larger animals that will roam the shores, while Bald Eagles and Osprey will make an appearance if you keep your eye on the skies. So, whether you want a calm lake to practice yoga on or want to go on a survivalist touring challenge, we highly recommend paying a visit to Umbagog Lake.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 202
Distance to Major Cities: 2 Hours to Lancaster
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
4: Squam Lake
Squam Lake is seated in the center of New Hampshire and is a very popular paddleboarding destination for a few different reasons. The famous On Golden Pond was filmed at this lake, notable for being the final movie Henry Fond starred in and the many awards the film won. For non-movie buffs, there are plenty of reasons to visit the lake as well, such as the thirty islands that dot the lake.
Besides being fun to explore, these islands are popular nesting points for Bald Eagles, Loons, and Great Blue Herons, especially during summer months. Lastly, Trout, Salmon, and Whitefish, along with several other fish species, are popular catches for fishing enthusiasts. Beautiful and fun, Squam Lake is another top paddleboarding destination to visit while you’re in New Hampshire.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 199
Distance to Major Cities: 1 Hour to Concord, 1 Hour and 30 Minutes to Dover
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
5: Spofford Lake
Spofford Lake is a small but easy to access lake in southwestern New Hampshire, and it continues to be regarded as the cleanest lake in the state. The crystal blue waters are considered one of the best fishing spots in New Hampshire, with large Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass a few of the most popular catches for anglers. Rock Bass were introduced to the lake in the late nineties and have since reproduced to the point of being overstocked, so help out the state by catching a few and taking them home with you!
With 732 acres of water to explore, Spofford Lake is the go-to paddleboarding destination for anglers and a fun, tranquil lake to paddle on for non-fishers too. With local paddleboard rental companies nearby, you don’t even need to bring your SUP.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 199
Distance to Major Cities: 1 Hour to Concord
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
Conclusion: Plan Your Paddle Board Trip and Have Fun!
Thank you for visiting our top paddleboarding destinations for the state of New Hampshire! We have been able to paddleboard on a few of these locations, but some of the above suggestions were included based upon other paddlers’ feedback. If you’ve had the chance to paddleboard in New Hampshire, let us know what you think of our list by leaving a comment below or sending us an email with your thoughts.
We are hard at work developing paddleboarding destinations for other states as well, including New Jersey, so revisit us for our up to date thoughts. While you’re here, take a look at our latest paddleboard reviews, instructional tips and guides, and in-depth SUP video breakdowns here at SUPBoardGuide.com.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the water as you explore the lakes and beaches of New Hampshire!
SupBoardGuide
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