Rocky Mountain Paddleboard

We came on a day when it was windy and the water was choppy. I started to have my reservations about such a time. The guy who helped us was laid back and super helpful. Of course we didn’t listen to him and paddled down wind first. Oops! So much fun! I learned a lot about the muscles I didn’t think I had and it was a very satisfying workout! Don’t forget sun block and wear your bathing suit there as there is no place to change. Looking forward to coming back soon!

If you are interested in Rocky Mountain Paddleboard and have never done this activity before I suggest taking a lesson. The instructor does about 30 minutes on land, and then does simple drills in water to improve your stroke and balance. After one lesson, I felt confident that next time I come out to this location I could rent a paddle board and have enough knowledge to maneuver without instruction.
The water and scenic views are a great experience, and paddle boarding allows you the time to enjoy those aspects.

It was so good that it made my list of «Best Ev@r Moments OMG!!!11!» For real. Taylor was such a good teacher, and I really feel like I got a great deal. The equipment was awesome… it was all so awesome. 10/​10, will do again.

I’m still swooning and all starry-​eyed from my first date with Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Fellow Unilocaler, Carly B., saw a groupon deal for a lesson and a bunch of us decided to grab the deal and try it out.
My first date with SUPing definitely started out on the wrong foot. I was a bit grumpy upon arriving at the Union Reservoir in Longmont, because we had to park far away (about 2 miles?) due to a triathalon and had to hoof it in the flips. When we arrived, the park’s bathrooms were all locked (again, d/​t the triathalon) and we had to use the port-​o-​potties (euuuuwwww!). GRUMP GRUMP GRUMP. I was really ready to call it off. But fine. I’m with a group and we all paid $$ for this adventure.
After signing a waiver, Shawn (owner?) gathered us up and gave us a short intro to the ins-​and-​outs of SUP, which lasted about 30 min. He went over how to use the paddle, how to turn, how to get on and stand up, etc. He asked us what our current favorite activity was… and that we should be prepared for SUPing to be our new favorite. I thought he was kinda full of it, but damn. HE WAS RIGHT.
Then the best part of the date: We finally got out on the water. Because I’m an adult and free to make stupid decisions for myself, I decided to put my personal floatation device on the front of my board instead of on me (heaven forbid I have ugly tan lines). Shawn then took us through a few exercises to help us practice paddling straight, how to turn, getting up to standing, getting back on the board after falling off, etc. Then we got 30 – 45 minutes to play on our own. I loved every single minute we spent on the water (maybe not the 1 minute I spent in the water after I tried a «trick»). I can see myself out on the water every weekend that is feasible and blissing out. Next time, I want to bring a small dry/​wet bag full of beverages/​snacks, maybe some extra sun screen, and a book. Paddling out to the middle of the reservoir, laying down, and soaking in the sun was… heavenly.
I just wish RMP had a location closer to Denver. I highly recommend this outfitter for anyone interested in learning how to SUP!