Paddling activites in KC?

It's time to test the waters and see what type of response we get by asking...is there a place for recreational and competitive paddling sports in Kansas City?

Currently there is an outlet for paddling sports and activities in the KC area. You can rent a canoe or kayak and leisurely float down the Missouri or Kansas river. You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards at a few lakes in the area. There's even a fun race every Wednesday at Shawnee Mission Lake. Bring your own craft and compete against yourself and others in your category every week. Outdoor activity on the water is fantastic and has many physical, social and emotional benefits!

There are land based recreational activities that have fundraising or competitive opportunities. If you're a casual cyclist, you can sign up for several different benefit rides like Tour De BBQ. If you're a little more serious rider there are numerous road races, triathelons and duathelons. If you happen to be a casual runner there are numerous running events throughout the year for worthy causes and chances to beat your fastest time from years past.

We understand that paddle sports take a little bit more participation effort. First you need to purchase a water craft and then you need to find a place to store it when not in use. Oh and then when you want to use it, you've got to get it to the water somehow.

Beyond these differences, what is so difficult about paddle sports in Kansas City? Why aren't there more opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy nature away from the static ground we are all accustomed to? The opportunities are out there and we hope to make them less of a mystery. Not all of us live on the lake and it's much easier to participate in an activity that can happen from the end of your own driveway.

I know it takes more time, thought, planning and effort to use that kayak you bought years ago. Maybe you've always wanted to get a paddle board but just didn't see the benefit. Paddle boarding is a very social and family friendly activity. We'll give you every excuse you need to get out there on the water this summer! If you have questions please email us through the website!

Launching the website

New site launched and more content coming! Check out the new site and offer feedback, send a few pics and ask questions at Paddle Board KC!!! I couldn't wait to get this thing out there. We'll be providing educational content and taking the mystery out of paddle boarding. You'll be able to find everything you need to be involved in the KC paddle board community.

Cheers, get out and paddle!

SUP Hydro Foil, super cool or super fad?

It's the newest thing out there! Read all about the SUP Hydrofoil on SUP The Mag site. If you're just starting out I'm sure the whole sport of paddle boarding is "the newest thing" out there. That's where we can hep get you started.

There's more and more links and info on the web everyday about paddle boarding. If you're looking for one of the best boards on the market check out Star Boards. They are innovative, strong and have a flawless design. If your looking for your first board but don't want the plastic things they sell at the local sporting goods stores there are still many options. Great boards for good prices are out there. Check out the options from SUP ATX. If you're interested in 4 or more boards please email me for discounted pricing; paddleboardkc@gmail.com

The primary purpose for SUP KC is to get you out there discovering the many bodies of water we have here in the area. Paddle boarding is a beneficial, social and easily obtainable recreational activity for the majority of the population. You don't have to be a fitness minded person and it's a great activity for families with kids!

How do you SUP?

There's a lot of versatility and ways to incorporate paddle boarding into your fitness regime or summertime lake activities. We all know it's a great core workout and it's a unique vantage point on the water. But what else is there? How many ways can we utilize this simple floating surface? The fastest growing aspect is yoga and fishing on the board followed by fitness and group classes.

The only SUP related race here in Missouri is the MR340 but maybe we're all not up to that challenge. The idea of easily accessible events and fun competitions for those who don't yet own their own board has been born. Kansas City offers numerous cycling and running events and races of all shapes and sizes. There's very few human powered water sport events and races to speak of. Yet, we have an extensive number of lakes, rivers and able bodies individuals.

So why don't we have SUP events or races? That's the question I ask of you. What is stopping us from forming our own race series or charity events? It'll take all winter to make enough contacts to get this idea going and maybe a few years to actually have a local race series. We might as well get the ball rolling!

If you're reading this and you've ever been on a SUP please give me your ideas and the type of events you'd like to see here in KC! There's even paddle board camps for kids is various parts of the country. The ocean's the limit! Lets get paddling!!!