Paddle board rental and sales options in KC!

So maybe you've seen those paddle boards at local sporting goods stores or maybe even one of our favorite outdoor lifestyle providers like REI. Those stores are fantastic and REI is by far the tops when it comes to product knowledge. But there's still one aspect that they don't offer.

There's now a local choice for paddle boards that lets you try the boards before you buy them. This is to make sure you get the best board suited to your needs and also provides basic instruction for those just starting out on their paddle board adventures. The service starts before you ever buy a board.

Contact Jon at Standup Midwest for prices and selection. His inventory is always rotating so send him a message and get fit to the board just right for you! He has boards for every purpose including touring and fishing!!!

Standup Midwest will also rent boards and set up a group demo day for your organization. Send a message through their Facebook page to get started and set up your day of fun and fitness. If standing while gliding across the water isn't your kind of fun, there's also kayaks and canoes to rent through KC Kayak and Canoe.

With all these options it's time to take on a new adventure exploring the river like Tom Sawyer or launching into a summer of fitness and fun that you promised yourself back in January. Be healthy Kansas City, Be Social and have fun doing it!

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!

Community, culture and competition

For some reason paddling water sports for recreation and especially competition are not very well known in the Kansas City area. We want to change all that and bring those activities and that lifestyle into the mainstream. I realize there are a few obstacles that make water sports a less desirable activity than walking though the park or even riding a bike. But there's also so many more benefits! For example; if you get too hot walking, running or riding your bike your only option is to drink cold water or dump it on your head. If you get too warm when paddling in your kayak, canoe or paddle board you simply get in the water! Instant relief!!!

There's a culture and community out there that many people don't know about. I know I had no idea that so many events, groups and races existed in Kansas City. All these activities and groups are growing and looking for people just like you. You don't even need to own your own craft. you can simply sign up for a day on the water with Tom at KC Kayak and Canoe or take your own craft to Shawnee Mission Lake every Wednesday for a fun race with good people!

If you're really looking for serious paddling races there's a good number in Missouri and the surrounding area. And don't forget about the MO 340. Who would have thought that Kansas City would be the launching point for a 340 mile race down the Missouri river.

There's so many options yet to be discovered, so get out there and explore your local rivers and bodies of water!

Learn to SUP!

So the cold weather is coming in and those hot summer days seem so far away. Past experience has told me they will once again return but until then lets talk SUP! If a paddle board is on your Christmas list this year you'll soon need to know what to do with it, where to go and who to go with. SUPKC can help with all those questions. We can even help you choose the right board for you.

Next spring we plan on scheduling an instructor training session with Shane from SUP St Louis. He's a certified PSUPA SUP instructor and has completed the MR340 and numerous water races by paddle board. I'd like to get a group of people to take a class or spend a weekend getting our instructors certification. We'll have to wait for water temps to be pleasant but early spring is the goal. If you're interested please email me or follow my blog for updates. Once we have a rough number of participants we'll know the price. Shane rents boards so I'm sure he'll have plenty on hand to use for training but I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you brought your own. Travel arrangements and accommodations will depend on the number of participants.

 If you're not interested in taking the trip to St Louis but would like to learn more about SUP there's already a few instructors in the area and there will be a few more after our session with Shane next spring!

 Merry SUP'ing Christmas and Happy New Year!